Studying at Kerikeri High School

Students take part in a three-day orientation welcome programme on arrival. During this programme they are welcomed with a traditional Māori pōwhiri, meet the Principal Mr Clent, and our current International Student Representative. They are introduced to their 'Kiwi Buddy' who provides friendship and support during their first weeks of school. Their Kiwi Buddy introduces them to their friend group, their teachers, and shows them around the school. During this programme we also like to explore the beautiful Bay of Islands by boat, with an island stopover for a walk and lunch on the beach, followed by swimming and beach fun (weather permitting).

Programme Content

• Introduction of all the International Department staff who work with international students
• Pōwhiri (traditional Māori welcome)
• Meet your Kiwi Buddy
• Meet your International Student Representative
• English test to determine your class level of ESOL or mainstream English
• Information booklet about studying at Kerikeri High School and living in Kerikeri, New Zealand
• Reading and understanding the documentation you and your parents signed during the application process
• School tour
• Meet significant school staff (the Sports Co-ordinator, School Clubs leaders etc.)
• Sign up to the school computer network
• Information about travel opportunities in New Zealand
• Advice on how to make the most of your experience living with a host family
• Bay of Islands boat trip, or alternatively if the weather is inclement, a visit to our local marae (Māori meeting grounds) to enjoy Māori cultural activities and games

Just a 30-minute drive from Kerikeri High School are the Waitangi Treat Grounds. This special place is the site where New Zealand's founding document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi/ The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. It is fundamental to New Zealand's cultural identity and its origins as a modern nation state. Every International Student at Kerikeri High School visits the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the museum, and experiences a Māori cultural performance as part of our International Student Programme.

English language testing is undertaken during the Orientation Programme; based on the results, students are placed into the appropriate ESOL or mainstream English class. Students will be taught by qualified ESOL and English Teachers in small, friendly classes, to improve their reading, writing, speaking and listening. With a large International Department, we can offer three levels of ESOL classes, and mainstream English. We can also arrange for extra tuition out of school hours for those students who wish to fast track their learning.

In November, our Kiwi students and some International Students sit the national NCEA exams. Whilst these exams are on, we run an End of Year Programme for our International Students not sitting exams. This three-week programme includes activities in Northland and at Kerikeri High School, including but not limited to Learning to Sail programme, Wairere Boulders walk, Hundertwasser Museum visit, koru pendant making in Technology at school, cooking a Kiwi barbeque in Hospitality at school, PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Dive Course, Waitangi Treaty Grounds and cultural show, Mahinepua Peninsula walk and beach picnic, Kawiti Glowworm Caves, Urupukapuka Island day-trip with kayaking, swimming and guided nature walk, Manea Footprints of Kupe cultural experience and exploring the Hokianga, Poor Knights Islands snorkeling trip.