Knowledge is Power - Scientia Potestas Est - Mā te Mātauranga te Mana
WHY TIMARU GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL IS A FIRST CHOICE FOR MANY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
TGHS has a long history of academic excellence and provides a safe, supportive environment for all international students. Joining our school will enhance and improve both written and verbal English skills, through our dedicated and experienced ESOL (English as a Second Language) team.
International Enrolments
Students will work toward internationally recognised qualifications, underpinned by the NZ curriculum, measured by NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) and supported by experienced tutors and a welcoming community.
We Offer International Students
- Academic excellence
- "Top quality" education for all students at all levels
- Traditional as well as progressive programmes
- Sporting and cultural excellence
- Firm and fair discipline
- Sound guidance for girls
How we achieve this?
- A varied and flexible course structure
- Experienced and well-qualified teachers
- Caring and involved staff
- A commitment to excellence in all endeavours
- Opportunities and challenges for girls
- Modern resources, buildings and equipment
Code of Practice
Timaru Girls’ High School is a signatory to the Ministry of Education's Code of Practice for the Care of International Students. This means that when you enrol at our school, you can be assured that the quality of care you will receive will be of the highest standard.
Where do our International Students come from?
Timaru Girls’ High School is a home to students from many different parts of the world. Our International students mainly come from Thailand, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan, though we have had many students from all different parts of the world.
Activities
Outside of the regular school activities, the International Director arranges other activities. These have previously included ski trips, trips to local areas and other centres, Outdoor Education camps, events that involve all South Canterbury International students and social occasions.
Academic Courses / English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
International students follow the academic courses provided for New Zealand students but with some changes tailored to meet their specific needs. The general academic programme for the school is available in the Course booklet; here you will find details of Junior Courses – Year 9 and 10 and Senior courses – Year 11 to 13.
Under the guidance of the International Dean and a qualified, experienced and caring team of professionals, the students can choose to undergo a full ESOL course at the same time being integrated into mainstream classes at the level their ability indicates. The small number of international students at school allows us to give them individual care and attention.
English Language Programmes (Short courses)
Timaru Girls’ High can offer a comprehensive English Language Programme and an introduction to our New Zealand lifestyle to small groups of International students. These lessons will have a focus on formal reading and writing, grammar and vocabulary. Informal conversation will also be offered based on these formal lessons emphasising listening and speaking. Students will also have the opportunity to attend other subject classes which may include English, Mathematics, Science(s), Social Science(s), Art, Home Economics, Music, Physical Education, Digital Technologies, Design and Communication Technology, Materials Technology, Outdoor Education, French and Maori.
Length of Study
The full academic year runs from the last week in January to early December. International students may start their course of study at any time during the year. Upon arrival, students participate in an Orientation programme. Students who start at the beginning of the fourth term will use that term as an introduction only. Students wanting university qualifications are required to complete two years in the senior school unless their English is assessed as being above average. Short stay English Language programmes are also available on application. The school year is divided into four terms with a two week break between each term and a six week break at Christmas.
International Student Fees
Please
click here for International Student Fee information.
Steps for Enrolling
Please
click here for steps to enrol your daughter at Timaru Girls’ High School.
Opportunities In Timaru & South Canterbury
Timaru and the nearby areas offer a relaxed lifestyle together with access to some of New Zealand's finest scenery in the form of wild rivers, deep gorges, rolling hills, lakes and mountains. From the fertile Canterbury Plains with its intensive farming through to the more desert like interior regions where lakes and mountains abound, this district has something for everyone.
Timaruvians are a friendly and welcoming people and take pride in the safe environment its residents and visitors enjoy.
If you are seeking a quality education in an environment that offers an outdoor lifestyle, extensive recreational facilities and a friendly welcome then Timaru Girls' High School should be high on your list of choices.
Language Requirements
On application, students are required to submit a handwritten paragraph(s) on why they wish to attend Timaru Girls’ High School in English. Students applying must have some ability at both written and spoken English. If necessary, the student may be required to attend extra classes until their English is to the required standard. Beginning students may attend full ESOL classes in school for assessment before being mainstreamed into school classes.
Complaints Procedure – Disputes Resolution Scheme (DRS)
Please
click here for the complaints procedure.
Aviation Course
There is an opportunity for senior Timaru Girls’ students to access the Aviation course through Timaru Boys’ High school run in conjunction with South Canterbury Aero Club. Students have the opportunity to attain a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) in a fixed wing (aeroplane) while studying for their national academic qualifications. Further information is available here .
