Palmerston North Boys' High School
Founded in 1902, Palmerston North Boys’ High School is a traditional boys’ school whose vision is to Develop Educated Men of Outstanding Character. Since 1902, we have grown to become a multi-cultural school of more than 1,700 young men. Our vision emphasises two key aspects of what we do at PNBHS – an emphasis on academic achievement and on providing character education.
The young men at PNBHS are encouraged to achieve in the classroom and to combine this with sporting and cultural activities. This balance will enable them to be challenged and extended in a range of areas, helping prepare them for life beyond our gates.
Our school is an environment where our young men are able to grow and learn from their mistakes, where they are held accountable and where they are encouraged to do their best. Young men, by their very nature, are competitive and we seek to encourage that in everything they do. We are very proud of the committed staff here at PNBHS: more than 100 classroom teachers, all of whom are involved in the school’s co-curricular programme. The relationships built in cultural and sporting activities translate to positive relationships in the classroom, and we know that young men thrive in an educational setting where relationships are positive.
“Our vision emphasises two key aspects of what we do at PNBHS – an emphasis on academic achievement and on providing character education.”
Our involvement in the Super Eight Schools organisation provides further opportunities to compete at the highest level, both on the sports field and on the stage.
The Old Boys’ community is an important part of the school. Our young men build on the success of those who have been through PNBHS. We are proud of the links we have with our Old Boys the world over who enjoy following the achievements of the young men currently at their school.
Today’s young men also build on our school’s tradition and reputation. Those young men who choose to come to PNBHS and who embrace the ethos, get involved and do their best, will achieve success and will add to the success of the school. And, importantly, they will leave as good men, men of outstanding character.
Palmerston North Boys’ High School seeks to provide young men with an intellectual and moral education which will enable them to make a valuable contribution to society. The School aims to develop all students in terms of providing the widest opportunities in academic, sporting and cultural activities in an environment which fosters the awareness of growth in personal and social relationships. The School will achieve this by:
- Offering young men a comprehensive range of educational, vocational and recreational experiences.
- Emphasising the successful development of the skills of communication, literacy and numeracy.
- Preparing young men for examinations and NCEA assessments and future career opportunities.
- Presenting young men with firm and reasonable guidelines to responsible behaviour.
- Actively encouraging and developing the qualities of reliability, honesty, concern for others and leadership.
- Offering young men a wide range of sporting and cultural opportunities (recreational and competitive) and encouraging them to assume life-long responsibility for their own fitness and health.
Values
Young men who join the Palmerston North Boys’ High community are expected to live by the school values in and out of the classroom. These are:
- Integrity: Trust; Honesty; Self-discipline; Fairness; Leadership; Honourable; Reliable; Truthful; Responsible; Accountable.
- Humility: Actions not words; ‘by our actions we are known’; Compassionate; Modest; Understanding.
- Courage: Stand up and be counted; Physical courage; brave when challenged; moral courage; know when to say ‘no’; always do the right thing in the face of adversity; dare to be different; audacious; bold; spirited; resilience.
- Respect: Of self; For others; Manners; Tolerance; Citizenship; Leadership; Friendship; Collegiality; Diversity; Equity; Respect for family, school, community, country and environment.
- Pride: Confidence; Tradition; Friendship; Leadership; School spirit; Teamwork; Optimism; Equality; Collegiality; Loyalty; Passion; Stability; Pride in family, school, community and country.
- Industry: Excel; Initiative; Commitment; Work ethic; Striving to reach potential; Knowledge: Active, Innovative, Enquiring; Growth; Persistence; Assertiveness; Challenge; Leadership; Independence; Enterprising; Participation; Influence.
Each young man will be encouraged to live the values of the school in his school life until such time as he leaves Palmerston North Boys’ High School.
We offer international students a comprehensive and encompassing education. Our students are consistently top performers, academically, culturally and on the sporting field.
We provide a safe, friendly environment to learn English and other curriculum areas, all delivered by passionate teachers. Our students have clear guidelines in regards to their behaviour, grooming and academic performance which provide structure and discipline, and in turn, will ensure their success at Palmerston North Boys’ High School.
We want you to have the best educational experience in New Zealand, which is why Palmerston North Boys’ High School is a school of choice.
Program
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ACADEMIC ACCELERATE PROGRAMME
The Academic Accelerate Programme runs across all year levels and challenges our top academic performers by offering them courses of study in advance of their year level. Young men in the Academic Accelerate Programme will gain University Entrance in Year 12, and in Year 13 have the opportunity to study subjects at an advanced level in preparation for Scholarship examinations. University first year papers are offered in a range of subject areas.
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Curriculum
Our curriculum focuses on providing a broad base with an emphasis on literacy and numeracy at junior school, and allows for specialisation at the senior level: Involves extensive use of Information Technology Offers acceleration, extension and remedial support to meet a diverse range of needs Well supported by excellent facilities and resources A full programme, at all levels, of English Language Tuition (ELT) is available Courses of Study Challenging core subjects in the junior school progressively lead to a diverse range of subjects and freedom of choice in the senior school. Students receive advice and counselling in the choice of subjects that best fit their future study and career aspirations.
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LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAMME
The Learning Support Programme begins at Year 9 with a particular focus on the development of literacy and numeracy skills, a progression continuing into Year 10. At Year 11 the emphasis is on preparing students to gain NCEA Level Two. At Year 12, the Achievement Support Programme is specifically focused on providing assistance so that young men can gain the benchmark NCEA Level Two qualification.
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NCEA
Our academic results in NCEA Level Two exceed the government benchmark target of 85% and are well above the achievement rates for both boys in the Manawatu/Wanganui region and boys nationally. Our academic results in NCEA Level Three are well above the achievement rates for both boys in the Manawatu/Wanganui region and boys nationally.
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SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarship is the highest New Zealand qualification available to secondary school students. Young men from Palmerston North Boys’ High School are consistently awarded the majority of Scholarships achieved by boys in the Manawatu/Wanganui region.
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UNIVERSITY LEVEL STUDY
Palmerston North Boys’ High School has developed a positive relationship with a number of New Zealand universities and university papers are taught in a number of subject areas at PNBHS by our staff members. Additionally, a number of young men complete papers outside of these offerings via distance learning.
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VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, GATEWAY, TRADES ACADEMY AND STAR TASTER PROGRAMMES
The school offers a number of options in the senior school for students who want to pursue trade-related career options. The Gateway Programme for Year 13 students offers the chance to learn on the job, while pursuing a trade qualification. The Trades Academy Programme offers the opportunity for boys to try out a possible career pathway by undertaking programmes offered jointly by the school and a tertiary provider such as UCOL or the Primary Industry Training Organisation. Star “taster” programmes are offered to Year 11-13 students to enable them to explore future career options. The Year 13 Employment Pathways Programme assists young men to find post-secondary school employment in sectors identified in the Manawatu Regional Economic Growth Strategy.
