Opihi College is committed to delivering the revised New Zealand Curriculum (2010) with teachers demonstrating and expecting students to follow the key competencies, which assist young people as they progress beyond the secondary school setting.
Opihi College offers a wide range of sports and activities throughout the year, and we encourage all students to get involved regardless of age or ability.
A feature of the school calendar is our cultural competition which promotes student performance and encourages House and School pride.
Whare kōrero - our learning place.
Our whare is the hub of Māori culture and practice within our school.
the "Big Field" - perfect for all outdoor athletic activities.
Meticulously maintained by our grounds staff and nestled between lush farmland. This area is used for cross country, athletics, junior district rugby and large scale events. During the week, you'll find our H & PE classes enjoying this space, overlooked by Mt. Dobson to the west. Science classes are regularly held outside, with observations and experiments around the forest and stream north of the field.
Come on in and say hello!
Our Senior Leadership and Office Administration staff keep the college running smoothly. Our Admin area houses meeting rooms, the sick bay and waiting rooms. Uniforms are available to try on and purchase from the Admin. If you are visiting, come in through the main doors to our office area - our staff are always happy to help you.
Orchard, greenhouse, vinyard and pasture...
A purpose built area on school grounds that gives our Agriculture classes a hands-on grasp of the subject. Within this area, students are actively involved in planting and maintenance.
Learning support in a natural setting.
Kōwhai House houses our Learning Support Department - a purpose built facility with full kitchen, accessible bathroom and separate fenced outdoor area, plus breakout spaces for the students to work. We welcome visitors anytime to see our amazing students in action.
Where tradition, culture and community meet.
Our hall is the original structure from 1969 when Temuka High School moved to the current site of Opihi College on Richard Pearse Drive. Our hall is used for community and cultural events, performances, prizegivings and assemblies. With a beautiful heartwood interior, the beams of our hall reflect the shape of the kuaha ki te marae.
The hub of indoor sport at Opihi.
Home of Opihi College basketball and volleyball, our gym is one of our original buildings. Polished heartwood floors and a very generous interior space can accommodate any indoor activity.
Your āhuru mōwai - a calm place.
The Opihi College library houses a relaxed, neutral space that students of all year levels can use during study and break time. With a great collection of books, toys and games available to borrow during class time and for use at home. The Library is also home to the career pathways hub of the school - the Senior Gateway room and the Careers' meeting room.
Let our spirit bird guide you on your path to knowledge.
The Kōtuku learning area is named for the White Heron - a beautiful and rare bird endemic to our boundary rivers. A brand new facility that houses our Whare, Humanities, and our Year 7/8 Integrated hub.
Like the Kāhu, look for the opportunity.
The Kāhu or Swamp Hawk watches over this learning space, used by many of our Juniors as a hub for learning and socialising. This space also provides private 'break-out' spaces used individually or collaboratively.
Purpose built laboratories and learning spaces
In Taiao block, Science thrives! In these new sustainable facilities, sunlight streams into the classes illuminating our learning about the natural world. Taiao block is named for the natural environment that contains and surrounds us.
All aspects of practical learning.
Recently renovated and cleverly designed to maximise a light and airy indoor/outdoor balance, our Technology buildings share open air patio spaces between the purpose designed classrooms.
Express your feelings and ideas about yourself!
The Music room is a space for you to explore your place in the world. Choose from plenty of instruments and receive tuition from expert teachers, or grab a microphone and see what opportunities could begin to grow your chosen skill set. Use our stage or soundproof rooms to practice your skills. Come and join us twice a year for a student lead concert - "Opihi Live!".