Kura Tuakana (Years 9–13)
Introduction
Welcome to Kura Tuakana at Raglan Area School, our secondary school experience dedicated to students from Year 9 through to Year 13. We are committed to fostering academic excellence through tailored learning pathways, from the core curriculum and specialist options in junior years (9-10), and through NCEA and vocational options in senior years (11-13). Kura Tuakana is also built on a foundation of a strong whānau culture, holistic wellbeing and support, and our four values: Manaakitanga (respectful and kind), Whanaungatanga (inclusive and connected), Kaitiakitanga (caretakers of our world), and Poutama (resilience and excellence). This ensures our students are supported to be well-prepared as they navigate their journey to adulthood.
Curriculum Learning Years 9-10
Our Year 9 curriculum focuses on providing engaging, real-world learning opportunities across a robust set of core subjects. These essential learning areas—including English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education and Health, and Te Ao Māori—build a strong foundation for future success. This core learning is complemented by diverse modules in technology, the arts, and others, ensuring a broad and enriching experience throughout the year.
In Year 10, students continue with the core subjects above while selecting two to four elective options per year. This gives them a chance to explore areas of personal interest like Digital Technology, Visual Arts, Food Technology, or Sports Performance Education. The goal of these options is to provide focused experiences that help students develop important knowledge and understanding while exploring subjects they may wish to pursue in more depth for their NCEA years (Years 11–13).
You can find out much more about Years 9 and 10 in our Prospectus.
NCEA and Senior Pathways Years 11-13
Te Ao Māori
Our Whānau Culture
Our whānau class structure is at the heart of our holistic support for every young person. Students are placed into a small, consistent whānau group with a dedicated teacher who acts as their primary advocate. The Deans oversee the whānau classes for each year group and support these teachers to provide comprehensive pastoral care. Whānau teachers conduct daily check-ins on wellbeing, closely monitor academic progress, and provide targeted support. For any concerns, the Deans are the first point of contact for parents.
Raglan Surfing Academy
The ‘Raglan Surfing Academy’ is a highly competitive, nationally recognised programme run directly through Raglan Area School. It is designed to blend surf coaching and elite athletic training with mainstream secondary school education.
The Surfing Academy Course will be offered as a school subject to Year 11, 12 and 13 students who will be in attendance at Raglan Area School. Entry into the Academy is unrestricted geographically. That is, any qualifying student may apply. The course will be restricted to highly motivated students who have a strong desire to succeed in surfing and schoolwork, preferably those with a high level of competence in surfing.
For further information about the Surf Academy, including the application
process, click here
Nationally Recognised Programmes
Our prime location allows us to offer unique, nationally recognised courses through the Raglan Surf Academy and Outdoor Education. The Surf Academy is the only programme of its kind in New Zealand, offering elite coaching, training, and competitive surfing while successfully completing NCEA qualifications. Outdoor Education uses our local environment as a living classroom, teaching practical skills, safety, and leadership through local expeditions and multi-day camps. These courses allow students to combine their passion for the outdoors alongside an academic focus at the senior level.
Learning Outside the Classroom
We believe in inspiring students to excel and be creative by connecting classroom learning to meaningful experiences both in school and in the wider community. This hands-on approach connects classroom theory to real-world experiences, making learning relevant and memorable. Learning extends well beyond the four walls of the classroom, especially given our amazing coastal environment. Many of our Years 9–13 programmes incorporate Learning Outside the Classroom as part of everyday study. Students participate in everything from local trips in many subjects, through to multiple day camps. We are also actively involved within our community, serving in a range of community service roles from ANZAC day to Hikoi for Hauora.
Student Support
We are committed to providing comprehensive support to ensure every student can thrive. Our Learning Support Coordinator (LSC) is responsible for the oversight of all learning assistance programmes, including Alternative Education (AE) and Special Assessment Conditions (SAC) for exams. This coordinator works closely with year-level deans, whānau, and other Ministry agencies to ensure our young people access the learning supports they require to succeed.
Our confidential RAS Hauora Team provides crucial, collaborative wellbeing support for students facing issues like anxiety, grief, non-engagement, or neuro-diversity. They work with teachers and whānau to create wrap-around support tailored to individual needs. We also have a doctor, nurse, and counsellors available for free and on-site for our students.
Our House System
The House System is a key part of student life, fostering school spirit, friendly competition, and a sense of belonging. When students enrol, they are assigned to one of our four houses: Ngarunui, Opotoru, Te Kopua, or Waikeri. These names were gifted by local kaumātua and represent important water tributaries within the wider Whaingaroa rohe. Students are encouraged to earn House Points throughout the term by modelling our school values, participating in class activities, and competing in organised events. The winning house celebrates their efforts with shared kai and games each term.
Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)
Raglan Area School is a PB4L Schoolwide school, meaning we use a clear and consistent approach to foster a positive, supportive learning environment. We believe that opportunities for learning and achievement increase when expectations are consistently clear, and desired behaviours are explicitly taught. We intentionally acknowledge students for positive behaviours and respond to undesirable behaviours in fair, equitable, and consistent ways. This framework helps every student understand our values, contributing to a calm, focused, and productive school atmosphere. To actively reinforce these desired behaviours, Kura Tuakana runs a dedicated Rewards Programme. Students are frequently given “Ka Mau Te Wehi!” awards (both by staff and student leaders) for following expectations, meeting learning goals and challenges, and demonstrating our school values. These tickets earn house points, and can be saved up and exchanged for bakery and tuck shop vouchers!
Enviroschools and Sustainability
At Raglan Area School, our core value of kaitiakitanga is a daily practice. As an Enviroschool, we place sustainability at the heart of what we do, empowering students from Year 1 through to Year 13 to care for the environment and make sustainable choices. Our natural surroundings provide living classrooms where students are often outdoors learning about biodiversity, restoration, and waste reduction initiatives. Through thriving gardens and conservation partnerships, our students learn by doing, nurturing a deep connection to our place and actively creating a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
Student Leadership and Voice
