In what is believed to be the only programme of its kind in New Zealand, all 1000 pupils at Havelock North High School are being prepped for the world of business.
Following a review of its timetable at the start of the year, students are undertaking a one-hour class as part of the school's Encompass programme, which teaches skills like leadership, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration.
Principal Greg Fenton said the programme was two years in the planning and thought to be the only school-based programme of its kind nationwide.
"Businesses have been critical of schools for what they are turning out in terms of types of school-leavers and the types of skills they are bringing out with them. Obviously, the business community are looking for people who are more adaptable.
"So, on that basis, as a school, we decided we wanted to better prepare our kids for that next step. We wanted to strengthen our students' learning experience and as such we devised a programme that would specifically teach some of these learning skills and soft skills, which we believe are important for them as they make the step out into the community."