Years 7 & 8
Watching her flourish during her primary school years was truly remarkable. As parents, Years 7 and 8 far exceeded our expectations of what a school and its community could offer.
Michael Past Parent
Years 7 and 8 at Selwyn House represent the culmination of a thoughtfully scaffolded learning journey, the point where foundational skills, self-awareness, and academic curiosity converge. Our Senior School is intentionally designed to prepare girls for the challenges ahead, not just academically, but socially and emotionally.
Due to our small class sizes, our Senior School structure ensures that our Year 7 and 8 students remain at the heart of the community, and at the top of it. They are the oldest students in the school, and with that comes authentic responsibility and visibility. They are not followers, they are leaders.
At Selwyn House, we don’t believe in rushing this critical stage of their lives. We believe in giving girls the opportunity to lead, grow, and thrive in an environment that prepares them, not just to succeed in high school, but to excel in life.
Years 7 & 8 Curriculum
The Senior School curriculum integrates a wide range of learning experiences, from core subject areas to specialist programmes in the arts, science, technology, languages, and physical education, all contributing to a rich and well-rounded education.
We emphasise critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application across all subjects. The learning programme encourages student agency, with opportunities to take increasing responsibility for their own learning. Students are supported to stretch themselves academically, while also developing independence, initiative, and collaborative skills.
Timetabled Subject Areas
From day one, across all year levels, students are supported by their classroom teacher and a variety of specialist teachers who are considered experts in their chosen fields.
YEARS 7 & 8 TIMETABLED SUBJECT AREAS
Kapa Haka, Mathematics, Metatronics*, Music*, Performing Arts*, Physical Education & Health*, Reading, Science*, Spanish*, Swimming*, Unit of Inquiry, Visual Arts*, Wellbeing, Writing, Ngā Huarahui Pūtaiao - The Science Pathways (Year 7)*, Exhibition Passion Project (Year 8)
* Denotes taken by specialist teacher
Leadership
Every girl is supported to grow her leadership potential in a way that is authentic to her, guided by our core values of being resilient, inspirational, courageous, and curious.
Each Year 8 student holds a leadership position and actively leads, influences, and contributes to the school community. Through real and purposeful opportunities, students learn to step up with integrity and a strong sense of responsibility. The result is a culture where leadership is lived every day, and where girls lead with empathy, challenge themselves with curiosity, act with courage, inspire others through example, and face challenges with resilience.
Ngā Huarahi Pūtaiao
The Ngā Huarahi Pūtaiao programme is a key milestone in our Senior School.
Each Year 7 student embarks on a term-long, independent inquiry into either a Science Pathway (Te Ara Pūtaiao) or a Technology Pathway (Te Ara Hangarau). This approach supports both shared and discipline-specific learning, helping students grow as thinkers, planners, and communicators. Building on the curiosity and collaboration developed during Year 6, this programme guides students toward the independence and personal ownership required in Year 8 and beyond.
Passion Project Exhibition
In Year 8, students undertake the Passion Project Exhibition, a final project that marks the culmination of their Primary Years Programme (PYP) experience.
This is a significant year long project, where students demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitude they've developed throughout their time at Selwyn House and in the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The Passion Project Exhibition, is an inquiry based project that encourages students to explore real world topics, take action and formally present to the community what they have learned.
Pastoral Care & Wellbeing
Our daily Pastoral Care & Wellbeing programme ensures that every girl feels supported, valued and connected in all aspects of the school.
From the beginning, students form strong bonds with their teachers and peers, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Each Senior School student is partnered with a 'buddy' in the Junior School, providing friendship, guidance and a connection to the wider school community.
Learning
Education & Curriculum
At Selwyn House School, small class sizes allow for personalised support, fostering a nurturing environment where each student can thrive both personally and academically. Our scaffolded learning approach builds skills and confidence progressively, supporting every stage of development from Pre-school to Year 8.
Book a Tour
To learn more about Years 7 & 8 at Selwyn House School schedule a personalised tour.