CURRICULUM
At the New Zealand Performance Academy Aotearoa, (Y11 – Y13) our curriculum is designed to be knowledge-rich, student-centric, and grounded in evidence-based practice and continuous assessment and data collection. We are committed to delivering a robust and flexible educational experience that aligns with the principles of the New Zealand Curriculum and supports the holistic development of every learner.
We offer full NCEA course options across a range of learning areas, ensuring students have access to meaningful pathways that reflect their interests, strengths, and future aspirations. Our curriculum includes a wide selection of assessment standards with applications to sport and other relevant contexts, allowing students to engage with content that is both academically rigorous and personally relevant. This flexibility also ensures that learning is tailored to the individual needs of students, supporting diverse goals and learning styles.
Our approach is not project-based; instead, we emphasise structured, intentional learning that builds deep conceptual understanding. A clear assessment plan beginning at enrolment, underpins our curriculum, with a strong emphasis on external assessment to promote academic excellence and national recognition of achievement.
The curriculum design at NZPAA is informed by effective pedagogy, including collaborative learning, formative feedback, and culturally responsive teaching. We prioritise student agency, encouraging learners to take ownership of their progress, and we will continually refine our practice through research, reflection, and benchmarking, to ensure the highest standards of teaching and learning.
The NZPAA curriculum is driven by our vision, values, assessment, and key competencies and includes (but is not limited to), the follow Learning Areas: English, Science, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Languages, Health & Physical Education and the Arts.
TIMETABLE (SAMPLE)
Pastoral care & student wellbeing
As part of the academic timetable, students will participate in designated Sport/Study blocks, which can be used for gym sessions, specialised sports training, or focused study time. The use of this block will be tailored to each student, based on their personal goals, learning needs, and sporting commitments.
For students engaged in competitive or high-performance sport, this provides structured time to train without compromising their academic progress. For others, it offers a quiet, supported space to complete coursework, seek academic support, or engage in wellbeing-focused activities.
The wellbeing component may include sessions on nutrition, injury prevention, goal setting, time management, and mental resilience, supporting students to develop balanced, sustainable routines. This flexibility ensures that students are supported holistically—academically, physically, and emotionally—leading to better overall outcomes and a stronger sense of personal responsibility and motivation.
At the New Zealand Performance Academy Aotearoa, student wellbeing is foundational to our high-performance model. We recognise that true excellence on the field and in the classroom is only possible when students feel safe, supported, and seen for who they are physically, mentally, emotionally, and culturally. Our designated Director of Sport and Wellbeing has responsibility and oversight for this.
term dates 2026
TERM 1:
Monday 2nd February to Thursday 2nd April
Statutory Holidays: Friday 6th February (Waitangi Day)
TERM 2:
Monday 20th April to Friday 3rd July
Statutory Holidays: Monday 27th April (Anzac Day), Monday 1st June (King’s Birthday)
TERM 3:
Monday 20th July to Friday 25th September
No Statutory Holidays in Term 3
TERM 4:
Monday 12th October to Friday 4th December
Statutory Holidays: Monday 26th October (Labour Day Observed)
ASSESSMENT
At NZPAA students in Years 11 to 13 follow a structured and academically rigorous programme aligned with the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA)
Our curriculum offers a wide range of assessment standards across core learning areas, with opportunities to apply knowledge in relevant contexts such as sport, performance, and wellbeing. Each student begins with a personalised academic plan that outlines their assessment pathway, including both internal and external standards.
We place a strong emphasis on external assessment to ensure national recognition of achievement and to support academic excellence. Continuous feedback, data-informed progress tracking, and tailored support help students stay on track and achieve their goals.