Westland High School

Westland High School is located with unrivalled access to the beach, sea, rivers, mountains, and rainforest. Students can take part in outdoor activities within the school day - for example they can go kayaking or rock climbing and be back in time for the next lesson. Students maintain an academic programme and full participation in the outdoor education programme. Being so close to the natural environment means that the school can offer a significant number of practical sessions.

Our senior outdoor education programme is a holistic course that promotes personal growth through fun, challenging and positive experiences in the outdoors.

The activities are based on:

• River work including kayaking and river crossing,
• Tramping or hiking,
• Basic mountaincraft,
• Including rock climbing and rope work, abseiling, snowcaving,
• Navigation and weather.
• Our outdoor education fees are $1000 per year to cover the costs of equipment, transport and extra staffing. Safety is paramount.

Comprehensive academic programme in small classes.

Hokitika is a coastal town of 4000. It is a safe community with modern facilities. Access to Hokitika is easy - by plane or bus. The Hokitika airport has regular 25 minute flights to Christchurch International Airport. We can arrange for the incoming student to be met and transferred from Christchurch airport to the connecting flight to Hokitika.

All international students are hosted with local families who are carefully selected, and monitored. A monthly progress report on home and school life is provided to the student's natural parents by the school. We encourage full participation and support the student to join out of school activities and excursions.

Our school policy is to have a maximum of 15 international students, from a variety of cultures. We aim to have no more than six students from one country to ensure diversity and individual attention.

• Westland High School:
• Co-educational school
• 497 students aged 11 - 18 years.
• We have a friendly and safe school environment; welcoming the world to our community and cater for individual needs.

Outdoor Programme

Westland High School offers personal growth and development through the experience of outdoor education.

Here’s what’s involved:

• Course duration: full academic year (late January – late November). Students can enrol for one or more terms (10 weeks)
• Course level: year 12 and 13 classes offer units of learning on the NZ National Qualification Framework. Year 12 offers level 2 units, while year 13 offers level 3 units
• Small classes: maximum of 11 students per class. There are three senior classes
• Hours of study: four to six hours per week as well as regular day/multi day blocks
• Dedicated staff: staff are passionate about challenging and safe outdoor recreation, with the outdoors being their personal choice of recreation
• NZOIA qualified instructors: teaching staff are accredited to offer this programme.
  

Teaching and assessment of the school’s outdoor education programme are geared towards units in the following topics:

• Term one: river work/kayaking
• Term two: tramping
• Term three: basic mountaineering/rock climbing and abseiling/snowcaving
• Term four: rock climbing/kayaking
• Skiing is available as an extra.

Students at Westland High School gain an unsurpassed wilderness experience through the outdoor education programme, with national parks of rainforest, majestic mountains and vast driftwood-strewn beaches easily accessible. Within five minutes of the school, students can reach the river, bush, lakes or beach.

Being so close to such a diverse environment means the school is able to offer a significant number of practical sessions. Highlights include helicopter access to mountaineering and kayaking trips, snowcaving, and tramping to wilderness hot springs.

Academic Programme

Westland High School offers a range of courses from sciences and mathematics to business administration, computing, farm skills, outdoor recreation and technology. Entry to some senior subjects depends on previous study and English language levels.

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) is available for students in small groups.

Extra-curricular programmes at the school include a Maori cultural group, school council, sport, instrumental music, lunchtime computing and drama.

Fees & Accomodation

• General tuition fees: NZ$11500 per year
• Outdoor education fees: NZ$1000 per year
• Insurance: NZ$615 per year
• Homestay accommodation fees: NZ$200

Contact Details:

Director of International Students
Yvonne Simpson
Westland High School
P.O Box 154
Hokitika 7900
South Island
New Zealand

Telephone: +64 3 755 6169
Facsimile: +64 3 755 6269

View our web page: Westlands High School
E-mail: international@westlandhigh.school.nz