Profile

International Students

“Mahurangi College has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Minister of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from this institution or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at:
http://www.minedu.govt.nz “

Special Character

Mahurangi College is unique among New Zealand secondary schools. It is the largest rural based Form One to Form Seven school in the country. The role of approximately 1200 students enables Mahurangi College to combine the facilities and outlook of a city school with the advantages of a safe and secure rural environment. Students are protected from the distractions and troubles of city life and free to focus on their studies

The emphasis of Mahurangi College is on academic excellence balanced with a wide range of sporting and cultural activities. The College's national examination results rank it in the top group of New Zealand's state secondary schools. Graduates excel in their tertiary studies, in their chosen careers and at national and international level in their sporting and cultural pursuits.

Location and Facilities

Mahurangi College is situated in what is widely recognised as one of New Zealand's most beautiful rural areas. the town of Warkworth is approximately 45 minutes north of Auckland only minutes from recreational beaches, coastal waters and bush reserves. the College is set in park like grounds bordered by the Mahurangi River. It has excellent facilities and resources to enable it to deliver all the subjects of the broad curriculum. Mahurangi College is at the forefront of computer and information technology and this technology is integrated into all subject areas.

Academic Programmes

A full range of subjects is offered by the Science, Arts, Social Science, Business, Technology and Physical Education Faculties. Students are able to choose a course of study appropriate to their interests, abilities and career plans. Students will complete assessments and sit exams towards the New Zealand NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3 Courses.

The ESOL department helps provide International students with the English language skills and qualifications required to achieve in the New Zealand education system.

English as a Second Language

The ESOL Department helps provide International Students with the English language skills and qualifications required to achieve in the New Zealand education system. Students are rigourously prepared for IELTS and other internationally-recognised ESOL examinations.

The ESOL Department has a highly qualified and experienced teaching staff whose expertise ranges from local to overseas qualifications. There are currently four teaching members and a teacher aide. The Department makes full use of Information Technology and the students have access to the College’s computer network. Mahurangi College is very fortunate to have a well resourced ESOL department which consists of:

•a large ESOL library

•computers

•ample student dictionaries

•language learning games

•audio-visual equipment such as its own TV and VCR

•extensive teacher resources.

The ESOL programme is divided into five levels – beginners; elementary; lower intermediate (NCEA level one); upper intermediate (NCEA level two); and advanced (IELTS and NCEA level three.) Student / teacher ratio in the first two levels is no more than one:ten, and in the three other levels, there is a maximum class size of 18 students.

Extra-Curricular Programmes

Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of individual and team sports. Music is an important feature of the school with individual instrument tuition available and musical performance groups (jazz bands, choirs, school productions) open for all who wish to participate.

Student Welfare

There is a network of pastoral care that involves a student's Whanau (home room) teacher, house leader and a full time guidance teacher. The International Student Director is the staff member with immediate responsibility for the welfare of international students. The Director is available to Staff and Students at all times.

Conditions of Acceptance

International students must be clear in their understanding that acceptance for a place at Mahurangi College is not a guarantee of future academic success. Success will depend on the student’s academic and English language ability as well as their willingness to study hard.

Mahurangi College reserves the right to place a student in a full time English language course until they have reached the level of English required for success in academic courses.

Mahurangi College also reserves the right to place a student at a different class level from the one indicated on the Offer of Place. This will be done if a student shows, after assessment by the college’s teaching staff, that they are not capable of studying at the level offered or are capable of study at a higher level.

Mahurangi College has no English language proficiency requirement for applicants but students will be assessed upon arrival, and placement in Year levels or a particular class will be determined in large part on this assessment. The principal will have the final say in placing a student in a specific course or class.

Mahurangi College reserves the right to ask for a medical clearance certificate if a student’s application indicates a health or safety concern.

Students and parents must accept and abide by the rules regarding behaviour and conduct that apply to all students. Students must accept the laws of New Zealand. Serious misbehaviour may result in the termination of tuition.

The student will attend the college on all occasions when it is open unless prevented by illness or other urgent cause.

Students must observe the conditions of their visa. If the student breaks the terms of the visa, the college may report the fact to the New Zealand Immigration Service, which may result in the student having to leave New Zealand.

All disputes will be dealt with according to New Zealand law.
The college’s complaints procedure for international students will be used to deal with grievances.

Mahurangi College reserves the right to remove a student from a Homestay or Designated Caregiver if the college becomes concerned over a student’s well-being or safety.

Visa Applications

Students must have a current passport and a valid New Zealand Student Visa for Mahurangi College if they wish to study at the college for more than three months. Students studying for three months or less can enter New Zealand on a Visitors Visa.

Visas can be obtained from your nearest New Zealand Embassy, Consulate or Immigration Office. Visa applicants will need to include the Offer of Place and fee receipt with their application. “Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in new Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service, and can be viewed on their website at: http://www.immigration.govt.nz “
The International Student Director will assist returning students with the renewal of their visas.

Application Requirements and Procedures

Application must be made on the Mahurangi College International Student Application Form, and applicants must produce the following documentation to the College or designated agent:

•Passport

•Student visa / permit

•Copies of recent school report with verified English translation

•Health insurance documentation if not using Mahurangi College insurance scheme

•Medical information if requested

Please forward the completed application form to:
International Student Director
Mahurangi College
PO Box 64
Warkworth
New Zealand
Or fax to: 64–9–425 7275

Acceptance of an application, and the decision on Year level entry, will be at the College’s discretion. Successful applicants will be sent an Offer of Place, Tuition Fee Invoice, Homestay Fee Invoice, and an Insurance Invoice. These fees must be paid in advance before an application is approved.

Full insurance (medical, travel) is compulsory and Mahurangi College can enrol individuals in the college scheme. Applicants may choose their own insurance company but evidence of this must be shown on arrival to the college.

The applicant will be mailed a tuition fee receipt. The receipt and Offer of Place will be needed for the student visa application.