Hutt Valley High School
2020 INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS Welcome
Hutt Valley High School has been at the centre of the Hutt SCHOOL OVERVIEW Valley since 1926. Established on what was once a market Hutt Valley garden site and adjacent to the harbour area, the school High School Hutt Valley High School is the largest secondary school in the enjoys living the values implied by sustenance and security, Wellington region and is able to offer a wide range of subjects, and honours the Te Ati Awa kawa embracing the area where including specialist classes taught by specialist teachers. The we live. Our school values are “we are welcoming; we are kind; pursuit of excellence is reflected in the school’s continued we persevere; we achieve”. These apparently simple statements success in local and national scholarships and awards and reflect who we are. We are a diverse population - much we also take pride in the range of sporting and cultural like New Zealand itself - and we celebrate our differences, opportunities offered to our students. Our goal is to produce believing that we have nothing to fear from those who are MISSION STATEMENT creative, well-qualified, confident and engaged students who different from us and a great deal to learn. understand the rights and responsibilities of good citizenship in TIROHANGA WHĀNAU a modern society. As a large school, we enjoy the ability to offer a broad range of experiences inside and outside the classroom. Our curriculum offerings include courses we have developed as a part of our Working together to FACILITIES learning philosophy which centres on student choice and prepare our students for The school is a wireless campus, with free Wifi and data on shaping the school to fit the student, not squashing the projectors in all classrooms, plus a wide range of facilities student into a school-shaped box. That means our students their future. including a library and information centre, modern computer are at the heart of our systems. That places a responsibility on suites, three gymnasiums, school marae, year 13 common them to work to achieve personal goals and to develop ways room, student centre, recording studio, science laboratories, to deal with hardship and difficulty when they arise, so that To provide a safe, careers library, canteen, medical facilities, modern art block perseverance is part of their approach to life. When coupled supportive and inclusive with dedicated computer design facilities, modern dance and to clear goals and choices that are right for each individual, drama facilities and a horticultural unit. “...we are welcoming; we real achievement flows from a learning process that builds and place that builds are kind; we preserve; we continues through and beyond school. confidence and resilience. ALUMNI achieve”. An education, we believe, is a great deal more than academic grades, as important as they are. Our sporting programme The school has many distinguished alumni, including is extensive, with over 1000 students in regular inter-school To inspire our students to Commonwealth Games Gold and Olympic Silver medallist “…our learning teams, ranging from the purely social player to our 24 New discover their passion and Nick Willis and Nobel Prize winner Professor Alan MacDiarmid. Zealand sporting representatives. The breadth of offering in Professor MacDiarmid and his colleagues received the Nobel philosophy centres on clubs, societies and events is similarly large, and the school flourish in the world. Prize for Chemistry in 2000, for their work on conductive shaping the school to fit enjoys a particular strength in the performing arts. Whatever a polymers. The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials student’s aptitudes, there will be an opportunity here to further and Nanotechnology is a NZ Centre of Research Excellence, the student, not squashing existing interests and to develop new ones. We enjoy seeing located at Victoria University of Wellington and is named after the student into a our past students at the heart of our community going about Professor MacDiarmid. the business of contributing to a modern New Zealand that is www.macdiarmid.ac.nz school-shaped box…” vibrant, exciting and rewarding to each of us as human beings. We are a school that sees itself as a microcosm of our country, and one that celebrates the positive in humanity. That’s who we are; Hutt Valley High School.
Ross Sinclair, Principal
Cover image - Back row from left: Hannah Stegenwallner (Germany), Mario Sahid Giorgis (Brazil), Chanbopha Vat (Cambodia), Sachi Handa (Japan) Middle Row: Corrine Xie (China), Parth Pal (India), Seo Young Mun (South Korea) Front: Bee Nguyen (Vietnam) Photography - (cover and profiles): Katy Cao (Vietnam), Year 12 HVHS student. International at HVHS
Hutt Valley High School has hosted international students for over 20 years. During this time the school has gained a reputation for providing an excellent environment for international students to gain qualifications and have a memorable student experience. Annually, HVHS welcomes approximately 100 international students from 16 countries.
International students at HVHS have the opportunity to study in the NCEA programme (National Curriculum of Educational Achievement) or as a shorter term Study Abroad student. Irrespective of what study programme students decide, they have the same freedom of choice in their course selections as any other student at school.
During the year, international students are able to attend some memorable events, starting with the International Orientation Camp in term one. Orientation camp is an opportunity for our international students to get to know each other and staff from the international office. Throughout the year students can also attend a range of events culminating with the school ball in term three.
In term four, there is a special programme for international students who are not doing NCEA examinations. During the month of November, the international office organises a range of classroom activities, day and overnight trips, outdoor education and community related activities, which provides international students with a month of learning, fun and the opportunity to have some unique experiences.
Hutt Valley High School is a uniform school and has wifi available on campus. Students are encouraged to bring their own laptops or chrome books to use in classes.
Term One: February – April Term Two: April – July Term Three: July – September Term Four: October – December Lower Hutt, Wellington, NZ
Hutt Valley High School is located in Lower Hutt, Wellington. The greater Wellington City area provides an outstanding lifestyle and environment and in 2017 and 2018 Wellington was ranked by Deutsche Bank as the best city in the world to live in.
Lower Hutt is part of the Wellington metropolitan area and is only 10 minutes by car from downtown Wellington. The city has a population of 106,000 and is centrally located in the Hutt Valley, which is dominated by the meandering Hutt River and densely forested hills on the eastern and western flanks of the valley.
“In 2017 and 2018 Deutsche Bank named Wellington at the top of a list of 50 cities with the best quality of life”
Lower Hutt offers an enviable lifestyle, with beaches, rivers, mountains and forests providing opportunities for adventure activities such as fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, surfing and hiking within minutes of the city centre. The city centre also has many parks and recreational facilities such as swimming pools and sports fields, plus art galleries, restaurants, cafes, museums, community spaces and performing arts venues. English Language Hutt Valley High School Hutt Valley High School is a leader in providing high quality English Language Classes English Language programmes, taught by highly qualified, experienced staff. Students can enrol in as many as three English Language classes as a part of their academic English Language Programme pathway. All students have an English Language placement The programme is divided into three streams, Academic English (ELAC), General English test during their enrolment and orientation. (ELAN) and Foundation (ELAF). The junior programme aims at extending students’ English language skills for social and academic purposes, with Academic English Language Classes Foundation English Language Class speaking, reading, writing and listening skills assessed Higher level NCEA classes This is an entry-level class with a focus on throughout the year. 4 hours per week basic language skills and vocabulary Focus on achieving NCEA credits 8 hours per week The senior programme offers English Language NCEA credits Focus on gaining entry to General English at Level 1, 2 and 3 and supports students with academic study General English Language Classes classes as well as developing their literacy skills. Focus on learning and improving English language skills “Hutt Valley High School is a leader 4 hours per week NCEA credits can be offered when in providing high quality English students are ready Language programmes, taught by highly qualified, experienced staff” 13 ELAC NCEA L3
In the English Language department we have two teachers and three support staff. We focus on improving English language through teaching about New Zealand life and culture. There are several English Language classes at all levels of proficiency from beginner to advanced. We also offer an English Language NCEA programme for students who want 12 ELAC to gain entry to a New Zealand university. Help is available to NCEA L2 support students with their English in other curriculum classes such as Science or Geography. 12 ELAN Intermediate
11 ELAC NCEA L1
11 ELAN Pre-Intermediate
9/10 ELAN Junior
ELAF Foundation Whāia te iti kahurangi CORRINE XIE BEE NGUYEN
AGE: 18 | CITY AND COUNTRY: Hang Zhou, China | STUDY PROGRAMME: NCEA L3 (Yr 13) AGE: 17 | CITY AND COUNTRY: Hanoi, Vietnam | STUDY PROGRAMME: NCEA L3 (Yr 13) INTERESTS AND HOBBIES: Traditional Chinese drawing, photography and cooking INTERESTS AND HOBBIES: Football, movies, alternative Vietnamese indy bands, making short films FAVOURITE FOOD: Chinese | FUTURE PLANS: Study at University of Auckland. FAVOURITE FOOD: Vietnamese food, anything that is going | FUTURE PLANS: Study at Victoria University of Wellington, overseas travel, film maker.
My parents and I discussed the idea of me studying School life here is quite different to China, with the I have a family connection here in Lower Hutt, so As an international student, I feel welcome and abroad, and they were very keen on NZ as it is a classroom more relaxed and the opportunity to do when we discussed the possibility of me studying connected with all students. I also have a good circle safe country. When I first started at HVHS, I had the internal assessments. In China there is a lot of pressure abroad it was quite an easy decision. My parents also of Vietnamese friends, so that is also very good. When opportunity to go on some unique school trips, such as and a big emphasis on memorizing information. One thought that the NZ environment would give me some I want Vietnamese food it is easy to find, but generally I outdoor education and doing the Tongariro Crossing. thing I love about being at HVHS is the relationships I independence and opportunity to achieve some good enjoy all food. This was the first time I had such an experience and I have developed, and the opportunity to indulge in my results at school. really enjoyed it. hobby of photography. Overall I feel very welcome at HVHS and have many international and kiwi friends. My study programme here at HVHS is very interesting Home life is also really great, as I am not far away from and I really enjoy PE and Economics. The classroom school and lucky to live with a host family who are culture is very different to Vietnam, as school there partly Chinese, so I get to eat Chinese food every day. has very strict entrance tests and a lot of homework. I have found studying here has given me a lot of new knowledge and perspectives and I have found the NZ way of life quite easy going and open minded. HUTT VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Curriculum Flowchart 2020
Academic Programmes Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 Year 13 NCEA Level 1 NCEA Level 2 NCEA Level 3
English1 English1 English1 or English English OVERVIEW English Modified English Modified Hutt Valley High school teaches the New Zealand national high Media Studies Media Studies Media Studies school qualification-NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Te Awakairangi Te Awakairangi Achievement), from year 9-13. NCEA is a direct pathway into Mathematics1 Mathematics1 Pāngarau Waenganui1 or Pāngarau Waenganui Calculus tertiary studies and is recognised worldwide. Students can enrol Numeracy (Mathematics) Mathematics with Statistics in programmes with a duration of one-term to one-year, or Statistics and Probability longer. The school year has four terms, starting at the beginning Science1 Science1 Science Biology Biology of February, beginning of May, late July and mid-October. Science Internal Chemistry Chemistry Students have a large range of subjects to choose from. Physics Physics Electronics Electronics Senior Horticulture Senior Horticulture NCEA PROGRAMME Social Studies1 Social Studies1 History History History The NCEA programme is for students who want to complete Geography Geography Geography the national curriculum in New Zealand. Successful completion Classical Studies Classical Studies Classical Studies of NCEA at level 3 gives students direct entry to all New Tourism Tourism Zealand universities and tertiary institutions. Each student has an individual programme set up by the academic dean, Economics Economics Economics Accounting Accounting Accounting and depending on the year (i.e. year 11, 12, 13) students will be Business Studies Business Studies Business Studies able to choose between a range of compulsory subjects and optional subjects. Hutt Valley High School provides support Physical Education & Health1 Physical Education & Health1 Physical Education Physical Education Physical Education for all students seeking pathways into university and tertiary Sport institutions. Art Art Art Art Painting Art Painting Art with Photography & Art Design Art Design Design Art Photography Art Photography STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMME Art History Studying abroad for 1-2 terms, or up to one year, is a great way Dance Dance Dance Dance Dance to add an extra dimension to your high school qualification. Design and Visual Design and Visual Design and Visual Design and Visual Design and Visual Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to try subjects that Communication Communication Communication Communication Communication you may not be able to take in your home country. In addition Drama Drama Drama Drama Drama to this, it is a great way to make new friends, travel abroad and Music Music Music Music Music expand your cultural horizons by taking advantage of the vast Music Performance Music Performance co-curricular sports and cultural programme available at Māori Performing Arts Hutt Valley High School. Digital Technology Digital Technology Digital Technology Digital Technology Digital Technology Computer Science Computer Science Product Design Technology Product Design Technology Product Design Technology Product Design Technology Product Design Technology Furniture ITO Furniture ITO Furniture ITO Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
French French French French French Japanese Japanese Japanese Japanese Japanese Spanish Spanish Spanish Spanish Spanish Te Reo Māori Te Reo Māori Te Reo Māori Te Reo Māori Te Reo Māori English Language English Language English Language English Language English Language English Language Academic English Language Academic English Language Academic
Employment Ready Employment Ready Employment Ready Gateway Gateway Food Food Hospitality Hospitality Tikanga Tikanga Tikanga Literacy Support Literacy Support Numeracy Support
1 = Compulsory Staffing and other forward planning may result in changes to the subjects scheduled above. For more detailed information, see https://huttvalley.schoolpoint.co.nz. Sport
OVERVIEW The Hutt Valley High School sport programme offers a great opportunity for students to be inspired and supported in their pursuit of personal excellence and wellbeing and at the same time have fun through physical activity. In order to provide a full sports programme, HVHS has a sports department which manages the provision of all major codes as well as whole school sports events, school exchanges and representative tournaments.
SPORTING ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: SUMMER Athletics, Cricket, Cross Country, Dragon Boating, Futsal, Golf, Ki-o-rahi, Lawn Bowls, Sailing, Archery, Softball, Tennis, Touch Rugby, Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, Waka Ama, Triathlon.
WINTER Badminton, Basketball, Football, Hockey, Netball, Rugby Union, Table Tennis, Rugby League, Underwater Hockey, Waterpolo, Skiing, Snowboarding.
ALL YEAR/OTHER HANNAH STEGENWALLNER Squash, multisport, AFL, Equestrian, Fencing, Gymnastics, Cycling, Mountain Biking, Rowing, Swimming, Orienteering, AGE: 17 | CITY AND COUNTRY: Berlin, Germany | STUDY PROGRAMME: 1 year study abroad (Yr 13) Handball, Taekwondo. INTERESTS AND HOBBIES: Athletics, cross-country running, skiing, hanging out with friends FAVOURITE FOOD: Pasta | FUTURE PLANS: Finish school in Germany.
I have always been interested in experiencing a new I have really enjoyed being at school here, as I feel way of living, so I discussed going on a study abroad comfortable in my classes and do not feel so much programme with my parents. They were really supportive pressure, compared to being at school in Germany. I and encouraged me to have an overseas experience, have felt free to express my opinions in classes here and improve my English and have some fun. have not had to do as much homework as I normally do. Being at school here is not too much different to Athletics is a big part of my life, so when I was looking home, but there are subtle differences, like being able to at schools I wanted to make sure that I could continue use your phone on campus, being able to obtain credits my athletics training. I have been a member of the from internal assessments like essays and not having to Lower Hutt Athletics Club, focusing on middle distance worry so much about being on time running during the summer and cross country running in the winter months. I have competed at regional, North My favourite part of school is PE and calculus, but I also Island and National Champs while I have been at HVHS. enjoy being able to study many different subjects here with more freedom of choice. People are always friendly and helpful and I enjoy everything about being here. Music
OVERVIEW Hutt Valley High School has a long and proud music group tradition. The Music Department has some of the best instrumental tutors in the country and a wide variety of co-curricular groups on offer. There are opportunities for the music groups to perform at a variety of concerts, festivals and competitions in the school and the wider community, and also to attend professional musical performances.
MUSIC GROUPS INCLUDE: Barbershop, Chamber Music Ensembles, HVHS Class (Choir), Concussion (Percussion Ensemble), Flute Choir, Guitar Orchestra, Jazz Ensembles, Orchestra, Pacifica Band, Rock Band, Stage Band, String Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Ukulele Club.
SCHOOL CLUBS We encourage all students to join a club. Clubs range from volunteer groups to interest and hobby groups. Students can also start their own club if they want to.
CLUBS INCLUDE: Anime, Board Games, Brainiacs, Creative Coding, Debating, Duke of Edinburgh, Eco-fashion, Emergency Support, MARIO SAHID GIORGIS Greenfingers Horticulture, New Kiwi, Origami, Philosophy, Queer Straight Alliance, Robotics, Scribblers Writing, Science AGE: 17 | CITY AND COUNTRY: Sao Paulo, Brazil | STUDY PROGRAMME: 6 months Study Abroad (Yr 13) Technicians, Steps Spelling, Student Librarian, World Vision, Art, INTERESTS AND HOBBIES: Soccer, guitar, hanging out with friends, family time Astronomy, Baking, Book, Environment Group, Human Rights, FAVOURITE FOOD: Japanese | FUTURE PLANS: 6 months further study in Brazil, then university. Goal is K-Pop, Model UN, Nifty Knitters, Pacific Heart Culture Group, to work in fashion. School Radio Station, Golf, Minecraft and Aurecon Bridge Builders. My primary goal with studying abroad was to study The overall study experience here was quite different English. My parents were really supportive, and I had a to Brazil, with a completely different timetable and choice of study options between NZ, Canada and the study plan. In Brazil we have to study 14 subjects and CULTURAL GROUPS USA. My cousin and his girlfriend came to NZ 10 years sometimes start school at 7am, so academic life here Hutt Valley High School offers a broad programme of ago and had a great time, so they recommended me to was more relaxed. performing arts, cultural groups, speech, debating, drama come here. It was a good choice. and film. Students have an excellent opportunity to find a My favourite part of studying at HVHS is the music programme where they can grow and develop confidence, as programme. I was able to meet a lot of other musicians well as make new friends. and joined a band that competed in the National Rock Quest, which is like a High School version of the Battle of CULTURAL CLUBS INCLUDE: the Bands. It was a unique experience Kapa Haka (Maori cultural group), Nga Mana Korero (Maori speech competition), Debating, Speech Competition, Pacific Heart Cultural Club, School Talent Quest, Shakespeare competition, Musical Theatre Production, Cheerleading, Hip Hop Dance and Bollywood Dance. SEO YOUNG MUN PARTH PAL
AGE: 17 | CITY AND COUNTRY: Yangju, South Korea | STUDY PROGRAMME: NCEA L2 (Yr 12) AGE: 16 | CITY AND COUNTRY: Gurugram, India | STUDY PROGRAMME: NCEA, L2 (Yr 12) INTERESTS AND HOBBIES: Reading | FAVOURITE FOOD: Hash browns | FUTURE PLANS: University study in NZ. INTERESTS AND HOBBIES: Target shooting, art and painting, playing the guitar FAVOURITE FOOD: Indian street food | FUTURE PLANS: University study in the USA.
For a number of years I have travelled with my family I have found it easy to get used to school here, as I do Initially, my parents suggested that I might like to go to School here is quite different to India. Back home I would to many countries around the pacific on vacations, but not have to study as many subjects as back home and school in Lower Hutt, as my sister was living and working have 8-10 classes per day and a lot of unnecessary I wanted to experience a new culture, meet new people whilst the school system is not as pressured as in South there. From a young age I have done a lot of travelling homework, but here I feel like I have more opportunities and find something entirely new. I am lucky to have a Korea, I do put a lot of pressure on myself. I do not with my family, so the idea of studying in another to try subjects I am really interested in and I don’t feel local connection with my aunt and uncle living here in feel like an international student so much, but feel just country did not seem too daunting to me, but I was under so much pressure. Another bonus is being able Lower Hutt, so I discussed going to school here with my like another Kiwi student, as I feel I can be myself and excited by the challenge. to walk or catch the bus to school, which gives me a lot parents and they thought it was a good idea. express my opinions easily in the classroom environment. more freedom than back home in India. I think this is a reflection of society here in NZ, as people When I first started at Hutt High, I had the opportunity are quite friendly and open minded. to join in with aspects of the term 4 programme. This meant I got the chance to try a lot of things I had never done before, such as paddle boarding, surfing, camping and other extra-curricular activities. These activities took me outside of my comfort zone, but I really enjoyed it and I was able to make a lot of new friends. Student Support
OVERVIEW At Hutt Valley High School we ensure that students are happy, successful and safe. We listen carefully to the reasons for each student being here in New Zealand and do our best to help them achieve their goals. International students have full time staff dedicated to caring for their needs, including pastoral care, homestay management and support. We have a 24/7 phone contact in case of emergencies, and offer a free airport pick up service.
HOME STAY Our international students are hosted by local families. Most of our home-stay families have had long term connections with the school. The families will either have students currently attending, or recently finished at Hutt Valley High School. New Zealand homes are generally large and spacious with outdoor areas and pets. Home stay accommodation includes 3 meals per day and unlimited internet access.
VISA PROCESSING We can assist students with their student visa renewals or changes of visa status. Hutt Valley High School is also part of the Immigration New Zealand Pathway Visa Pilot Programme. Full information can be found at www.immigration.govt.nz SACHI HANDA
AGE: 17 | CITY AND COUNTRY: Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan | STUDY PROGRAMME: 1 year Study Abroad (Yr 12) BUDDY PROGRAMME INTERESTS AND HOBBIES: Dance, hanging out with friends | FAVOURITE FOOD: Cheese, especially blue cheese The best way to start your programme at Hutt valley High FUTURE PLANS: One more year at school in Japan, then university. Long term plan to be a flight attendant. School is to have a student buddy help you with your introduction to the school. Buddies are an important part of student orientation as they can assist you with all aspects I chose to come on a study abroad programme, as I Since I have been here I have been busy with all my of school life as well as providing mentoring and new social want to improve my English and have a cross-cultural subjects, including hip-hop dance. Compared with connections. experience. My goal is to become a flight attendant, studying in Japan, I have more freedom to choose my so becoming fluent in English and understanding more subjects, less homework and generally school life is less about other cultures is really important for that job. stressful. I especially enjoy the Tourism class, as it is a MEDICAL AND TRAVEL INSURANCE good subject for increasing communication with others. I decided to come to HVHS, as my agent said it was Overall I feel just like a regular student, as other students Insurance is compulsory for international students at Hutt a good school which had a good dance programme. are friendly and welcoming. Valley High School. Information about our insurance can be found at https://www.insurancesafenz.com/
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE PASTORAL CARE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Hutt Valley High School has agreed to observe and be bound by the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016. Copies are available from the NZQA Website www.nzqa.govt.nz Enrolment
The application form includes the homestay application APPLICATION and can be found on the HVHS international webpage www.hvhs.school.nz/international-students/enrolment or you can enrol online at hvhs.enrol.school.nz
STUDENTS NEED TO SUPPLY THE RECEIVE OFFER LETTER FOLLOWING: 1. Filled out International Student Application form 2. Certified copy of passport 3. Certified copy of school report PAY FEES AND GET RECEIPT ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO: [email protected] APPLY FOR STUDENT VISA AND PLAN TRAVEL
RECEIVE PRE-DEPARTURE PACK CHANBOPHA VAT
AGE: 18 | CITY AND COUNTRY: Kandal, Cambodia | STUDY PROGRAMME: NCEA L3 (Yr 13) INTERESTS AND HOBBIES: Listening to music, exercise and working | FAVOURITE FOOD: Spicy Cambodian food FUTURE PLANS: University study in NZ, run my own business. RECEIVE ORIENTATION AND ENROLMENT INFORMATION
My decision to come to NZ, was partly from my own Next year I intend to go to university in Wellington to desire to study English, but my parents were also keen study business, and hope to own my own business one for me to study here as they like the general way of life day. and culture in NZ. My Aunt lives in Wainuiomata (Lower Hutt), so that made the decision much easier and it also TRAVEL TO WELLINGTON meant I could have Cambodian food most days.
I enjoy being at HVHS, but I have had to work hard on my English and still occasionally come across language barriers. However, compared to studying in Cambodia, where I had to study 11 subjects, the structure and way ENROL AT SCHOOL of learning here is less stressful. In Cambodia, the school curriculum has a lot of focus on national history, so it is good to be able to change focus to business studies and economics. Hutt Valley High School | Private Bag 31909 +64 4 566 4584 Lower Hutt 5040 | Wellington | New Zealand [email protected] 84-114 Woburn Road, Lower Hutt 5010 hvhs.enrol.school.nz Wellington, New Zealand www.hvhs.school.nz