Simon Zapletan
Student Stories Profiles
Simon Zapletan
Name: Simon Zapletan
Born: Germany
Age: 16
Locations: Bay of Plenty
Discipline: All Other Disciplines
Simon Zapeltan works towards his future with confidence and dreams to fly. And the first step towards this future is an international education. Simon's decision to choose New Zealand for secondary education was both well-researched and based on previous experience. "I visited New Zealand when I was younger and developed a real love of the country. New Zealand is my favourite country in the world (and I have visited a number of other countries).
"I read the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment Report) 2000 which showed New Zealand performed well in many areas of education and therefore ranked highly in the world. I felt that New Zealand was different culturally than Europe, hence offered me a new experience."
When asked what the highlights of his New Zealand education were, Simon first mentioned his teachers at Otumoetai College. "They are readily available and go the extra mile to make sure you understand your work. The quality of teaching is first class, and the school is both modern and well equipped (such as) computer suites, a superb library for research and study and a recording studio as part of the music department.
"There are a large variety of subjects to choose from and plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved in...I formed my own rock band called Power House Suite, which we entered into the Smokefree Rockquest (and made the regional finals!)."
Simon loves living in Tauranga, citing its close proximity to both beach and mountains as a major attraction. "This is a superb place to live vibrant, dynamic, exciting. Tauranga is small enough to be personal but big enough to provide the things that I need and enjoy doing, like bus services, cinemas and restaurants, speedway, concerts and shows. Captain Cook had it right! This is a great climate to live in, with a strong community spirit."
On completion of his New Zealand education, Simon will return to Germany to complete secondary school. He then plans to commence tertiary studies at the University in Profzheim. His career dream is to both train as a pilot and establish a company with a strong interest in aeronautics.
"I read the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment Report) 2000 which showed New Zealand performed well in many areas of education and therefore ranked highly in the world. I felt that New Zealand was different culturally than Europe, hence offered me a new experience."
When asked what the highlights of his New Zealand education were, Simon first mentioned his teachers at Otumoetai College. "They are readily available and go the extra mile to make sure you understand your work. The quality of teaching is first class, and the school is both modern and well equipped (such as) computer suites, a superb library for research and study and a recording studio as part of the music department.
"There are a large variety of subjects to choose from and plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved in...I formed my own rock band called Power House Suite, which we entered into the Smokefree Rockquest (and made the regional finals!)."
Simon loves living in Tauranga, citing its close proximity to both beach and mountains as a major attraction. "This is a superb place to live vibrant, dynamic, exciting. Tauranga is small enough to be personal but big enough to provide the things that I need and enjoy doing, like bus services, cinemas and restaurants, speedway, concerts and shows. Captain Cook had it right! This is a great climate to live in, with a strong community spirit."
On completion of his New Zealand education, Simon will return to Germany to complete secondary school. He then plans to commence tertiary studies at the University in Profzheim. His career dream is to both train as a pilot and establish a company with a strong interest in aeronautics.
Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty has beautiful beaches and is a major fruit growing region.
