OUR SCHOOL
Awatapu College is in Palmerston North situated in the lower North Island of New Zealand, two hours by car from the capital city, Wellington. Palmerston North, university town, with a population of about 80,000 is known as 'Knowledge City' and also 'Student City'. It's a fairly young population with open minds and strong family values. Besides easy access to mountains, lakes, beaches and sporting venues, it also has shopping centres, cafés and entertainment facilities.
A modern co-educational secondary school, Awatapu College has a roll of approximately 850 students aged between 13-19 years. It is situated on an attractive tree lined campus with well-planned buildings and specialised facilities . Especially in the English Language (ESOL), Technology and Creative Arts areas.
Intensive English classes and extensive academic support across the school are provided to all international students so that their learning needs are met. A wide selection of subjects is offered, ranging from Calculus to Fashion Design which ensures that every international student achieves their personal best.
Activities outside the classroom in culture, music and sport are also strongly encouraged among the international students. [LINK to Culture, Music and Sport]. Two cultural highlights of the year are the Festival of Cultures in March, and the Festival of Arts in June. Awatapu College is privileged to have the top jazz singer in the country coordinating the school's performing arts programme. On the sporting front, the students have access to a great variety of sports catering to all levels of ability. The school prides itself in having world ranking athletes within the student body.
Awatapu College is recognised as one of the leading schools in New Zealand for international students who are superbly supported by the International Department which offers total care and on-going support.
In the past six years, the International Department has been recognised on three separate occasions by the New Zealand government for its outstanding programme and support to international students. Read the reports here:
- Student Support the Key to Success - Education New Zealand
- Spotlight on Schools - Ministry of Education
- Education New Zealand National Award Winning Report
