The school has developed an excellent pastoral care and guidance network based on a house system and vertical form classes comprising students from all levels of the school . A group of forms together constitute a house , and the form tutors work with a house tutor and head of house to promote the welfare of the individual students , create a sense of identity that comes with a house system , and provide a safe environment in the school . This guidance network includes the Guidance Counsellor who maintains access to all the various community welfare agencies and specialised support services .
The school is a modified “ S 68 ” plan , which features single level blocks of classrooms and specialist rooms . It comprises 25 general classrooms , eight science laboratories , and specialist rooms for art , music , graphics , drama , technology , reading , information technology and transition . Specialist facilities include : drama room , special needs unit , auditorium , gymnasium complex with weight room and dance room , and a swimming pool . The Technology Block was significantly upgraded in 2004 and it is regarded as a model of its kind . In 2009-10 the eight science laboratories were all upgraded as part of the 10-year capital works plan . The oldest of the teaching blocks , the 100 Block , was completely refurbished in 2015 . The refurbishment saw the conversion of a tired space into a fresh modern learning environment . This was applied to the recent renovation of the 300 block that was completed at the end of 2022 and included a new Learning Support facility . Work on the much anticipated rebuild of the 600 block ( previously Special Needs Unit ) has a confirmed start date of April , 2023 . The much anticipated Barham Common outdoor performing arts area will be completed in conjunction with the 600- block rebuild .
The Special Education Programme for students with special needs has operated since its inception in 1990 . Teachers go out of their way to incorporate special needs students into mainstream classes .
In 1994 a whare whakaako , Kahurangi , was opened . Tikanga Māori is centred on the learning and teaching of Te Reo Māori in Kahurangi . Ngāti Kahungunu kawa is followed as we live in the rohe of Ngāti Kahungunu . Kahurangi , Te Whare whakaako , the Patu and Te Roopu Kapa Haka o Maungawharau emphasise the dual cultural heritage of Aotearoa .
Despite the constraints imposed by the layout of the site , the grounds have been developed to provide for two soccer fields , one rugby field and six netball courts in