Villa Education Trust
International
A warm welcome despite the cold!!!
ESOL classes with a 'Kiwi' focus!
A fond farewell
Trust welcomes 100 plus International visitors
Students and families within the Villa Education Trust (VET) have had a busy few weeks hosting three groups of international visitors and welcoming new short term and long term students to the Auckland based schools.
Each visiting group has followed a different itinerary, designed to meet their specific needs and requirements, facilitated by the International Manager Bruce Knox, in collaboration with agencies and individuals.
The first group from Hong Kong arrived during the term break and utilized the excellent facilities at Pohutukawa Villa, part of Middle School West Auckland, in Henderson. Staying in a local hotel, the group spent the first week completing an ESOL course with a 'Kiwi' theme, staffed by four VET ESOL teachers. Topics included New Zealand culture, climate, geography and traditions. During the second week the group joined students at Jack Ralston House, Middle School West Auckland's largest campus and followed the integrated curriculum which has an academic morning and an activity based afternoon (including art, music, sport and community learning).
During Week 1 of Term 3, students and families at South Auckland Middle School were joined by over 40 visitors from Hong Kong for a week-long study programme. A true 'Kiwi' welcome was given to the students and teachers who participated in lessons at the Manurewa campus during the mornings and completed on site ESOL tuition in the afternoons. After school and weekend activities were arranged by the homestay families, with students enjoying trips to the Sky Tower, Auckland Zoo, sports stadiums and other top tourist and cultural attractions. The trip concluded with a traditional 'Hangi' and Maori send off with lots of emotional good byes from both sides.
The focus was then back on Middle School West Auckland who once again extended a warm welcome to a second group of visitors from Hong Kong. Home-staying in Henderson with staff and students, the 20 plus group of teachers and pupils are enjoying on-site ESOL classes at Jack Ralston House during the academic morning and participating in the extensive integrated activity classes during the afternoons.
Joining pupils at Mt Hobson Middle School, in Newmarket, this week is Leyi and Minghao from China. Homestaying with Trust staff, the two students are joining in with the integrated project based curriculum during the mornings and attending ESOL at a city centre language school in the afternoons. An extensive activity programme is keeping them busy in the evenings and weekends with trips to local beaches, museums and tourist attractions on the agenda. They will be bid a fond farewell on Saturday when they leave to visit all the major New Zealand cities before returning to China on August 18th.
Chinese students Ben and Kyle have also been welcomed into the Mt Hobson family, joining Year 7 and 10 respectively. Both Ben and Kyle will remain with us for the rest of this year and into next. Both have settled into the daily routine quickly and have made many new friends. Despite the very cold weather both boys have received a very warm welcome from their peers.
Mt Hobson Middle School currently has seven International students studying at the boutique style city school (five from China, one from Japan and one from Taiwan)
International Manager Bruce Know said: "The last few weeks have been amazing for the Trust. We have been honoured to share our homes and ours schools with so many international guests and are delighted that some are staying with us long term."
The Villa Group can manage a variety of proposals
WHAT CAN WE OFFER TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS?
Mt Hobson Middle School and Villa NCEA Academy offers 'tailor made' opportunities to International students. Examples include:
Long Term places - students attend the school for a minimum of one academic year, living with a 'homestay family' and studying as part of a maximum class size of 12. Students will have full access to our academic programmes and examination options.
Short term study - students attend for a period of time chosen by their parent/agent. Students will be provided with uniform, stationery and a 'homestay family' (if required) and will join an existing class. This is a good 'taster' option to allow children to familiarize themselves with the school, its curriculum and Auckland, or as an option to 'boost' English language skills.
Holiday courses - we offer 'tailor made' packages to groups of International students wishing to study in Auckland short term. These packages can include English lessons, academic programmes, visits to local attractions/entertainment facilities and surrounding areas of interest. Hotels or 'homestay' arrangements can be made for children and their accompanying parents/guardians.
Teacher exchanges - We also welcome visits from teachers/education specialists wishing to experience the New Zealand education system. Further details available upon request.
Middle School West Auckland and South Auckland Middle School welcomes short term exchange and study groups. The school campuses can also be hired by agencies for use during Term Breaks.
Book NOW for late 2016 and 2017!
Email: b.knox@mthobson.school.nz
Website: www.villaeducation.org.nz
Location: Villa Education Trust, Mt Hobson Middle School, 131 Remuera Road, Newmarket, 1050
Phone: 64212245669