Curriculum

Empowering Futures Through Dynamic Learning

At Freyberg High School, our curriculum is designed to provide a rich, engaging, and comprehensive learning experience that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world. We believe in fostering critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication—key competencies that extend beyond the classroom. Our curriculum is built to cater to diverse learning styles and aspirations, encouraging every student to discover their passions and achieve their full potential.


Courses of Study

Freyberg High School offers a curriculum that builds from challenging core subjects in the junior school to a diverse range of subjects and greater choice in the senior school. Students receive tailored advice and counseling to select subjects that align with their future study and career aspirations.

Our courses of study at Freyberg High School aim to:

  • Develop and enhance students' literacy and numeracy skills.

  • Arouse interest and promote inquiry by providing relevant contexts.

  • Thoroughly and comprehensively prepare students for assessment.

  • Foster individual thinking and develop effective learning skills.

  • Promote tolerance and cooperation when working with others.

  • Integrate class work and study with sporting, cultural, and other involvements and responsibilities.

  • Challenge students to achieve to the best of their ability in all aspects of school life.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Academic Options

NCEA

Our academic results have continued to increase across the board over the past two years. We're thrilled to highlight key improvements and how they compare nationally:

  • NCEA Level 2 saw the most significant increase in student achievement, with a +20.6% change between 2022 and 2024, reaching an impressive 75.8% in 2024. This figure exceeds the national average for Level 2 achievement.

  • NCEA Level 3 also showed substantial growth with a +17.2% increase over the same period, achieving 60.5% in 2024. These results are above the national achievement rates for Level 3.

  • University Entrance experienced a positive increase of +7.0%, reaching 36.8% in 2024.

We continue to strive for improvement to ensure our students are being provided with the best possible opportunities for success beyond their time at school.


LEARNING SUPPORT - LEARNING LAB

At Freyberg High School, learning support begins in Year 9, with a strong focus on developing literacy and numeracy skills, which continues through to Year 11. Throughout, Year 11 there is an additional emphasis to preparing students for NCEA Level 2. In Year 12, the sole focus is to assist students in gaining the benchmark NCEA Level 2 qualification.


VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, GATEWAY, TRADES ACADEMY AND STAR TASTER PROGRAMMES

The school provides various senior school options for students interested in trade-related career pathways. The Gateway Programme for Year 13 students offers hands-on, on-the-job learning while pursuing a trade qualification. Additionally, STAR "taster" programs are available for Year 11-13 students to help them explore future career options. 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Subjects We Offer

  • English

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • ​​​​​​​Earth and Space Science

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Physics

  • Calculus

  • Statistics

  • Business Studies

  • Japanese

  • NZ Sign Language

  • Music

  • Media Studies

  • Drama

  • Dance

  • Employment Skills

  • Creative Fashion

  • Early Childhood

  • History​​​​​​​

  • Physical Education

  • Sport & Exercise Science

  • Health

  • Concept Design

  • Economics

  • Digital Technology

  • Gateway​​​​​​​

  • Hospitality

  • Commerce

 

  • Future Pathways

  • Photography

  • ​​​​​​​Printmaking

  • Product and design

  • Tourism

  • Māori

  • Māori Performing Arts

  • Geography

  • Food and Nutrition

  • Engineering​​​​​​​

  • Carpentry

 

Students are encouraged to study a broad curriculum which offers many pathways​​​​​​​ to excellence.

ESOL

A comprehensive ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) programme is available for all NESB (Non English Speaking Background) students. An English language programme is provided at all levels in the ESOL room.

Teacher Aides are available to provide assistance in specialist subjects and they accompany students to classes.

Our ESOL students achieve a high success rate for entry into further tertiary study at New Zealand universities and polytechnics. A high level of pastoral care and support is available to assist with any personal or homestay problems, if they arise.