International Students

ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES

Parents are asked to contact the school to explain their student’s absences by phoning the Student Attendance Administrator on the day of the absence.  Alternatively, parents must explain the absence in writing on the day the student returns to school. 

Student Attendance Administrator
Phone (06) 356 4817 ext 8858 or Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If the student has been away from school for three consecutive days for illness a medical certificate may be required.

Absences from school, other than for medical reasons or bereavement, must be applied for in advance.  A letter requesting leave must be addressed to the Principal.

Patterns of poor attendance may result in referrals being made to agencies involved in the Rock On Programme which includes Police Youth Aid, Oranga Tamariki, Group Special Education and the Palmerston North Truancy Service.

Poor attendance may result in your child repeating the year level’s programme.

What to do if:

You are late to school
Report to the Attendance Office with a note and sign the late sheet.

You are ill at school
Request a sick note from your teacher and take it to the Sick Bay.
Do NOT contact your parents/caregivers and ask them to pick you up - the school will arrange this and sign you out.

You have an appointment during school time
Provide a note in your log book, or an appointment card, and report to the Attendance Office to sign out. If you return the same day, return to the Attendance Office to sign in.

You have an accident
Report to a Duty Teacher or the Attendance Office/Sick Bay and complete an incident form.
Alternatively, request a note from your teacher and take it to the Sick Bay.

CULTURE MUSIC AND SPORT

All international students are encouraged to participate in the wider life of the school. They are individually invited to join activities that we provide – there's a wide range of activities offered including:

• • Festival of Cultures
  • Creative Arts including music, drama, productions, bands, choirs, Wearable Arts
  • Regular school concerts and performances
  • Community events
  • Annual ski trips, camps, outdoor education activities and field trips
  • School swimmings sports, athletics and cross country
  • Sport in any of the following disciplines:
  

If you play a sport that is not listed here, let us know. We will endeavour to create opportunities for you to participate in your chosen code.

ACADEMIC

Awatapu College is recognised as one of the leading schools in New Zealand for International Students.

"Student support the key to success... Palmerston North's Awatapu College uses its focus on student services to give it an edge...".
(Education New Zealand Case Study, 2013)

We offer a wide range of academic and vocational subjects. All courses are registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), with senior students working towards national qualifications (NCEA) recognised by all New Zealand universities and tertiary institutes. In addition, International Students are also prepared to meet the entry requirements for university entrance English Literacy (ELL) in New Zealand and overseas.

While International Students do study in classes alongside New Zealand students, the International Department provides additional language and academic support through:
• Intensive English Language (ELL) classes
• Subject support classes where students are tutored on content material taught in the mainstream classes.
• The use of teacher aides to support and monitor student progress in mainstream classes focusing on the in-class work and homework completion.

Subject guides for each year level of study can be found here to assist you with your subject choices.

Awatapu College consistently achieves student pass rates in NCEA above the national average:

PASTORAL SUPPORT

Awatapu College's International Student Department delivers excellent 24/7 pastoral support services through:

• A warm, welcoming and supportive environment.
• Carefully selected homestay families close to the school.
• Regular communication with agents, support people and parents.
• Dedicated and caring staff.

Our international pastoral care system offers firm boundaries within a supportive and nurturing environment. The aim is for our international students to feel welcomed and connected for the duration of their stay. An intensive orientation programme starts on arrival at the airport and specific steps are taken to support our students through their transition into school life.

Orientation includes introduction to key staff and student buddies, and familiarisation with the school campus, facilities and procedures. English language and subject assessments are run to assist with subject selection. Short-term and long-term goals are discussed and set and relevant cultural aspects of New Zealand life are discussed. Students are integrated into mainstream classes within their first week accompanied by either a teacher aide or a peer buddy.

Awatapu College is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.

"Students are ... placed in well planned programmes. Effective teaching strategies ... increase students confidence and performance ... achieving success in English language development ... curriculum support assists students to achieve their academic goals. International students are involved and enjoy cultural, sporting and academic activities." (Education Review Office, National Education Review Report 2009)