Pigeon Mountain Primary School is a Decile 8 contributing State Primary School, catering for students between Year 0 to Year 6.
The school was established in 1979 and initially comprised 3 variable teaching areas positioned to promote variable space teaching wherever possible. Fifteen classrooms have been added in subsequent years to cater for roll growth. There are large deck areas outside classroom blocks which provide additional multi-purpose learning spaces. In 2017, school modernised 2 clusters of classrooms as the initial phase of the 10 Year Property Plan, creating open plan, flexible spaces conducive to collaborative, mixed age learning. In order to provide learning capacity during these refurbishments, two ‘portable’ spaces were also added in 2017 and remain in-situ for the 2022 year and beyond, with outright purchase completed in 2021. Further learning areas are scheduled for redevelopment using Ministry funding in the 2022 year. A major focus of this planned development will be the alteration of Area F to incorporate sliding doors and decks from classrooms into the school orchard.
A modern library space was constructed in 2005 and is automated, well stocked and managed by a fully qualified librarian. The resource is open before school, and at lunchtime, as well as during classroom hours. School’s resources are well-managed and accessed through a computer database. Each classroom has networked computers and a network upgrade has been completed to provide fibre based, ultra fast broadband through a robust wireless network. A student ‘Bring Your Own Device’ programme has operated for 4 years for senior students, and major investment in portable devices means the school is well-resourced with digital technologies.
The school site is shared with Bucklands Beach Intermediate School. The majority of Pigeon Mountain Primary School students graduate to either Bucklands Beach or Farm Cove intermediate schools and then move into Macleans College or Pakuranga College. Each of these schools sits within 3km of one another. A major redevelopment of the former Waimokoia School adjoining the Pigeon Mountain site into retirement housing is likely to recommence in 2022 after 2 years of inactivity. Pigeon Mountain Primary School has an enrolment scheme to avoid overcrowding. This zone is shared in parts with both Wakaaranga and Macleans Primary schools. This zone is also split between the zones of both local intermediates and colleges.
