High schools in New Zealand are busy places, where students study, socialize, play sports and participate in clubs. As an exchange student in New Zealand you will make friends, learn English and have a lot of fun.
Friendly teachers, some formal customs
Teachers in New Zealand engage students in class discussions and encourage participation. Always remember to call your teacher “Mr.” or “Mrs.” and then by his or her surname. At most high schools, students wear uniforms, but the uniforms tend to be more casual than in some other countries. Uniforms usually include:
- For girls: A dress or a skirt and shirt.
- For boys: Shorts and a shirt.
In winter, boys may wear trousers, and possibly long-sleeve jerseys or blazers.
Sports and activities
New Zealanders love sports. There are many sports to choose from in high schools, and they may include:
- Swimming
- Basketball
- Rugby
- Sailing
- Volleyball
- Cricket
New Zealand students also participate in after-school activities. These might include:
- Debating
- Music groups
- Drama
- Photography club
- School yearbook
Typical day at a New Zealand high school
8:00 a.m. Most students walk, bike or ride a bus to school
8:30 a.m. First class of the day. Could be English or New Zealand history.
10:30 a.m. More classes, such as mathematics or Maori language and culture.
1:00 p.m. Lunch. Most students bring lunch to school, but some buy lunch at the “canteen,” or cafeteria.
2:00 p.m. Your final class or the day could be physical education, commerce or woodworking.
3:00 p.m. After school, students participate in sports and activities, such as rugby and drama.
The New Zealand school system
High school in New Zealand usually begins in year 9 and continues until year 13. EF students are usually placed in year 11 or 12, depending on age and school policy.
3rd to 7th form
Students in New Zealand begin high school when they are about 13 and 14 years old. Year 9 is sometimes called “3rd form.” Most students continue until year 13, when students are about 17 and 18 years old. Year 13 is sometimes called “7th form.” On the North Island, people sometimes use the word “college” to describe private high schools. Most EF exchange students are placed in year 11 or 12, depending age, academic background and school policy.
NCEA
Most New Zealand students take examinations for the National Certificate of Education Achievement, or NCEA. These examinations begin in year 11 and continue through year 13. Students receive marks for homework and work conducted in and out of class. It is important to do well on all your work in order to receive a good mark at the end of the year.
The school year begins in January
Because New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, school usually begins in late January and continues until December. Summer break is in December and January. School years are divided into 4 terms, each lasting about 10 weeks.
Academic courses
EF students take English and New Zealand history. Other common courses are mathematics, science, social studies and physical education. Students may also choose some courses, which might include:
- Art
- Maori language and culture
- Music
- Commerce
- Languages
- Metalwork and woodwork
- Home economics
