Year 9

• Young men coming into Year 9 at Palmersrton North Boys' High School will be academically challenged to perform to their potential, while at the same time being required to actively participate in at least two of the  extra-curricular activities that the school offers.
• They will be placed in a Form Class according to their ability, primarily based on an Entrance Test undertaken prior to enrolment.
• Students in each Form Class are together for the four Core Subjects.
• Homework is an integral part of the academic programme at Palmerston North Boys' High School and students can expect to get at least one and one half hours homework per night.
• Students are challenged to strive for excellence and may be moved into a different Form Class as a result of their achievements.
• Examinations are an integral part of the Year Nine academic programme and all students must sit two lots of examinations during the year, in all subjects. The top scholars in each Form Class and in each subject are acknowledged and receive a prize at the End of Year Academic Prize Giving.
• As part of the streaming process, the school believes in acceleration and therefore offers three Accelerated Classes. Students in these classes study English, Mathematics and Science at an advanced level (i.e. year 10 level).
• In addition, two Learning Assistance Classes are provided to cater for those students who for some reason have fallen behind in their learning progression and require more individual teacher input. These are small classes that have two teachers for Mathematics and English. Students in these classes are chosen carefully and a diligent work ethic and good behaviour are essential attributes for a student to remain in one of these classes.

All Year 9 students study the four core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. In addition, students study compulsory option subjects of Information Communication Technology and Drama for one term each. Physical Education and Health are also a compulsory subject. Students in the first six streamed classes study one year-long option of Performance Music or a Language in addition to two half-year option subjects. Students in the remaining classes study three half-year option subjects.

The option subjects available to students are as follows: Visual Arts; Music Studies; Graphics; Workshop Wood; Workshop Metal; Business Studies; Horticulture; English Enrichment; Te reo Maori; Latin; French; Japanese.