Curriculum
At Pinehurst, every student follows the Cambridge Pathway - a world-class curriculum that develops knowledge, skills & confidence step by step, from Primary through to College.
It’s an education recognised across the globe, designed to prepare young people for life, not just exams. Cambridge learning is built on depth, structure and progression. Students are stretched to think critically, solve problems creatively, and communicate with clarity. They don’t just memorise content, they learn how to apply their knowledge, connect ideas, and approach challenges with confidence.
IGCSE
The first externally moderated examination at the end of Year 11, following a two year programme (175 hours of instruction per subject)
Pinehurst students will sit examinations for 8-9 subjects. All students must study English Language, English Literature and Mathematics. It is also compulsory at this level to study Global Perspectives and at least one science selected from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science.
AS Levels
Typically taken at the midpoint of an A Level programme, although AS can stand alone as a qualification
All Pinehurst Year 12 students study AS English Language or AS English Literature and choose three or four additional subjects. These are examined after one year of study (150 hours of instruction per subject)
Grades available range from A to E, with U (Ungraded) being awarded to any result lower than approximately 40%
A Level
In Year 13 students may choose to continue to study their subjects taken as AS Levels. Grades from both AS and A2 final examinations are combined, with equal weightings, to create a final A Level grade for that course.
The A2 component is examined after a year of instruction (150 hours per subject).
Grades available range from A* to E, with U (Ungraded) being awarded to any result lower than 40%
Cambridge is more than a curriculum. It’s a commitment to every student’s growth. We provide the structure, challenge, and support to help every learner succeed and thrive, wherever their journey may take them.
“With Cambridge, our students are prepared not just for exams - but for life, leadership, and learning in a global world.”
How does the Cambridge Pathway work?
At Pinehurst, Cambridge is at the core of our teaching and learning. Here’s what the journey looks like:
Primary (Years 1–6): Cambridge curriculum in English, Maths, and Science, plus a broad, balanced programme of other subjects.
College (Years 7–9): Cambridge for English, Maths, and Science; New Zealand Curriculum for other subjects, preparing students for deeper learning.
College (Years 10–11): Full Cambridge IGCSE pathway — externally assessed, internationally benchmarked qualifications.
College (Years 12–13): Cambridge AS and A Levels — the gold standard for university entrance, both in NZ and abroad.
Students are supported by experienced teachers who understand the Cambridge pathway inside and out. Assessment is a mix of external exams and in-school learning, with results recognised around the globe.
Year 7-8
We offer a holistic programme in the College for Year 7 and 8, which is designed to meet the diverse range of needs and interests of our young people. This programme builds on the foundation of education established in our Primary School.
In Year 7 and 8, we continue to follow the Cambridge Curriculum for the core subjects of Mathematics, English and Science. All other subjects follow the New Zealand Curriculum. We have a strong focus on the key competencies: Thinking, Managing Self, Participating and Contributing, Using Language, Symbols and Texts and Relating to Others. These competencies are embedded into all parts of our programme.
In Year 7 and 8 we provide continual assessment practice to prepare students for the Cambridge University Checkpoint Examinations which they sit in Year 9; an excellent tool in preparing our students for IGCSE examinations in Year 10 and 11.
Passionate and innovative staff and a well-established Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, enables us to offer a future focused approach. Social Sciences are largely inquiry based and our Digital Technology programme is geared towards robotics, coding, and manipulating media
Leadership is an integral part of the Year 7 and 8 College programme.
There is a clear expectation that all our students will lead themselves and others in a responsible and ethical manner. This is supported by our Global Citizenship Programme where students learn about their identity, themselves and others, teamwork and problem-solving skills and working through the various stages of their Service Award.
Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) plays a key role in developing these attributes. There are many opportunities for our students to be challenged, both in a local and a global setting.
Year 9-13
Pinehurst Year 9-13 continue to build on the sequential and integrated programmes of study established and fostered in Year 7-8 and Primary. A differentiated learning approach is taken to ensure that students are working at levels which are challenging, yet within reach.
Pinehurst offers the Cambridge Assessment International Education IGCSE and A Level qualifications to all students. (View the Cambridge Curriculum page for more information). At Pinehurst, we do not offer NCEA.
The pastoral care system is through POD’s (Progressive Ongoing Development) for Year 9 to 13. The POD’s are vertical groupings of 20 students from Year 9 to 13 who have a POD Leader who works with the students and parents to ensure that the student has the support and supervision to set and achieve all academic and social goals. Relationships with the school, families and community are developed and built on as students are prepared for life beyond school.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is available to students at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. All Year 10 students participate in the Bronze Award practice expedition, moving through to Bronze and Silver in Years 11 and 12. Students finish the education outside the classroom programme with a skiing/snowboarding trip in Year 13.
University Destinations of Pinehurst Graduates
Each year, approximately 95-100% of the graduating class gain University Entrance.
Previous Pinehurst School graduates from the last five years have been accepted to study at the following universities:
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Babson College
Pepperdine Univeristy (Malibu)
Univiserity of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Columbia University
Univeristy of California, Berkeley
Northeast Community College
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London School of Economics (LSE)
AA School of Architecture, London
Univeristy of Greenwich
Univeristy of Birmingham
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Bocconi Univerity, Italy
Dresden Academy of Fine Arts, Germany
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University of Toronto
New York University (Abu Dhabi Campus)
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University of Auckland
AUT University
Lincoln University
Massey University
University of Canterbury
University of Otago
University of Waikato
Victoria University
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Griffith University
Monash University
University of Melbourne
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
University of Queensland
University of Sydney
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University of Hong Kong