International Students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Mercury Bay Area School is a signatory to the "Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students" published by the Minister of Education. All procedures relating to the enrolment of International Students are carried out in accordance with the Code. Copies of the Code are available on request from MBAS or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at:
Ministry of Education Code of Practice
Further information regarding living and studying in New Zealand can be found on the following Ministry of Education pages:
Living and studying in New Zealand
International Students are provided with additional English tuition as part of our normal academic programme. International Students become an integral part of our school community, participating in full academic, sporting and cultural programmes.
Pastoral Care
We operate excellent support systems for all our students. We have an extensive pastoral care system based around our homeroom teachers, deans and counsellor.
Homestays
Quality homestay accommodation is offered within Mercury Bay for International Students. Flatting is not permitted.
English Language
International Students will have their level of English assessed at enrolment. Course and class placement are conditional on English proficiency. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes are provided for all students who require them. Assistance with English will be ongoing.
Enrolment Process
All applications from International Students will be acknowledged. An interview date will be arranged with the student for enrolment at MBAS. Tuition costs are paid and a receipt and letter of confirmation of place are provided. Parents apply to obtain a Student Visa. This is not the responsibility of the school. New International Students are provided with a full orientation programme upon arrival.
Note: For students wishing to apply to join the Marine Academy programme.
The 2010 Marine Academy programme is currently full but we would still welcome any expressions of interest throughout the year as a place may become available. For future reference, applications to join the Marine Academy in any year should be made by mid October the previous year. Eg for 2011 your application should be sent in by October 2010.
School Year
School hours and terms for Area Schools are generally the same as for Secondary Schools. In 2010 the school year will be as follows:
2010 Term dates Term 4 Years 7-10 final day Thursday 9 December Years 1-6 final day Friday 10 December
- Schools must be closed in 2010 on Saturdays and Sundays and on the following holidays:
- Labour Day 25 October (Monday)
- Christmas Day 25 December
- Boxing Day 26 December
Provisional dates for 2011 are as follows:
Term 1: Tuesday 1 February - Friday 15 April
Term 2: Monday 2 May - Friday 15 July
Term 3: Monday 1 August - Friday 7 October
Term 4: Tuesday 25 October - Thursday 8 December
For more information please contact Lorraine Bristow, International Student Dean This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
