CODE: Wakaaranga Primary School has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Minister of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from this institution or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at http://www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/international

IMMIGRATION: Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service, and can be viewed on their website at http://www.immigration.govt.nz

ELIGIBILITY FOR HEALTH SERVICES: Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed on their website at http://www.moh.govt.nz

ACCIDENT INSURANCE: The Accident Compensation Commission provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at http://www.acc.co.nz

MEDICAL AND TRAVEL INSURANCE: International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand.

School Hours

8:50 – 10:30am Morning Programme
10:30 – 10:50am Interval Break
10:50 – 12:30pm Morning Programme
12:30 – 1:30pm Lunch Break
1:30 – 3:00pm Afternoon Programme

Students are assessed on entry to Wakaaranga using a variety of assessment tools. They are then grouped according to their ability and needs to ensure their programme selection is suitable, and their progress is meaningful. An ongoing assessment programme will be maintained, to closely monitor individual achievement and progress.

Transition Programme

Students initially attend a transition programme in our ESOL room where they have a total immersion in an English-rich environment. Concentrated English is taught by fully qualified ESOL trained teachers to small groups to ensure each student receives individual attention. Lessons are designed at an appropriate level to meet the needs of each individual student.

Attendance in the ESOL room enables the student to:

• Achieve a level of competency in both oral and written English
• Gain self confidence in a safe and friendly environment
• Understand the requirements and expectations of Wakaaranga Primary School
• Experience a different culture perspective
• Gain an understanding of the New Zealand Educational System
• Gain skills in listening and oral language to help integration into the mainstream classes
• We also facilitate a buddy system, which allows our International Students time to build a one on one relationship with a New Zealand student, and have an opportunity to interact with their buddy’s peers.

Mainstream Programme

This programme is a fully integrated programme in a mainstream New Zealand educational setting, covering all aspects of the New Zealand Government Curriculum.

Curriculum topics covered include:

• Oral language
• Written language
• Listening skills
• Conversational skills
• Public speaking
• Spelling
• Handwriting
• Vocabulary extension
• Functional language
• Visual language
• Phonics
• Reading
• Drama
• Art
• Music
• Sport
• Information and Communication Technology

Wakaaranga Primary School offers opportunities for short-term [from one week] and for longer periods of study.

All International Students enrolling in Years 1 to 6 of a Primary School for longer than three calendar months must live and continue to live with a parent, except in the case of Group Students, as per the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students [2003].

Application Requirements

• Student Enrolment Form
• Copy of Passport Title Page
• Copy of Visitors Visa or Student Visa/Permit
• Passport sized photograph of student
• Verification of Travel and Medical Insurance or completed Insurance Application

Enrolment Application Procedure

• Upon arrival in New Zealand, the International Student’s parents completes the Student Enrolment Form
• Once the application has been approved and payment of fees is made, a receipt is issued with a letter to the Immigration Department for the processing of a Student Visa

Conditions of Acceptance

• Wakaaranga Primary School accepts International Student from Year 0 to Year 6.
• All International Students must be living with a parent at the time of enrolment and continue to live with a parent for the duration of their enrolment period
• International Students will only be accepted if there is sufficient space available for International Students, at the relevant year level, in the school
• All International Students attending Wakaaranga Primary School must have Travel and Medical Insurance cover for the duration of their enrolment period

Our latest Education Review Office review gave our school a glowing report in regards to our provision for International Students and compliance with the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.

In their report to the Wakaaranga Primary School Board of Trustees, they described Wakaaranga as a “top performing school”.

The following extracts are taken from the full report.

International students’ wellbeing is promoted through comprehensive policies and procedures developed by school leaders. These policies are reviewed to ensure that they are current and that the school is complying with them. The board of trustees is regularly informed about the wellbeing of students, the progress that they are making and their language support programme. Useful information is provided to students and their families.

International students benefit from the English language programme they receive. The withdrawal programme focuses on oral language, reading comprehension and written language skills. Where possible, the teacher responsible aligns learning contexts to the students’ homeroom curriculum. New students are assessed to determine their needs and all children are monitored as they progress through their course.