Welcome to Wakatipu High School.

Wakatipu High School is a unique school in that it has the advantages of being in a rural setting as well as having approximately 800 multi-national students who have the opportunity to study in the secure environment of a Year 8 - 13 school.

Students are integrated into our secondary school, supported by their House Dean and Tutor Group Teachers while accessing specialist teachers across all learning areas.

Students’ pastoral needs are supported by our Guidance Counsellor, House Deans and Tutor Teachers. Our five houses are: Arthur, Duncan, Fox, Hay and Mackenzie. Each house has seven vertical Tutor Groups. This House and Vertical Tutor Group system has successfully created a strong whanau environment.

We have various programmes to support the learning needs of all students. The “Angelo” Programme provides opportunities for gifted and talented students to develop their competency as learners by providing a wide range of stimulating challenges across and beyond the curriculum areas. The Learning Support staff provide for students with specific learning needs in Numeracy, Literacy and the Key Competencies.

All students working at Level 6 and above of the curriculum are able to access a wide range of learning opportunities in courses which enable them to be successful in NCEA. These opportunities cover a range, such as Gateway, NCEA Level 1 to 3, Scholarship and University Papers. (A high percentage of our students gain entrance to University along with a range of other qualifications.)

The school’s focus is on quality learning in an environment that enables and encourages students to become independent learners. Our aim is to provide opportunities for all students to develop their full potential by discovering their strengths and building on these.

Wakatipu High School encourages students to develop their strengths in a broad range of academic, cultural and sporting fields. The Queenstown environment provides the backdrop for our unique outdoor education programme The New Zealand Alpine Sports Academy, our International Students Programme and the Angelo Programme contribute to the special character of Wakatipu High School.

Wakatipu High School has facilities which include a heated indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium, a specialist gymnastics room, a rock climbing wall, all weather outdoor tennis/netball courts, technology rooms, a graphics suite, computer suites, wireless access school wide, art rooms with video editing, print centre, dark room, computer design facilities and a comprehensive library.

All students who attend Wakatipu High School have the opportunity to reach their full academic, physical and social potential in a positive and caring environment.

Mrs Lyn Cooper
Principal