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Burnside High School
High School · State · Christchurch
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Review
GREAT SCHOOL
Great school no cameras in toilets so you can have a quick nap if needed. Kids on wheelchairs will give you a quick wheelie ride to class, school canteen sells meth and vape juice for 40% off great deal!! Teachers are highkey retarded one of the teachers asked for my snap but I'm only into gays. DEFENITLY NO BULLYING HERE
Hookups behind P block
Hookups behind P block
This place needs new staff
I got harassed by a group of girls and became super paranoid to be at school to the point I cried every morning for weeks straight and when I was late because of this, the “trusted adult” I was supposed to go, to told me I was just being dramatic and that I should just get to school on time??
Dont come here
crazy amount of bullying for a school that says they are vibrant and lively,
ik a friend who got beat up, reported it, and got framed for smth else by person who beat them up and that person got no punishment, most teachers and staff members don't care about you at all and only care about the reputation of the school. Yes I know all schools have bullying problems but the way this school doesn't really put any effort to management is actually so embarrasing I can't imagine going to a school like this, so glad I moved and my older sibling who graduated from this school hates this school too
ik a friend who got beat up, reported it, and got framed for smth else by person who beat them up and that person got no punishment, most teachers and staff members don't care about you at all and only care about the reputation of the school. Yes I know all schools have bullying problems but the way this school doesn't really put any effort to management is actually so embarrasing I can't imagine going to a school like this, so glad I moved and my older sibling who graduated from this school hates this school too
The truth about burnside
I started at Burnside in 2022 when I was 13.
During my first year, I didn’t have many issues. However, in Year 10 I began struggling significantly with my mental health due to some circumstances at home. My anxiety became extremely bad, which impacted my attendance. My Mum attended several meetings with the principal, deans, and other staff members in an attempt to create a support plan for me, but unfortunately we were just brushed off, nothing actually stuck and they weren’t ACTUALLY willing to give the support they said they were when it came down to it actually being put in place.
Based on my experience, I would not recommend this school for students who require additional emotional or behavioural support. Burnside caters more effectively to people who are already performing well academically and socially. Students who are struggling will not receive the level of understanding or support they need.
Over the two years I attended, I witnessed and experienced multiple situations involving both staff and students that not only I but other staff members, students and parents found concerning. Some of the behaviour I encountered was, in my opinion, disgusting, unprofessional and inappropriate for an environment responsible for the mental and physical wellbeing of teenagers who are in some of the most impressionable and vulnerable years of their lives.
One incident that I remember vividly was in Year 10, a Year 12 student was threatening to physically attack me even though I had never talked to her, seen her and didn’t even know who she was so I was obviously upset by the situation given a stranger is threatening me for no reason.
In a previous situation, I had been told by staff to report issues to the deans rather than handle them myself, so I chose to speak to my dean to see if he could handle the situation. While waiting outside his office, I was visibly a bit shaken and explaining the situation to another student who had asked what was wrong. At that point, Mrs Vaitupu, who was a dean at the time (I’m not sure if she still is) , came to her office door and told me to “stop talking sh**.” This response is extremely dismissive and unprofessional, especially given the of the situation.
I was genuinely shocked and taken aback by the interaction, as I had never experienced a teacher speaking to me like that. Although I was only 14 at the time, I wasn’t going to sit there and say nothing when I was fully aware how inappropriate and unprofessional it is to make that comment. I responded by calmly explaining that I was not “talking sh**” and that I had been specifically advised by staff to report situations like this to the deans rather than handle them myself. She then cuts me off and tells me that I shouldn’t be talking to staff that way and that if I have any issues at school my parents can contact them after the fact Instead of me “trying to get out of class” (waiting to talk to the dean).
Not long afterwards, while I was still waiting outside the deans office, a disabled student and his mother visited the school for a tour. Mrs Vaitupu was polite and welcoming while speaking with them. However, after they left, the student’s mother wheeled him down the ramp outside the building, and Mrs Vaitupu started hysterically laughing before saying to another student, “I thought he was going to roll down.” (Which is honestly just pathetic coming from her given that she practically rolls down the ramp herself) Hearing a staff member make a joke like that about a disabled child is honestly just disgusting and SO inappropriate.
The threat situation was not resolved that day even though this particular girl was known to all the staff and deans because she was constantly getting into fights, bullying people etc, so I left school and went home. The next day, I saw the same girl again and she attempted to start a physical fight with me. At the time, she was two years older than me and SIGNIFICANTLY larger, and the situation had escalated over something that could and should have been addressed properly the day before.
What was most frustrating was that the issue had already been brought to the attention of staff, yet no action had been taken to prevent further escalation. The situation nearly turned physical until some of my cousin, who also attended the school, happened to walk past and intervene. Once she stepped in, the other girl backed off and left the situation because she would NEVER fight somebody that’s her own age and size.
To this day, I strongly believe the entire incident could have been avoided if the concerns I raised initially had been taken seriously and handled by staff.
After this incident, my mum met with my dean and requested that Mrs Vaitupu no longer be involved in matters relating to me, since she no longer felt confident in Mrs Vaitupu’s ability to appropriately handle bullying or student wellbeing concerns. After this, I often felt uncomfortable around her, as she would visibly roll her eyes when interacting with me or just talk in a really condescending tone.
The one area of support I can genuinely speak positively about was the counselling service, especially Amanda, who was incredibly kind and supportive throughout my time there. She was one of the main reasons I stayed at the school as long as I did, I am very grateful for her and think of her often, I hope she’s doing good. It’s amazing that they have good councillors because if you send your child here they are going to need it.
I decided to post this because I just saw a Facebook post from a mother whose daughter had allegedly been severely bullied at Burnside, with little effective intervention from the school. According to the post, the situation became so serious that her daughter started running away and self-harming. I feel so much empathy for her, when I attended burnside I had issues with other students but I was able to stand up for myself and I wasn’t shy, I spoke my mind and I still felt defeated so I can’t even imagine how she’s feeling.
To any student or parent experiencing something similar, I want you to know that I genuinely understand how exhausting and isolating it can feel when you are trying desperately to get support for yourself/child and you are not being heard.
There was one occasion where my mother got off the phone with Mr Land in tears due to how angry and upset she was that he dismissed everything she said and how disrespected she felt during the interaction. In my 14 years of life at the time, I had never seen my mother cry because of the way another person had treated her, she normally didn’t let things get to her and I could count on my hand the amount of times I’ve seen her cry in my ENTIRE life. She was so tired of being ignored and was doing her best to make sure that I didn’t literally k*ll myself due to the treatment I was receiving from not only students but STAFF.
She had been advocating for me while I was struggling significantly with my mental health and school attendance, and instead of feeling supported, she left the conversation feeling completely invalidated.
After this, my father contacted Mr Land himself and firmly stated that all future matters regarding me would go through him. During that interaction, Mr Land’s attitude was entirely different. He was calm, respectful, apologetic, and assured my father that he would do whatever necessary to support me moving forward. When my father later attended a meeting with Mr Land and myself, the contrast in behaviour was extremely noticeable. For the first time, he wasn’t being dismissive, he wasn’t being condescending, he was being respectful like a good boy because he was talking to a man instead of a women. He would never talk down to my dad the way he did to my mum because he knew better than that. So that shows you the type of man he is.
While I cannot speak for anyone else’s experience, this change in attitude was difficult to ignore and soon after I left burnside and moved schools, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I left burnside in year 10 with no credits and now I’m year 13 with NCEA Level 1,2 and 10 credits to go until level 3 and have had no problems with bullying at school since, and any small incidents that have occurred these past 3 years were taken care of effectively.
I have been trying to share the things that have happened for YEARS and they continue to remove my reviews from google and now they’ve completely disabled them (probably because it makes them look HORRIBLE when everybody starts telling the truth about the experience you will have)
Anyways special shoutout to Mr land and Mrs Vaitupu, I’m grateful that you gave me such a bad experience, that you invalidated me and punished me for standing up for myself. With all that was said and done you probably even remember half of the stuff that you did to me but I don’t care because all it’s done is make my life better. I’m still in school and doing great with my studies, I own my own business and make 5 figures a month, fully moved out and live alone with my boyfriend, no debt and a great credit score for an 18 year old. Thank you for driving me away from that sh*tty school.
During my first year, I didn’t have many issues. However, in Year 10 I began struggling significantly with my mental health due to some circumstances at home. My anxiety became extremely bad, which impacted my attendance. My Mum attended several meetings with the principal, deans, and other staff members in an attempt to create a support plan for me, but unfortunately we were just brushed off, nothing actually stuck and they weren’t ACTUALLY willing to give the support they said they were when it came down to it actually being put in place.
Based on my experience, I would not recommend this school for students who require additional emotional or behavioural support. Burnside caters more effectively to people who are already performing well academically and socially. Students who are struggling will not receive the level of understanding or support they need.
Over the two years I attended, I witnessed and experienced multiple situations involving both staff and students that not only I but other staff members, students and parents found concerning. Some of the behaviour I encountered was, in my opinion, disgusting, unprofessional and inappropriate for an environment responsible for the mental and physical wellbeing of teenagers who are in some of the most impressionable and vulnerable years of their lives.
One incident that I remember vividly was in Year 10, a Year 12 student was threatening to physically attack me even though I had never talked to her, seen her and didn’t even know who she was so I was obviously upset by the situation given a stranger is threatening me for no reason.
In a previous situation, I had been told by staff to report issues to the deans rather than handle them myself, so I chose to speak to my dean to see if he could handle the situation. While waiting outside his office, I was visibly a bit shaken and explaining the situation to another student who had asked what was wrong. At that point, Mrs Vaitupu, who was a dean at the time (I’m not sure if she still is) , came to her office door and told me to “stop talking sh**.” This response is extremely dismissive and unprofessional, especially given the of the situation.
I was genuinely shocked and taken aback by the interaction, as I had never experienced a teacher speaking to me like that. Although I was only 14 at the time, I wasn’t going to sit there and say nothing when I was fully aware how inappropriate and unprofessional it is to make that comment. I responded by calmly explaining that I was not “talking sh**” and that I had been specifically advised by staff to report situations like this to the deans rather than handle them myself. She then cuts me off and tells me that I shouldn’t be talking to staff that way and that if I have any issues at school my parents can contact them after the fact Instead of me “trying to get out of class” (waiting to talk to the dean).
Not long afterwards, while I was still waiting outside the deans office, a disabled student and his mother visited the school for a tour. Mrs Vaitupu was polite and welcoming while speaking with them. However, after they left, the student’s mother wheeled him down the ramp outside the building, and Mrs Vaitupu started hysterically laughing before saying to another student, “I thought he was going to roll down.” (Which is honestly just pathetic coming from her given that she practically rolls down the ramp herself) Hearing a staff member make a joke like that about a disabled child is honestly just disgusting and SO inappropriate.
The threat situation was not resolved that day even though this particular girl was known to all the staff and deans because she was constantly getting into fights, bullying people etc, so I left school and went home. The next day, I saw the same girl again and she attempted to start a physical fight with me. At the time, she was two years older than me and SIGNIFICANTLY larger, and the situation had escalated over something that could and should have been addressed properly the day before.
What was most frustrating was that the issue had already been brought to the attention of staff, yet no action had been taken to prevent further escalation. The situation nearly turned physical until some of my cousin, who also attended the school, happened to walk past and intervene. Once she stepped in, the other girl backed off and left the situation because she would NEVER fight somebody that’s her own age and size.
To this day, I strongly believe the entire incident could have been avoided if the concerns I raised initially had been taken seriously and handled by staff.
After this incident, my mum met with my dean and requested that Mrs Vaitupu no longer be involved in matters relating to me, since she no longer felt confident in Mrs Vaitupu’s ability to appropriately handle bullying or student wellbeing concerns. After this, I often felt uncomfortable around her, as she would visibly roll her eyes when interacting with me or just talk in a really condescending tone.
The one area of support I can genuinely speak positively about was the counselling service, especially Amanda, who was incredibly kind and supportive throughout my time there. She was one of the main reasons I stayed at the school as long as I did, I am very grateful for her and think of her often, I hope she’s doing good. It’s amazing that they have good councillors because if you send your child here they are going to need it.
I decided to post this because I just saw a Facebook post from a mother whose daughter had allegedly been severely bullied at Burnside, with little effective intervention from the school. According to the post, the situation became so serious that her daughter started running away and self-harming. I feel so much empathy for her, when I attended burnside I had issues with other students but I was able to stand up for myself and I wasn’t shy, I spoke my mind and I still felt defeated so I can’t even imagine how she’s feeling.
To any student or parent experiencing something similar, I want you to know that I genuinely understand how exhausting and isolating it can feel when you are trying desperately to get support for yourself/child and you are not being heard.
There was one occasion where my mother got off the phone with Mr Land in tears due to how angry and upset she was that he dismissed everything she said and how disrespected she felt during the interaction. In my 14 years of life at the time, I had never seen my mother cry because of the way another person had treated her, she normally didn’t let things get to her and I could count on my hand the amount of times I’ve seen her cry in my ENTIRE life. She was so tired of being ignored and was doing her best to make sure that I didn’t literally k*ll myself due to the treatment I was receiving from not only students but STAFF.
She had been advocating for me while I was struggling significantly with my mental health and school attendance, and instead of feeling supported, she left the conversation feeling completely invalidated.
After this, my father contacted Mr Land himself and firmly stated that all future matters regarding me would go through him. During that interaction, Mr Land’s attitude was entirely different. He was calm, respectful, apologetic, and assured my father that he would do whatever necessary to support me moving forward. When my father later attended a meeting with Mr Land and myself, the contrast in behaviour was extremely noticeable. For the first time, he wasn’t being dismissive, he wasn’t being condescending, he was being respectful like a good boy because he was talking to a man instead of a women. He would never talk down to my dad the way he did to my mum because he knew better than that. So that shows you the type of man he is.
While I cannot speak for anyone else’s experience, this change in attitude was difficult to ignore and soon after I left burnside and moved schools, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I left burnside in year 10 with no credits and now I’m year 13 with NCEA Level 1,2 and 10 credits to go until level 3 and have had no problems with bullying at school since, and any small incidents that have occurred these past 3 years were taken care of effectively.
I have been trying to share the things that have happened for YEARS and they continue to remove my reviews from google and now they’ve completely disabled them (probably because it makes them look HORRIBLE when everybody starts telling the truth about the experience you will have)
Anyways special shoutout to Mr land and Mrs Vaitupu, I’m grateful that you gave me such a bad experience, that you invalidated me and punished me for standing up for myself. With all that was said and done you probably even remember half of the stuff that you did to me but I don’t care because all it’s done is make my life better. I’m still in school and doing great with my studies, I own my own business and make 5 figures a month, fully moved out and live alone with my boyfriend, no debt and a great credit score for an 18 year old. Thank you for driving me away from that sh*tty school.
Lowkirkenuenly bad asf
My sibling genuinely got her shit rocked and the school lowkirkenuenly didn't do anything. The uniform is bum and people are master baiters in the bathroom and I don't mean their catching fish. Some teachers r lowk nice but a lot r kinda bum. They care too much about the uniform even tho its butt quality and blazers genuinely ripped even tho the people wearing weren't obese. Shoutout to the orchestra teacher she's fire, that's my twin. People here genuinely drug girls and rape them. Deadass It's diabolical. I wish we had non-uniform I feel like a freaking nun. Also the building stink of shit, and so do the students. Canteen expensive and everybody here broke asf.
Good enough for a mainstream school.
I’m a year 10 who used to go to Burnside, I now go to another school which I will not disclose due to privacy reasons. In my honest opinion, there are definitely things the school can improve on, but nonetheless it is a good school. The subjects are good, they have nice clubs, and if you get the right teachers your year will be a blast. Alas, no schools are perfect. Especially this one. The bullying is immense and they don’t do much about it. If you’re falling behind and you have a bad teacher they don’t really care. The workload is stressful. If you’re surrounded by friends and good teachers it’s a fantastic school, no doubt! But be aware of the complications before enrolling.
image image image
Wasted 4 years of my life and feel incredibly let down by Burnside. This school cares more about their image than their students. Unless you are already excelling or can represent them in some way they could not care less about you. Upon entering university I realised how let down I had been by this school. The students struggling the most are the ones being consistently let down.
Fantastic teachers but horrendous after school bullying
One of my children started here but didn't last long. The teachers and many of the students that attend were fantastic. He absolutely loved it despite the hugeness of the school. It was after school that was a problem. He was a prisoner on the grounds. If he walked out the gate, there he and others would face horrendous bullying including kids putting cigarettes out on other students skin. In the end the only solution was to move schools. He was so disappointed as the school really did feel like a fantastic fit. Sadly the school can't police what goes on outside school grounds. So I'm not sure what the solution for this is.
My honest opinion on this (I am got glazing BHS.)
I am actually a current Yr 10 student who goes to Burnside High School. I've seen countless reviews on how the school is terrible and saying how the school isn't so great, stating how there're terrible students, bad teachers, pricey uniform, etc. I frankly agree with them, but it's not like Burnside High School is the only school facing these current problems, other schools in New Zealand and around the world are facing them, too!
When I started Burnside High School last year, the classmates I ended up with are relatively chill, minding their own businesses and chilling with their friends. Of course, not everyone was like that, but what can we expect? The world is a huge place, and there are many types of people, whether or not it's pleasant to acknowledge it. I had great teachers who helped me find easy tips and tricks in class, I made great friends along the way who are studious like me, and I'm not complaining! Of course, Yr 9 wasn't all rainbows, with crappy substitutes, dealing with some certain people shit-talking, but it's all a part of life.
From my personal experience in international schools, I'd say that Burnside High School isn't anything new! The only difference? I'm not in primary anymore, and everyone knows a lot more now, about the internet, about slangs, and sometimes trying a bit too hard to fit in with trends, getting boyfriends, vaping, etc.
For me, Burnside High School is a real eye-opener, a taste of the world. Sure, the uniform is pricey, and they make us wear loads of stuff, but what can we do? Unless we do some petition to get the old uniform back, nothing's happening!
As I say this, and for any other fellow Burnside High School students reading this; Take this as an opportunity, take Burnside High School as an opportunity! You're lucky to be in a big school with lots of people you'll meet, some pleasant, some absolutely shit! Whether it's teachers or other fellow students! Some other people are not so lucky to have this! Burnside High School is an opportunity for you to open your eyes, and see what things truly are like. With teachers who have experience with different aspects of life, and getting to know other students from different cultures and parts of the world!
My honest opinion on this school? It's an opportunity! So don't shoot it down.
When I started Burnside High School last year, the classmates I ended up with are relatively chill, minding their own businesses and chilling with their friends. Of course, not everyone was like that, but what can we expect? The world is a huge place, and there are many types of people, whether or not it's pleasant to acknowledge it. I had great teachers who helped me find easy tips and tricks in class, I made great friends along the way who are studious like me, and I'm not complaining! Of course, Yr 9 wasn't all rainbows, with crappy substitutes, dealing with some certain people shit-talking, but it's all a part of life.
From my personal experience in international schools, I'd say that Burnside High School isn't anything new! The only difference? I'm not in primary anymore, and everyone knows a lot more now, about the internet, about slangs, and sometimes trying a bit too hard to fit in with trends, getting boyfriends, vaping, etc.
For me, Burnside High School is a real eye-opener, a taste of the world. Sure, the uniform is pricey, and they make us wear loads of stuff, but what can we do? Unless we do some petition to get the old uniform back, nothing's happening!
As I say this, and for any other fellow Burnside High School students reading this; Take this as an opportunity, take Burnside High School as an opportunity! You're lucky to be in a big school with lots of people you'll meet, some pleasant, some absolutely shit! Whether it's teachers or other fellow students! Some other people are not so lucky to have this! Burnside High School is an opportunity for you to open your eyes, and see what things truly are like. With teachers who have experience with different aspects of life, and getting to know other students from different cultures and parts of the world!
My honest opinion on this school? It's an opportunity! So don't shoot it down.
the true review
lowkey the other reviews hating. the uniform rules are strict as and some of the facilites r buns. but it aint that bad they just hating to hate. they think they at a private school 😭😭😭😭😭you won't get jumped ive been at the school 2 years and i have seen 2 people be jumped entire time. just dont be a egg and you will be alr. but i promise i aint glazing ts school mid ash
Don't take it for granted
Compared to the other schools I've been to Burnside is still the best out of them. There are a lot of things to do as the school doesn't seem to lack in resourses. However, there are a few issues to be discussed. For example the uniforms. Almost everyone who goes here seems to have a problem with the uniform enforcement. The school focuses way too much on student appearances that it becomes tiresome. For example their enforcement of blazers- a waste of money that seems to be their top priority. Teachers think this is a private school when its really not. they have problems with people wearing the school hats which makes 0 sense since its sold as uniform?? Why should we remove them when it costed an arm and a leg just because it has the school logo. In terms of student behavior there's a whole bunch of different kinds of students. I myself have yet to actually encounter a actual threat. However I was harassed once when loitering around a unfamiliar area of the school when a few guys came up and started being a nuisance. I like the inclusivity such as the learning centre its very good for those who live with disability or difficulty's learning and there doesn't seem to be alot of teacher bullies.
This school isn’t helpful
As a current year 10 here, this school is mediocre at best, i’m just tired going everyday and meeting teachers who i swear are discriminating on purpose, because what the hell do you you mean my friend got told off for saying “miss what did he do?” And MOST of the female teachers, not all female teachers i swear are sexist, i slightly pull out my device, immediately told off but a group of girls literally yelling with their devices out, nah the most they get is a “please quiet down” and if you begin to fall behind in the system, i swear this school doesn’t try to let you catch up, just keep going forwards
If your talent isn’t something you can immediately show off, then you’re pointless here, just another piece that they use for statistics, to be a number and nothing else, overall oh and if you have begun to form a liking or talent towards something especially in a choice subject, then burnside won’t care about it, i honestly wish i’d gone to papanui instead of here
If your talent isn’t something you can immediately show off, then you’re pointless here, just another piece that they use for statistics, to be a number and nothing else, overall oh and if you have begun to form a liking or talent towards something especially in a choice subject, then burnside won’t care about it, i honestly wish i’d gone to papanui instead of here
100% honest review from 2025 new student.
New student here, had really low expectations for the school cuz of the extremely bad reviews students had posted, however after transferring from a so called top private school in New Zealand and coming to burnside, I actually had a great experience.
School facilities are fine, don't know why studnets complain so much about it on reviews, cuz tbh your not even paying any real direct school fee .... In my opinion the facilities are fine for public school standard, if you don't like it then go pay $30,000 for private education.
About racist language, and behaviour stuff mentioned on previous reviews is true. However, I think the intention is much pure, like it doesn't contain extreme hate or anything, its more like joking around. And, really what school in New Zealand or any school around the globe doesn't have these problems? The answer is probably any school with a bunch of immature kids will have these problems, and burnside's environment is actually much more accepting and kind cuz of it's students are really diverse with literally every ethnicity.
Now talking about education quality, burnside definitely has a standard education pretty similar to my old private school- infact it is actually better. From my personal experience, my teachers this year are great, Bio teacher is actually teaching (slides, scipad, modelling, white board) which really contrasts from my old school bio teacher who doesn't teach anything, just sitting there and make us do notes from a slide she put up. Math teacher i got this year is a guy with a funny accent who really pushes us to do exercise pages which I find helpful. Geo teacher is a lovely lady who really cares about my social life in school as a new student, however could improve on maybe keeping the lesson more organised and add more structural stuff. And lastly, my eco teacher i got this year is AMAZING !!!!!! SHOUT OUT TO MRS. BARKER !!! She is enthusiastic with teaching, keeps the class thinking and gives us lots and lots of exercises to do which i found extremely helpful in revising for internals. I am really grateful for having Mrs.Barker this year for economics and I'm actually thinking of taking business next year if i get her, hopefully.
Overall, if you are a parent or student, Burnside high is definitely a school you should consider. School cares about students progress, needs, and provides a good education quality with a wide variety of subjects you can choose from, giving options for both university pathway and early career pathway.
Lastly, I am no prefect or anyone who want's to get somewhere with this review, I am just honestly enjoying life in burnside, so don't get me wrong with me being a "try hard".
School facilities are fine, don't know why studnets complain so much about it on reviews, cuz tbh your not even paying any real direct school fee .... In my opinion the facilities are fine for public school standard, if you don't like it then go pay $30,000 for private education.
About racist language, and behaviour stuff mentioned on previous reviews is true. However, I think the intention is much pure, like it doesn't contain extreme hate or anything, its more like joking around. And, really what school in New Zealand or any school around the globe doesn't have these problems? The answer is probably any school with a bunch of immature kids will have these problems, and burnside's environment is actually much more accepting and kind cuz of it's students are really diverse with literally every ethnicity.
Now talking about education quality, burnside definitely has a standard education pretty similar to my old private school- infact it is actually better. From my personal experience, my teachers this year are great, Bio teacher is actually teaching (slides, scipad, modelling, white board) which really contrasts from my old school bio teacher who doesn't teach anything, just sitting there and make us do notes from a slide she put up. Math teacher i got this year is a guy with a funny accent who really pushes us to do exercise pages which I find helpful. Geo teacher is a lovely lady who really cares about my social life in school as a new student, however could improve on maybe keeping the lesson more organised and add more structural stuff. And lastly, my eco teacher i got this year is AMAZING !!!!!! SHOUT OUT TO MRS. BARKER !!! She is enthusiastic with teaching, keeps the class thinking and gives us lots and lots of exercises to do which i found extremely helpful in revising for internals. I am really grateful for having Mrs.Barker this year for economics and I'm actually thinking of taking business next year if i get her, hopefully.
Overall, if you are a parent or student, Burnside high is definitely a school you should consider. School cares about students progress, needs, and provides a good education quality with a wide variety of subjects you can choose from, giving options for both university pathway and early career pathway.
Lastly, I am no prefect or anyone who want's to get somewhere with this review, I am just honestly enjoying life in burnside, so don't get me wrong with me being a "try hard".
this place lowkey sucks
This school is honestly horrible. Teachers are constantly on the wrong things as in a buttoned shirt and wearing a tie slightly loose yet will let a student go for stealing money?? they don't care about the students at all and are rude to the wrong people.
Bad school
Horrendous treatment of students, teachers blatantly discriminate and nothing is being done to warrant change in their department, narrow minded deans who put students at fault constantly. Students vape and fight each other more often than you can borrow a pen, drugs are easier to acquire than basic school stuff such as borrowing rubbers. overpriced canteen and horrendous programs personalised for social butterflies. No help provided for learning disabilities or other things that might impact a student's progress. Do not come to this school. Punishment doesnt fit the crime, you could get suspeneded for saying "ok" to a teacher before you get a punishment for harrasing other students.
i'm a suffering yr 10, pls help me
this school is absolutely foul, worst students ever i hope they all ROT. the homophobia, racism and sexism at this school is insane, like it would take more then a jackhammer to drill the idea of doing something about it into a teachers head
save yourself, do not come here
save yourself, do not come here
burnside
some of the teachers are nice but not a lot. I'm in year 10 and think I've had two or three teachers actually being nice over almost two years. the teachers claim to care about bullying and mental health but the only thing they'll actually do something about is if you're wearing the correct socks. it baffles me how a teacher can care more about SOCKS than if someone is thinking about suicide. and I don't get the deal with the new uniform, it's so unnecessarily expensive and we don't even get a winter uniform. I'm not buying a long-sleeved shirt for winter because just the uniform basics (two shirts, two skirts, a jacket/cardigan, and a blazer + tie ) are over $900. That is insanity considering this is a public school. Some students' families cannot afford that and buying a long-sleeved shirt for one won't make us any warmer and two, is just another unnecessary expense. There is absolutely no indoor seating allowed unless it's currently raining, which doesn't include if it finished raining two minutes before lunch and everything is soaking wet. even without the rain, I've had to sit outside for almost an hour at lunchtime in -1-degree weather with strong wind. DONT SEND YOUR CHILDREN HERE
bad school
this shit sucks, do not recommend
not good one bit lol
i dont really like this its defenily full of drugs and people getting beat up of somthing small. i dont think this is a good school expeshaly if you dont want to do drugs i regret comming here its to easy to get away with stuff its easyer to vape than go on your phone at this school drugs are everywhere this is unexeable burnside really only cares how you look as a student and not any thing else
alot of things wrong with this school, like drugs vapes , sex in bathroom, people masterbaiting in bathroom, people getting there nudes leaked, girls are getting raped, and girls are also faking there age to have sex with older guys, this schoool is just atroshus
and they dont help with kids learning as you may be abke to see with my gramer
alot of things wrong with this school, like drugs vapes , sex in bathroom, people masterbaiting in bathroom, people getting there nudes leaked, girls are getting raped, and girls are also faking there age to have sex with older guys, this schoool is just atroshus
and they dont help with kids learning as you may be abke to see with my gramer
What burnside is like
Burnside has so much wrong with it like why are the building another block when the ones they already have are falling apart, another thing wrong with burnside is the drugs I think I could get drugs quicker than I can borrow a pen and I’m not joking it’s that easy at burnside. The girls are getting raped and sexual assaulted. Guys and girls are getting nudes leaked. People are masterbaiting in bathrooms. People are bearing people up and bulling them for no reason. The teachers really don’t care in math I’m a bit behind and the teacher dosnt help me and when I ask for help he stops the whole class and makes me feel embarrassed and stupid for asking. There are some amazing teachers at burnside who help me in class and I have some good chats with some of my teachers. And this stupid phone rule is just not good becuase I see more vapes than phones now which probably isn’t good. I don’t know what people are on about with pear pressure I think it’s the opposite the vapers don’t want people on it there not bad people they just do bad things. I think schools need to focus on stoping the drugs and vapes before the phones Becuase now I can’t listen to music witch sucks because idk how listing music is worse than going to the bathroom to vape and do drugs. This is the grammer from a burnside high school student
FAR from inclusive. They are liars.
Not the worst, but very substandard, over-whelming and far from inclusive. Only caters for the precocious and confident; if you're a social butterfly who is exceptional at sports, academics or maybe music, you're in for a treat (especially if you excel in the sports domain, they will bestow you with royalty treatment as you've camouflaged the fact that the school itself is very subpar). On the other hand, if you're reticent, reserved, one who likes to keep to themselves, have a learning disability, have a mental illness that hinders your well-being and self-esteem or if you're just not a star at anything, you'll be classified as a number/minority and the faculty will turn a blind eye to your needs. So much for "wE cArE aBoUt EvErYoNe!!!!!" Definitely other schools to consider.
anfair
This one PE teacher said that i was being bad at pe and ya want to know why its because it was nearly the end of school and i had to check the time and see if i had any important messages from my mum or any other family members and when i was checking she was being so sassy to me that she called me out for playing a game because apparently i was tapping the screen and she even admitted that she was being sassy saying it to other students in my class and then when the bell ring I was saying some thoughts out loud about her just my personal mind that i said out loud and she ears dropped and said are you talking about me and i was just standing there like what? then she was going on about how she doesn't Singley pick me to yell at By the way my friend was on his phone at one point and the teacher looked at him and didn't give him a bad time but my respond to the teacher was just ok because i don't want to complain and then she said why were you on your phone and i said i was just checking the time and looking at what i had tomorrow at school and she didn't even answer and then she was being sassy again saying Ill put you in dentation if i see you do that again even tho i was just checking the time when there was like 30 seconds of school left.
mediocre school
Honestly can’t believe they can even call themselves a good school, it’s honestly embarrassing how homophobic, racist and literally how disrespectful some of the student and sometimes the teachers here are. Especially the younger year levels, where is the management of these students behaviour after school? I’ve heard students cussing random people out, being downright racist and saying slurs to other students minding their own business or walking back home, and it’s disgusting. Not to mention some teachers at this school pick on new students that are shy, people are trying to go to school to learn they’re not trying to develop mental health issues. The classrooms and equipment are all old and run down, but the school still spends thousands on building new toilets and not renovating the run down classrooms. Classrooms are hot in the summer, and sometimes the heat pump would be on, in the winter the classrooms are so cold to the point where you can see your own breath. They care so much about school uniform and their image but how are some of these students getting away with their behaviour, terrorising everyone around them like they own the place?? I’m embarrassed that I ever considered that things would get better at this school.
Disappointing
The school isn’t good, it’s not as great as they promote it to be. Students here are disrespectful, they use incredibly foul and racist and homophobic language and it’s all very normalised. Students vape and smoke in the toilets and the teachers do nothing about it, they care so much about their image that the students have to spend so much money on uniform but they can’t even handle this situation because they think it’s a hassle to deal with. Not to mention not all the teachers here are nice, some pick on new students that are a little bit shy and think that it’ll be easy to intimidate them. The classrooms and most things in Burnside are all in poor condition, cold and damaged classrooms, peeling paint off walls and windows.
Student
Burnside is a great school with awesome opportunities, the teachers know what they're on about and actually want to teach. The extra curricular activities at Burnside range from drama club all the way to underwater hockey, so you can guarantee there is a place for everyone.
Thoughts on my old school
I didn't really like my time at this school because the students were rude I had my iPad broken by a bully and the school didn't do anything about it same with my friend the learning support was like being in year 1 again because that was all the work was like and they took me off the learning support after I passed a 1 with their help then the next year was a lot harder another problem I had was bussing the bus didn't stay at the school for very long and it made that hard for students who had PE last period because you weren't allowed to leave in your PE gear you had to get change fast to make it to the bus in time the students on the bus always misbehaved and made it miserable to bus
shittedt school
I told the school abt my suicidal issue and they did NOTHING!!! disgusting place i had to leave because of the way i was treated as i had a misbehaved older brother that all the teachers judged me off, and i did come in and have some mental health issues and the school just shamed me so much that it got to the point where i would not show up to school and then would cry about having to go to where the teachers didn't understand me
Burnside high school
I'm about to leave bhs after I graduate this year and from my 3 years of high school, it's been alright.
I absolutely hate the juniors because they get worse every year as most of them fool around, vape, smoke weed, or cause a ruckus outside classes that are in session. Of course, this isn't just limited to juniors but I do find it extremely disappointing that juniors want to vape etc. I had a girl in my math class in year 11 that did weed and she's been gone since. My advice is to stay away from stuff like this, it won't do you or anyone good and it's expensive. Save up for food or something.
I've been lucky to have quite good teachers up until now, so depending on the teacher you get it may or may not affect how you do in class. Even if you get a 'bad' teacher you've got to suck it up and focus on your work.
A new uniform has been introduced this year and it's too expensive. The socks for one are ugly, like why can't students keep wearing white socks?? I think the uniform isn't that good even if it makes you look a bit smart. It doesn't capture the original or real essence of bhs, at least not in my opinion.
As a senior, you get treated differently. In year 11 it's like a dip in the pool and in year 12 you have the expectation of knowing what to do. Being in year 13 you're given a little bit of freedom, such as wearing non-uniform clothing, self study periods, and leaving those study periods. For non-uniform the deans seem to he strict about what you wear, for one, you shouldn't wear anything ripped, too short, open toe, or anything that shows stomach. About the shoes, it's probably due to safety measures for when you're in a science classroom. The study periods that are 4th period allows students to go out for lunch as it then goes into lunch break. But, this means you have to be back for whatever class you have in 5th period. Attendance is really important in year 13 as you need a certain percentage to graduate the year. If you have 5th period study you can actually leave for home.
I absolutely love the biology teachers as they're so nice and good at teaching. The art teachers too, absolutely lovely. With art in year 13 you definitely get more freedom. You find artists to implement certain conventions to your theme rather than having to abide by an artist you don't choose.
I think bhs is better than rhs, it seems about accurate because I've got friends at rhs that complain a lot about classes etc there.
Find people that don't keep you from learning, instead you should find friends that support you etc. Ngl, I've always hated those groups of people who are loud and never really do work in class. I'd try to stay away from them, but if you can't and you feel really bad, you can talk to a teacher.
Bhs is not the best, but it's ok.
I absolutely hate the juniors because they get worse every year as most of them fool around, vape, smoke weed, or cause a ruckus outside classes that are in session. Of course, this isn't just limited to juniors but I do find it extremely disappointing that juniors want to vape etc. I had a girl in my math class in year 11 that did weed and she's been gone since. My advice is to stay away from stuff like this, it won't do you or anyone good and it's expensive. Save up for food or something.
I've been lucky to have quite good teachers up until now, so depending on the teacher you get it may or may not affect how you do in class. Even if you get a 'bad' teacher you've got to suck it up and focus on your work.
A new uniform has been introduced this year and it's too expensive. The socks for one are ugly, like why can't students keep wearing white socks?? I think the uniform isn't that good even if it makes you look a bit smart. It doesn't capture the original or real essence of bhs, at least not in my opinion.
As a senior, you get treated differently. In year 11 it's like a dip in the pool and in year 12 you have the expectation of knowing what to do. Being in year 13 you're given a little bit of freedom, such as wearing non-uniform clothing, self study periods, and leaving those study periods. For non-uniform the deans seem to he strict about what you wear, for one, you shouldn't wear anything ripped, too short, open toe, or anything that shows stomach. About the shoes, it's probably due to safety measures for when you're in a science classroom. The study periods that are 4th period allows students to go out for lunch as it then goes into lunch break. But, this means you have to be back for whatever class you have in 5th period. Attendance is really important in year 13 as you need a certain percentage to graduate the year. If you have 5th period study you can actually leave for home.
I absolutely love the biology teachers as they're so nice and good at teaching. The art teachers too, absolutely lovely. With art in year 13 you definitely get more freedom. You find artists to implement certain conventions to your theme rather than having to abide by an artist you don't choose.
I think bhs is better than rhs, it seems about accurate because I've got friends at rhs that complain a lot about classes etc there.
Find people that don't keep you from learning, instead you should find friends that support you etc. Ngl, I've always hated those groups of people who are loud and never really do work in class. I'd try to stay away from them, but if you can't and you feel really bad, you can talk to a teacher.
Bhs is not the best, but it's ok.
don’t recommend
I found the school okay, some teachers were really good and shared their passion with the subject however I had multiple situations of teachers telling me to kms or that i deserved to be dead. I told the dean and the principal but all they told me was that there was nothing they could do.
Showing 30 of total 52 reviews
Greers Road, Unknown, Christchurch
Phillip Holstein
03 358 8383
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One of the greatest strengths of Burnside High School is the wide range of academic, sporting, cultural, and extracurricular opportunities available to students. As one of New Zealand's largest secondary schools, it offers a diverse learning environment where students can discover and pursue their interests. The school is well known for its strong academic standards, excellent facilities, and supportive pastoral care system.
I particularly appreciated the multicultural environment, which allowed me to meet people from many different backgrounds and develop lifelong friendships. The school encouraged respect, excellence, and personal growth, helping students prepare for future study and careers.
Overall, my experience at Burnside High School was very positive, and I am grateful for the knowledge, skills, and values I gained during my time there. I would highly recommend Burnside High School to students looking for a well-rounded and high-quality education in Christchurch.