Study at KVC
Making the decision to study at Kaikorai Valley College will be one that you will definitely not regret. Our students tell us it was the best decision they made. We will make you time with us one of the most enjoyable times of your life and you will go home with many precious memories, as well as a great education.
Our teachers are committed to helping students gain academic qualifications for university and other tertiary pathways. We have 30 years experience in working with international students.
Students can join our online community link to keep in touch with what is happening and share experiences.
(https://www.facebook.com/www.kvcollege.co.nz)
We recommend arriving in New Zealand about three days before school starts, so there’s time to unpack, get over jet lag and get to know the local area.
When students first arrive in New Zealand, our Homestay coordinator arranges for you to be met at the airport and taken to your homestay.
Most students start school at the beginning of Term 1 (beginning of February) or Term 3 (July), but as we have said, at Kaikorai Valley College you are able to start at any time of the year. Regardless of when you start, you will have an orientation day on your first day of school.
Orientation includes:
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Introduction of staff who work with international students
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English test to determine placement
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Tour of the school
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Information about the school – (sport, music, uniforms, bell times, general school rules)
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Information about living in NZ
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Advice on how to make the most of your time at school and in your homestay
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Choose your subjects
When students first arrive the International Dean, Mrs Skelton, interviews them as part of our orientation programme. Part of this interview is about choosing the most suitable subjects. Most international students will study ESL 1 (English Language), ESL 2, Mathematics and three other subjects they are interested in. In NZ students have a good deal of freedom in the subjects they are able to choose.
Subjects available include:
Science, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Calculus, Statistics, English, Drama, Music, Māori, Art, Photography, Sculpture, ESOL, History, Geography, Tourism, New Zealand History, Health Education, Japanese, Urban Farm, Physical Education, Outdoor Education Digital Technology, Robotics, Design, Food Technology, Fabrics Technology and Hard Materials Technology.
Throughout your time at KVC English language tutors support international students in mainstream classes. Two well-qualified and experienced English Language teachers provide 8 – 12 hours of language tuition per week, depending on how good a student's English is when they arrive. There are four levels from Beginner to University Entrance level. These classes range in size from 3 to 10 students. For students with low levels of English we have a specially designed course to help them work towards full integration in the mainstream.
The chart shows the ages students usually start at each year level.
| Age | Year |
|---|---|
| 11 | 7 |
| 12 | 8 |
| 13 | 9 |
| 14 | 10 |
| 15 | 11 |
| 16 | 12 |
| 17 | 13 |
While at schools in NZ students study towards a qualification called a NZ Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA). Students, including International students, have the chance to gain high academic awards with Merit or Excellence endorsements in NCEA. This demonstrates a higher level of achievement.
In this photo we see Gia Hy Vo a student from Vietnam, being awarded a Silver Award for NCEA Level 1, endorsed with Merit, in the school’s Academic Excellence Awards held annually. To find out more about the national Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) please click on the links below.
Information is in English but also translated into Spanish, German, Thai, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Korean.
www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/why-nz/education-system
https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/international/study-nz-quals/
To research more about the New Zealand education system, go to
www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/why-nz/education-system
To research more about National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), go to
www.nzqa.govt.nz/studying-in-new-zealand/secondary-school-and-ncea/
Information is in English but also translated into Spanish, German, Thai, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Korean.
NCEA Fees
| Fees | GST exclusive | GST inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary Education Fees from 1 February 2025 | ||
| International student entry to NCEA standards | $333.30 per year | $379.84 per year |
| International student entry to Scholarship subjects | $88.87 per subject | $102.20 per subject |
NCEA Qualification Structure
In the senior school students are working towards their National Certificates in Educational Achievement (NCEA) at Levels 1, 2 or 3.
In order to achieve a particular Level students need:
NCEA Level 1- a total of 60 credits at Level 1 or above
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plus the 10 credit literacy co-requisite (5 credits reading and 5 credits writing)
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plus the 10 credit numeracy co-requisite
The literacy and numeracy co-requisites can be gained passing the three co-requisite exams, or by gaining credits from specific achievement/unit standards. From 2028 the literacy and numeracy can only be gained from the co-requisite exams.
The three co-requisite exams are:
US32403 - Literacy Reading
US32405 - Literacy Writing
US32406 - Literacy Numeracy
NCEA Level 2- a total of 80 credits
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at least 60 of these credits must be at Level 2 or above
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the remaining 20 credits can be from any Level, including Level 1
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Level 1 Literacy and Numeracy
NCEA Level 3- a total of 80 credits
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at least 60 of these credits must be at Level 3 or above
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the remaining 20 credits can be from Level 2 or above
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Level 1 Literacy and Numeracy
As we all know, attending school is not just about academic studies. Many of our international students become involved in extracurricular activities.
SPORTING: Available sports include: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Bowls, Cricket, Cross Country, Curling, Equestrian, Football, Futsal, Golf, Harriers, Hockey, Ice Hockey, Judo, Mini-ball, Mini Volley, Netball, Petanque, Rugby, Softball, Smallbore Rifle Shooting, Table Tennis, Tennis, Touch Rugby, Volleyball and Water Polo.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES: Culture and creative arts are a strength at KVC. Students are encouraged to display creative talents in many ways, including: Drama, Debating, Public Speaking, Kapa Haka, School Productions, School Orchestras, Choirs, Theatre-sports, Rock Bands, Shakespeare Festival and Talent Quest.
DRAMA: Performance opportunities are available within classes, school productions and talent quests. Drama can be taken as part of the school curriculum and taken as an NCEA subject.
MUSIC: Personal music tuition is popular and available on a wide variety of instruments. Music groups include: Bands, Orchestra, Rock Bands and Choirs. Students are given the opportunity to perform at frequent concerts, performances and celebrations.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION: Camps and activities include: Tramping, Bivouacking, Kayaking, Sandboarding, Rock Climbing, Abseiling, Cycle Tours and Mountain Biking.
School ski trips are enjoyed by many students each year including at least one trip for internationals only.
Students may take Outdoor Pursuits as a course in Year 13.
Facilities at KVC
Kaikorai Valley College has the largest physical campus in the city with 14 hectares of grounds. It is blessed with many wonderful facilities.
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A dedicated two classroom suite for international students with its own built-in kitchen
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ESOL Classrooms
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Computer suites
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Graphic design suites
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Modern science laboratories
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Music suite and studios
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Modern library
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Specialist technology rooms
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Two gymnasiums and extensive sports grounds and courts
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Drama theatre and dance studio
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its very own Urban Farm - https://www.facebook.com/urbanconceptfarmKVC
All students who are studying at Kaikorai Valley College for longer than six months must wear a uniform. However, new students do not have to wear a uniform on their first day of school. Your homestay will help you to get your uniform from the Uniform Shop in town.
As you can see in the photo, senior students from Years 11 - 13 wear a blazer and tie, while younger students from Years 7 - 10 wear a jersey.
