Commencing at Year 9 with a broad foundation in academic study, across all eight learning areas of the New Zealand curriculum, our subject option choices over successive years become increasingly specialised with an increasing number to choose from. Knowledge and experience gained in each year of study enable students to make well informed curriculum choices for their future. Striving for excellence at every opportunity ensures prerequisites are met.

Our school consistently achieves national qualification pass rates at least 10% above the national average for similar schools. At least 60% of our Year 13 students attend university on graduating from school, with many students earning scholarships to support their study. For three consecutive years a Palmerston North Girls’ High School student has won a prestigious academic scholarship from the University of Auckland. Our Dux in 2007 was awarded an NZQA Premier Scholarship from her success in examinations, top New Zealand scholar in Mathematics with Calculus, and an NZEST Scholarship; and our dux in 2008 was awarded top New Zealand scholar in History as one of her three scholarship awards.

We assist high achievement in many ways, for example:

• we offer a very broad range of subjects enabling students to explore their interests and follow these through to the senior school;
• prerequisites for all subjects are published in our curriculum handbooks;
• in the senior years, most students will study academic subjects leading to university entrance, while students graduating to employment have access to our Career First subjects;
• career information and guidance in subject selection assists the transition through school to enrolment at university and applications for university scholarships;
• tuition is available at lunchtimes and after school; and
• additional support is offered to students where they need it to meet the prerequisites for success.

To achieve success we recommend the daily use of the school diary to schedule appointments and activities, and to keep track of deadlines, work to be completed, and assessment results.

Homework is essential; the most effective and successful students are those who establish a regular pattern of one to three hours homework every day. The daily habit of homework established from the first week will enhance achievement.

Interest and participation in education, constructive relationships, a strong sense of purpose and personal responsibility for learning, along with parent support and excellent teachers, are all highlighted as major factors in achieving success and promoting a love of learning.