Waitaki Boys' High School, Oamaru

Key facts

About Waitaki Boys' High School

Waitaki Boys' High School is a single-sex secondary school for boys. The school's stated mission is "inspiring young men of outstanding character", with its values of respect, resilience and motivation embedded across school life.

Character development is a central focus. The school runs the He Ara Tika programme, part of the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) framework, which recognises students who demonstrate the school's values through the awarding of He Ara Tika badges. Year 9 and 10 students attend camps, and a whānau house group programme and well-being programme also form part of this approach.

The senior curriculum includes both academic subjects and a vocational pathways programme, supported by a partnership with ARA polytechnic. Where possible, classes are shared with Waitaki Girls' High School.

The Waitaki Boys' High School Foundation, established in 1991, brings together Old Boys and Friends of the School to provide supplementary funding for the school. It supports areas including educational resources, boarding facilities, outdoor education, heritage buildings, and scholarships for boys of academic and sporting ability. Foundation membership is open to individuals, families, organisations and companies, with contribution levels starting at $2,500 (Fellow), $10,000 (Exemplar), and $25,000 (Governor).

Curriculum

Waitaki Boys' High School is a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) school covering Years 9 to 13.

At Years 9 and 10, students follow a broad programme across the New Zealand Curriculum. Compulsory subjects are:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Sciences
• Health & Physical Education

Students also complete modules in the Arts and Technology.

At Years 11 to 13, students choose five NCEA subjects, each offering approximately 20 credits. Where the school's own timetable cannot accommodate a student's needs, options include shared classes with Waitaki Girls' High School, courses through ARA Polytechnic, and distance learning via Te Kura.

The school also offers a Gateway programme for senior students in Years 12 and 13, combining school study with workplace learning. Accepted students typically earn 20 credits at NCEA Level 2 or 3 through placements one day per week, usually Fridays. Recent placement areas have included automotive engineering, building, electrical, horticulture, sheep and beef farming, tourism, sports and recreation, mechanical engineering, hairdressing, agricultural contracting, water and waste management, butchery, and auto electrical.

Co-curricular Activities and Sports

Waitaki Boys' High School offers sports across two seasonal programmes. The Waitaki Academy of Sports Performance (WASP) is available for students aiming to compete at a higher level.

Summer sports offered include:

• Adventure Racing
• Athletics
• Cricket
• Cross Country
• Mountain Biking
• Multisport
• Road Cycling
• Rogaines
• Rowing
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Touch
• Triathlon/Duathlon
• Volleyball

Winter sports offered include:

• Badminton
• Basketball (social and competitive)
• Chess
• Debating
• Fencing
• Football
• Golf
• Hockey
• Rugby
• Smallbore
• Snowsports
• Squash
• Trapshooting

Student Support and Pastoral Care

The following named support services are available to students at Waitaki Boys' High School.

• Guidance Network Team — holds overall responsibility for student welfare. The team comprises the Deputy Rector, the Deans, and the Guidance Counsellor. Students have a legal right to confidentiality unless there is an imminent risk to safety.
• Guidance Counsellor — part of the Guidance Network Team, providing personal support to students experiencing difficulties that affect their ability to learn or participate in school.
• Deans — part of the Guidance Network Team, contributing to the overall welfare of students.
• Health Clinic — staffed by a public health nurse every Monday during Period 4 and lunchtime, available to students and their whānau.
• Wellbeing Time — a structured programme held during Period 5 on Fridays, incorporating workshops, speakers, peer support, and activities. It runs in Term 1 each year and rotates with other school activities in subsequent terms.
• Learning Support Department — supports students with particular learning needs through modified learning programmes, Teacher Aide in-class support, assistive technology, special assessment conditions, and coordination with teaching staff, pastoral teams, and external agencies. Led by the SENCO, Head of Learning Support.

Facilities

The following named facilities are available at Waitaki Boys' High School:

• Hall of Memories — a perpendicular English gothic chapel-style building constructed in the 1920s, with an 'A Grade' Historic Places Trust listing, containing a pipe organ
• Social Centre — a two-storey Oamaru stone building constructed to mark the school's centenary, with a large upstairs space, kitchen, and toilet facilities
• Auditorium — built in 2000 with a seating capacity of 350, with catering and toilet facilities and nearby parking
• Gymnasium
• Sports fields
• Swimming pool