In 2002 Pinehurst became the second school in New Zealand to adopt the Cambridge International Examination (CIE) programme. 

Formally recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Cambridge authorities, Pinehurst has a long and successful association with the University of Cambridge and a deep understanding of how to deliver this progressive curriculum from Primary through to Senior College. 

Curriculum

The first externally moderated examination at the end of Year 11, following a two year programme (175 hours of instruction per subject)

Pinehurst students will sit examinations for 8-9 subjects. All students must study English Language, English Literature (or ESOL), and Mathematics. It is also compulsory at this level to study Global Perspectives and at least one science selected from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science.

Typically taken at the midpoint of an A Level programme, although AS can stand alone as a qualification

All Pinehurst Year 12 students study AS English Language or AS English Literature and choose three or four additional subjects. These are examined after one year of study (150 hours of instruction per subject)

Grades available range from A to E, with U (Ungraded) being awarded to any result lower than approximately 40%

In Year 13 students may choose to continue to study their subjects taken as AS Levels. Grades from both AS and A2 final examinations are combined, with equal weightings, to create a final A Level grade for that course.

The A2 component is examined after a year of instruction (150 hours per subject). 

Grades available range from A* to E, with U (Ungraded) being awarded to any result lower than 40%

IGCSE

AS Levels

A Level

“Students in Year 13 typically study 4 subjects and may not be taking English or Mathematics at this level as it is neither required nor expected. Some students in Year 13 may choose to study a combination of full A Levels and additional AS Levels to provide breadth. This will be clearly indicated on the transcript by an indication of either AS or A Level beside their course.”

Year 9-13

Pinehurst Year 9-13 continue to build on the sequential and integrated programmes of study established and fostered in Year 7-8 and Primary. A differentiated learning approach is taken to ensure that students are working at levels which are challenging, yet within reach.

Pinehurst offers the Cambridge Assessment International Education IGCSE and A Level qualifications to all students. (View the Cambridge Curriculum page for more information). At Pinehurst, we do not offer NCEA.

The pastoral care system is through POD’s (Progressive Ongoing Development) for Year 9 to 13. The POD’s are vertical groupings of 20 students from Year 9 to 13 who have a POD Leader who works with the students and parents to ensure that the student has the support and supervision to set and achieve all academic and social goals. Relationships with the school, families and community are developed and built on as students are prepared for life beyond school.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is available to students at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. All Year 10 students participate in the Bronze Award practice expedition, moving through to Bronze and Silver in Years 11 and 12. Students finish the education outside the classroom programme with a skiing/snowboarding trip in Year 13.

Year 7-8

We offer a holistic programme in the College for Year 7 and 8, which is designed to meet the diverse range of needs and interests of our young people. This programme builds on the foundation of education established in our Primary School.

In Year 7 and 8, we continue to follow the Cambridge Curriculum for the core subjects of Mathematics, English and Science. All other subjects follow the New Zealand Curriculum. We have a strong focus on the key competencies: Thinking, Managing Self, Participating and Contributing, Using Language, Symbols and Texts and Relating to Others. These competencies are embedded into all parts of our programme.

In Year 7 and 8 we provide continual assessment practice to prepare students for the Cambridge University Checkpoint Examinations which they sit in Year 9; an excellent tool in preparing our students for IGCSE examinations in Year 10 and 11.

Passionate and innovative staff and a well-established Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, enables us to offer a future focused approach. Social Sciences are largely inquiry based and our Digital Technology programme is geared towards robotics, coding, and manipulating media

Leadership is an integral part of the Year 7 and 8 College programme.

There is a clear expectation that all our students will lead themselves and others in a responsible and ethical manner. This is supported by our Global Citizenship Programme where students learn about their identity, themselves and others, teamwork and problem-solving skills and working through the various stages of their Service Award.

Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) plays a key role in developing these attributes. There are many opportunities for our students to be challenged, both in a local and a global setting.

  • University of Auckland

    AUT University

    Lincoln University

    Massey University

    University of Canterbury

    University of Otago

    University of Waikato

    Victoria University

  • Griffith University

    Monash University

    University of Melbourne

    University of New South Wales (UNSW)

    University of Queensland

    University of Sydney

  • Ewha Womans University, Korea

    Korea University, Korea

    Yonsei University, Korea

    National University of Singapore

  • Carnegie Mellon University

    MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

    Missouri State University

    NYU (Abu Dhabi)

    Parsons School of Design

    Santa Clara University

    University of California (San Diego)

    University of Pennsylvania

    North Eastern Junior College (Colorado)

  • Imperial College, London

    King’s College London

    Queen Mary University of London

    Liverpool John Moores University

    University College London (UCL)

    University of Arts, London (Chelsea College)

    University of Bath

    University of Bristol

    University of Cambridge

    University of St Andrews

    University of Warwick

    University of Edinburgh

    University of Manchester

    Ravensbourne University

    Istituto Marangoni (London)

    Kingston University

    Royal College of Music (London)

  • Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media (HMTMH)

University Destinations of Pinehurst Graduates 


Each year, approximately 95-100% of the graduating class gain University Entrance.

Previous Pinehurst School graduates from the last five years have been accepted to study at the following universities: