Motueka High School New Zealand

Motueka High School is a community school serving the township of Motueka and the surrounding districts. It is situated in a beautiful part of New Zealand on the coast and within a very short distance to three National Parks - Abel Tasman, Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes.

We have approximately 630 students from a diverse range of nationalities and backgrounds giving the school a unique flavour. We are proud of our achievements.

Our students have excelled academically in National exams. We have a proud reputation in the Visual and Performing Arts and won the Nelson Region Stage Challenge last year. We have also excelled at a range of sporting events and had excellent representation in Regional and National age group teams and competitions including hockey, touch, golf, shooting, swimming and athletics to name a few.

Our unique position as the 'gateway' to the National Parks in this region has encouraged the development of Outdoor Education within the school which is a popular module with our Seniors. We also recognize our cultural diversity with the establishment of a Whanau Class within the school that is open to all students to be a part of.

Motueka High School also prides itself in the way in which we look after the emotional and behavioural welfare of our students. We have an excellent Guidance/Deans network along with a specialist Learning Resource Centre to provide help to those students with particular learning difficulties.

PROGRAMMES OF STUDY

ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL)

When a student to whom English is a second language first arrives at Motueka High School, he/she is referred to the International Students' Department for assessment and an individual study programme is prepared for them.

Some students with limited English may spend most of their time at first studying English, but all students are placed in a form class and are usually mainstreamed into Mathematics, Science and Physical Education as soon as possible. As their level of understanding improves, they will gradually be placed in regular classes and given any class support and extra assistance if it is needed. All international students continue learning English during their time at Motueka High School and ongoing assistance is available right through to Year 13.

A percentage of students may sit the Pitmans ESOL examinations and thus gain an internationally recognised certificate during their time at Motueka High School.

Careful selection of subjects is very important and guidance and advice is given to all students. Some subjects are heavily language oriented and students often find them more difficult in their first year at High School. Students may also find that they cannot take subjects at a senior level if they have not studied them previously. Most importantly, they must look ahead to the tertiary course they wish to study in order to choose appropriate subjects which may be a prerequisite for certain courses. Reports are sent twice yearly to parents of International students. The High School welcomes contact with families and parents and is always happy to discuss any questions or concerns they may have.

All international students become part of the Nelson International Students' Association with students from other Nelson colleges. The Association, run by the students themselves, offers a variety of cultural, social and sporting events during the year and gives the students a chance to meet others from different countries.

HOMESTAY

Motueka High School will arrange Homestay accommodation for overseas students with local

families. These families are carefully vetted by the school to ensure a high standard of Homestay

accommodation is maintained. Any families who wish to make private arrangements will need to have the host family checked by the school, which has the discretion to make the final approval.

All students who study at Motueka High School must be homestayed. The school has this as a

requirement because it believes this is in the best interests of the students. Academic progress is enhanced when students are continually exposed to the use of the English language and greater study time is available within a homestay environment.

Homestays are arranged for the study by the Homestay Manager employed by the High School.

Students must fill out a 'Student Profile' prior to their arrival in New Zealand to assist the Homestay Manager in finding a suitable family.

FACILITIES

Motueka High School offers the friendliness and family atmosphere of a rural school combined with the facilities of a large city school.

Computer links to teaching rooms

Fully computerised Learning Resource Centre

Modern, well-equipped specialist science laboratories

Newly expanded and upgraded art and photography facilities

Outdoor education programme utilising the local environment

Full range of sporting codes and facilities

Gymnasium, swimming

Three computer suites

Computerised music suite and practice studios

Modern graphics and design suite

New metal and wood technology workshops

Soft material and food technology suites

Senior student common room

Student Centre House to support and help students and families

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Motueka High School has a proud history of academic excellence, extracurricular activities and high standards of behaviour. International students are selected on both academic and personal standards.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Intensive English language courses are offered to students with limited English. A full assessment is made on arrival to determine class level and the number of hours of English a student needs and an individual study programme is prepared.

The school reserves the right to place the student in appropriate courses based on the student's

competency in English. For senior academic courses, students must satisfy the Motueka High School English Language requirements. Students are required to prove that they are sufficiently proficient in English to undertake their proposed course of study (TOEFL or IELTS) or supply proof of other appropriate qualifications.

All students must supply appropriate educational qualifications and reports from their school which satisfy both New Zealand and Motueka High School standards and requirements. The student must also supply a personal character reference (not from their current school).