Year 7 & 8: The Growth Years

Empowering Our Learners Through their Year 7 & 8 Journey

Preparing Our Students for the Future

At Whakamārama School, we take immense pride in watching our Year 7 and 8 students grow into confident, capable young people. We believe our senior learners are exceptionally well-prepared for the transition to college and the challenges of the secondary school environment.

Our 'small school, big impact' approach ensures that by the time our students graduate, they aren't just ready for college - they are ready to thrive.

Why Whakamārama Graduates Excel
The evidence of our students' readiness is reflected in their continued success once they leave our gates:

Academic Excellence: A high number of our students consistently enter college at an accelerant class level, showcasing the strength of our core curriculum.
Seamless Transitions: We focus on building resilience, meaning our students have the unique ability to adapt quickly to new learning and social environments.
Natural Leaders: A significant proportion of former Whakamārama School students are selected for leadership roles at college
Professional Endorsements: We regularly receive positive feedback from college staff regarding the work ethic and character of our graduates.
Community Testimony: The ongoing feedback from our past students and their parents confirms that the foundation laid here at Whakamārama is a lifelong asset.

"We always look forward to our new enrolments at Tauranga Boys' College from Whakamārama. Their enthusiasm to learn, their energy to participate and get involved in college life, and a willingness to meet new people are qualities we really appreciate and encourage at TBC"

Kylie Gemming, Tauranga Boys College, 2026

As the Deputy Principal overseeing enrolment, I have always valued the strong partnership we share with Whakamarama School. Their thoughtful and well-structured transition process ensures students arrive with confidence, a positive work ethic, and a genuine readiness to learn. Through early engagement with their Year 7 and 8 students, we are able to build relationships, share opportunities, and hear directly from students about their aspirations and learning journey.

Graduates from Whakamārama School consistently demonstrate resilience as they adapt to a new learning environment, along with a willingness to contribute, lead, and strive for academic success. They transition into secondary school as capable, motivated young people who are well-prepared to make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Alice Cade, Tauranga Girls College, 2026

Leadership

Our Year 7 and 8 students step up to guide and inspire their peers through a variety of meaningful roles. As librarians, they foster a love of literacy; as cross-country marshals, they ensure fairness and safety; and as environmental champions, they drive our sustainability and recycling initiatives.

Whether leading tabloid sports, mentoring during some key events, or guiding juniors through the playground, our seniors thrive in their tuakana-teina roles. From anchoring our Kapa Haka to supporting their peers daily, the invaluable contributions of our Year 7 and 8 students truly shape our school community.

Technology Classes

Year 7 and 8 is all about exploring new horizons, and Technology classes remain a clear favourite for our tamariki. All Year 7 and 8 students at Whakmārama School have the opportunity to engage in design and critical thinking, working collaboartively to bring a project to life.

Extension and Enrichment

We encourage our learners to push their boundaries through regional and national competitions. Opportunities include:

Problem Solving & Logic: Students engaging with the University of Otago Problem Solving Challenge, developing high-level critical thinking skills.
National Benchmarking: Students entered into the Kiwi Competitions to measure their skills in English, Mathematics, and Science
ICAS Opportunities: Students can opt into the ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools) to challenge themselves and showcase their skills in English, Mathematics, and Science.

Tall Poppies

You might find yourself wondering about the name. Tall Poppies is our vibrant collective of Year 7 and 8 students from across the local cluster. More than just a title, it represents a shared commitment to excellence, leadership, and community.

Through an annual calendar of academic challenges and sporting competitions, Tall Poppies events provide a unique platform for our intermediate learners to unite. Here, students don't just compete - they build friendships, showcase their diverse talents, and find the confidence to stand tall.