Waiheke High School – Waiheke Island New Zealand
Waiheke High School was founded in 1986 and offers a diverse curriculum in a supportive and nature-oriented learning environment. The school places great emphasis on practical learning and individual development. Modern facilities are available for students in the areas of art, sports, technology, and science. With around 400 students, the high school is located on the beautiful Waiheke Island—just about a 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland.
Location
Waiheke Island is situated in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland and is known for its stunning beaches, vineyards, and mild climate. The island offers a unique combination of relaxed natural surroundings and proximity to a major city. Waiheke is especially popular for outdoor activities and water sports—ideal for students who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Sea Sports Academy
A special highlight of Waiheke High School is the Sea Sports Academy. Thanks to its direct location by the ocean, the school offers unique opportunities in water sports. Students can gain practical experience in areas such as sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, and marine studies. The academy combines physical activities with theoretical knowledge of marine ecology, navigation, and water safety. This creates an exciting and hands-on learning environment that is particularly appealing to sports-oriented students.
The course is available to international students in Years 11, 12, and 13 and involves additional costs.
Subjects
Years 7 and 8:
Students are taught mainly in a ‘homeroom’ situation where consistent teachers deliver the learning areas of English, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, Health, and Social Studies. Students also study the following subjects with a specialist teacher:
• Performing Arts (Music, Drama and Dance)
• Creative Industries (Visual Art, Food Design, Product Design and Digital Technology)
• Te Ao Māo
| Year Level | Core Subjects | Optional / Additional Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Years 7–8 | English, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, Health, Social Studies | Performing Arts (Music, Drama, Dance), Creative Industries (Visual Art, Food Design, Product Design, Digital Technology), Te Ao Māori |
| Year 9 | English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Health | Performing Arts, Creative Industries, Te Ao Māori + 4 elective subjects (based on interests) |
| Year 10 | English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education | Creative Industries (Food Design, Product Design, Digital Technology, Spatial Design), Performing Arts, Te Ao Māori |
| Year 11 | English, Mathematics, Science (compulsory) | Choose 3 additional subjects: Visual Arts, Digital Technology, Product Design, Food Design, Drama, Music, Health, Outdoor Education, Sea Sports Academy, Commerce, Social Studies, etc. |
| Year 12 | Typically 5 subjects (English & Mathematics recommended) | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Business Studies, Media Studies, Outdoor Education, Sea Sports Academy, Arts subjects, Technology subjects |
| Year 13 | 5 subjects required | Advanced options: Calculus, Statistics, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Classical Studies, Geography, History, Business Studies, Arts, Technology |
Additional Notes
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| ESOL | Available for students who need English language support |
| Languages | Te Ao Māori, Te Reo Māori, Te Ao Haka offered across multiple year levels |
| Science Structure | Taught by specialist teachers in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics |
| Pathways | Gateway and vocational pathways available in senior years |
| Sea Sports Academy | Available in senior years as a specialist subject |
Sports Offered
Basketball, Netball, Girls Football, Waka Ama, Sailing, eSports, Futsal, Karate, Badminton.
Clubs
Film Club, School of Rock, Zine Club, Book & Baking Club, Kapa Haka, Chess & Backgammon Club, Homework Club
