High School and College in Henderson

Lower College (Years 7–10)

A broad-based and challenging academic curriculum is offered in Years 7–10, alongside co-curricular activities to enhance different skills. These years form an important base for senior study and qualifications: Our High School offers the Cambridge Lower Secondary programme in Years 7–9, followed by IGCSE preparation in Year 10. The subjects studied ensure our pupils take a balanced course that prepares them to excel at the Upper College level.

Upper College (Years 11-13)

ACG Sunderland offers the Cambridge Upper Secondary and Cambridge Advanced Pathways in Years 11–13 of our High School. Students in the Upper College are encouraged to study subjects that best suit their interests, abilities and future aspirations. All students are challenged to set goals for themselves at this stage.

In Year 11, students sit the IGCSE, whose preparation began in the previous year. In Year 12, most students will study at AS-Level, but may also include IGCSE subjects. In Year 13, most students will complete the second year of the A-Level qualification in some subjects, but may also include other subjects at AS-Level.

College Activities, Clubs and Enrichment Programmes

Our High School in Auckland encourages college students to get involved in charity work, including fundraising events and supporting the ACG Sunderland on Service projects each year. To further enrich their school experience, college students take part in other events held throughout the year and join different clubs, including the Book Club, Skate Club, and Art Club, among others. Events and camps range from the Mathematics Olympics evening for Years 7–10, leaders’ training weekends, the school ball, school picnics, and camps for all year levels.

Our senior students take an active role in House and school leadership opportunities, sports and cultural groups. Peer mentoring, coaching and managing sports teams, tutoring, and house responsibilities all contribute to building confidence and independence in our high school students.

Sports

ACG Sunderland High School focuses on a wide range of sports and aims to achieve success at local and regional levels. 

Throughout the academic year our students participate in school-wide sporting events, including:

• Cross-country
• Athletics
• Swimming carnival

Sports offered vary depending on the season:

• Winter: soccer, cycling, table tennis, netball, badminton, basketball, hockey
• Summer: athletics, cricket, tennis, touch rugby, orienteering, cross-country, rowing, basketball

There are also opportunities for students to compete in alternative sports.

The Arts

Our high school students are passionate about the arts, immersing themselves fully in the exciting opportunities offered at ACG Sunderland. Pupils can join our college jazz band, rock bands, and a chamber orchestra. They hold an annual college drama production, participating either on stage or behind the scenes. 

There are also a wide range of music lessons available for our older pupils, as well as speech and drama exams through Trinity Guildhall. Debating and speech competitions are also extremely popular with our students.