Waiuku College

About Waiuku College

Location and Facilities

Waiuku is the centre of a prosperous and growing rural community. The town is home to over 8000 people and is situated 60kms southwest of Auckland. Auckland International Airport is a 40-minute drive away. The college is set in spacious, attractive grounds with rugby and soccer fields, tennis, hockey and netball courts and two gymnasiums. An Outdoor Education Camp at the nearby Awhitu Peninsula is an outstandingasset to the school. Teaching areas are comfortable and well equipped and include science labs, computer rooms, art rooms, technology blocks, library and gymnasiums.

Academic Programme and English Language Support

The college offers a broad curriculum delivered by well-qualified and multi-cultural staff. Students work towards NCEA Levels one, two and three, and scholarship examinations in over 27 subjects. Maori, Japanese and Spanish language classes are taught to NCEA Level 3. International students are offered general and subject specific language learning through the ESOL department. Assistance is given toward school examinations as well as preparation for tertiary studies. The academic year runs from early February to early December with 4 terms, each of about 10 weeks. There is a 2 week holiday at the end of each Terms 1, 2 and 3. The summer holiday is from early December to late January. Students are accepted at the beginning of terms 1, 2 or 3 but preference is given to students applying to start at the beginning of Term 1. However only senior students who commence their studies by the beginning of Term 2 can gain qualifications at the end of the year. Students do not need to have an international English language qualification to apply to Waiuku College.

Special Relations with Overseas Students

Waiuku College has been hosting international students for over 30 years and welcomes overseas pupils. Students from China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Europe and South America are currently attending the college. Previous students have gone on to study successfully at universities both in New Zealand and abroad. In recent times International students achieved well. On more than one occasion the Dux of the College has been an international student and a number of past students have paid return visits to the college to share their successes and experiences.

Extracurricular Programme

Sporting, cultural and social activities are diverse and thriving. There is a high level of sporting endeavour and achievement in both team and individual pursuits across the large number of sporting codes on offer. Outdoor education programmes reflect high levels of participation. There are many cultural activities available including chess, magazine, drama, Maori culture, student dances and music lessons with itinerant teachers of various instruments. Ensembles, rock bands, and a choir are features of the school’s music department.

Student Welfare

A challenging but stimulating and rewarding atmosphere exists at Waiuku College and there is strong learning support for students from other cultures. Waiuku College is a signatory to the New Zealand Code of Practice which ensures quality service to overseas students. The Coordinator of International Students is dedicated to organising curriculum choices, homestay arrangements and pastoral care for international students, thus maintaining an overview and understanding of each student’s individual situation.

Accommodation

Homestay accommodation is arranged through the college with local families. Many families have hosted several students over the years and are experienced in having different cultures in their homes. Homestays are monitored by the college’s International Student Coordinator in accordance with the Code of Practice.