Greymouth High School

Situated at the mouth of the Grey River on the South Island’s wild West Coast is Greymouth and a high school that offers extensive outdoor education opportunities.

Greymouth High School is in a town with an enviable location. Nestled between the mountains of the Paparoa ranges and Southern Alps, this natural environment of bush, rainforest, rivers, mountains and the sea makes for exceptional outdoor experiences year-round.

Greymouth High School is a co-educational state school of about 650 students from mostly European and Maori cultural groups. International students are welcomed by the school, which offers extensive modern facilities.

The school’s philosophy is to build self-esteem and encourage success in a safe, purposeful and enjoyable atmosphere. Students, staff and parents are encouraged to be actively involved in all areas of school life.

Outdoor Programme

Greymouth High School is ideally situated in diverse natural surroundings, from mountain ranges to native bushland, to offer an outdoor education programme packed with exciting activities.

Its programme is open to students of all levels who work hard to achieve personal goals, knowledge and life skills. Outdoor education students in years 12 and 13 can gain New Zealand Qualifications Authority recognised qualifications.

Greymouth High School’s outdoor education programme is aimed to take advantage of the area’s surroundings, with activities based around excellent bush and tramping/mountain biking trails, surf beaches, and a beautiful river for introducing white water kayaking and rafting. Within an easy drive are sea cliffs for rock climbing, skifields, and extended wilderness for mountain trips and advanced kayaking that can sometimes involve helicopter access.

The school’s outdoor education staff are dedicated and active, and qualified to a high level in the options they teach. Involved in the school’s programme is Tai Poutini Polytechnic, a nationally respected outdoor education provider. This gives students the chance to try a wider range of activities and meet other people committed to the outdoor industry and lifestyle.

Year 12 course outline:

• Navigation/map reading/orienteering
• Bushcraft and bush survival
• Tramping (hiking)/trip planning
• Abseiling
• Rock climbing
• Leadership/decision making/risk management
• Cooking/personal hygiene
• Basic mountaineering
  
• White water kayaking/rafting
• Skiing (downhill and cross country)
• Additional options available to year 13 students include mountain biking and multi-sport adventure racing.

In addition to its outdoor education programme, Greymouth High School offers many team sports including netball, volleyball, basketball, hockey, softball, cricket and rugby.

Academic Programme

Greymouth High School offers a full range of subjects from English, mathematics and sciences to history, geography, graphics, photography and music.

There may be special entry requirements for international students for some senior classes – this depends on their English language levels and previous learning. Some courses can also be tailored to meet individual needs.

The Maori Culture Group plays an active part in the school, as do school bands and drama productions.

Fees & Accomodation

International students usually live in homestays with carefully chosen families. All students are supported by the school’s student welfare system.

• Annual tuition fees: NZ$11,500
• Homestay accommodation fees: NZ$200 a week or $10,400 a year

Outdoor education costs are additional to tuition fees and are approximately NZ$1800 for a year. Students will need to buy personal outdoor clothing and footwear (specialist equipment will be provided by the school).

Contact Details:

Director of International Students
Greymouth High School
High Street
PO Box 192
Greymouth
New Zealand

Telephone: +64 3 768 0472
Fax: +64 3 768 6293

View our web page: http://www.greyhigh.school.nz/
E-mail: belcherm@greyhigh.school.nz