We warmly welcome international students from all over the world and have an excellent reputation for taking good care of them. We actively participate in student exchange programmes and host overseas student groups. We welcome the qualities and strengths which international students bring to Kirkwood.

We are particularly well resourced, with 9 specialist technology rooms, 13 modern and well appointed classrooms, ESOL classes for ESOL students, a large hall and a well equipped library information centre and up to date computer suite.

Sporting and cultural activities are available including choir, orchestra, kapa haka and numerous sports teams. We have plenty of space and playing fields for our children to enjoy, as well as our purpose designed adventure playground.

We consider international students’ happiness to be the most important factor as this accelerates their English learning hugely. We cooperate closely with (homestay) parents in order to help international students feel happy with their food, bedroom, appropriate furniture, communication with natural parents, homestay family, learning English, dealing with homework and making friends. Thanks to our homestay parents, most of our international students enjoy their time at Kirkwood. To see how quickly they adapt to Kiwi culture and their new environment is truly amazing.

Kirkwood runs a well designed and organised ESOL programme for international students for their English improvement. It is a comprehensive literacy programme based on listening, speaking, reading and writing in English every day. Students are grouped with similar capabilities in English. The ESOL programme helps international students not only improve their English but understand their classroom learning. The groups vary in size from 3 - 6 students for 45 – 60 minute sessions daily depending on their level. Kirkwood helps international students improve their reading ability through the Reading Homework Programme. In three or six months following this Reading Homework Programme, international students are able to read English novels.

At Kirkwood we provide an inclusive environment where all children are encouraged to succeed. We make sure that we offer extension opportunities to all of our students.