Papatoetoe Intermediate is a large school with 31 rooms, 5 technology rooms, a large music suite, a well resourced library and Information Centre, a large brand new gymnasium, a media room and a modern administration and office area.

Papatoetoe Intermediate School provides opportunities for young adolescent students to develop their skills and talents through the mix of home-room teaching with specialization. The students learn to adapt to working with specialists in The Arts and in Technology and yet remaining in the security and comfort of the Home–Room. This makes the transition easy for them when they reach high school.

During the two years at the school the students are offered the following
Subjects: English, Maori, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Dance, Drama, Technology subjects( Design, Materials, Food, Fabric, Art and Music)
P.E and Health Studies. Currently the school is in the process of changing and adapting the curriculum to suit the Papatoetoe Community.

The special features incorporated in our school are the three Centres: Language, Mathematics and Literacy. These Centres provide tailor made programs for students at “risk” and also for those who need extension program.
The Language Centre provides an intensive, integrated English program for all eligible migrant and refugee students and international fee paying students. The centre has four vibrant rooms catering for over 200 ELL students taught by nine highly qualified staff. The Centre’s exciting physical environment is always language rich and visitors comment on its attractiveness. The ESOL verifier also commended the centre for its Best Practice. During their recent visit the ERO commented, “The Centre provides students with multi cultural, print saturated learning environment of outstanding quality.”

Papatoetoe Intermediate School is also noted for its holistic approach to education. It offers opportunities for the students where they can become responsible, empathetic, kind and caring individuals. The students have a wide choice of leadership building activities: student council, school orchestra, sport, virtues program, vocal groups, school choir, chess, debate team, Oratory contests, art competitions, EOTC, and cultural activities (lion dance, lantern making, Diwali posters, Kapahaka group and cultural dance groups) Students are also trained to be peer tutors to help and teach programs such as Self Pacing Boxes for new beginner, migrant students and other at ‘risk’ students.

The school also offers elective options. Students have a choice of Spanish, German, French, Maori, Hindi embroidery, Chinese Fan dance, Art, Cultural dances, choir, orchestra etc

It is a great school which caters for all the needs of the adolescent student’s growth in a holistic approach. The teacher, parents and the student are continuously consulted in the welfare and growth of the school.