International Students Learning Programmes

St Heliers School is a Signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021.

Our comprehensive teaching programmes are based on the New Zealand Curriculum as prescribed by the New Zealand Ministry of Education.

The New Zealand Curriculum is highly regarded internationally.

Core Curriculum - Educating for Excellence

The school curriculum is made up of eight essential learning areas:

  • English

  • Mathematics & Statistics

  • Science

  • Technology

  • Social Science

  • Health & Physical Education

  • The Arts

  • Learning Languages

Underpinning the curriculum areas are five key competencies:

  • Thinking

  • Understanding language, symbols and texts

  • Relating to others

  • Managing self

  • Participating & Contributing

Learning Areas

  • Mandarin is offered to all students.

    A Mandarin Learning Assistant is employed to assist with the delivery of the programme.

  • Māori

    Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages in New Zealand. English is the medium for teaching in most schools.

    Aotearoa New Zealand has a proud bi-cultural history. At St Heliers School our students are engaged in a range of cultural experiences relating to Tikanga, Te Reo and Te Ao Māori (Māori language, customs and the Māori view of the world).

    We aim to enact all of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi).

    During their time at our school, students gain an understanding of Māori culture and language and how that strengthens our bicultural relationship.

    Students have a diverse range of experiences, including a visit to a Marae in Auckland, powhiri practices, Kapa Haka (cultural performance group) and Māori culture sessions within the classrooms. The foundation level of Te Reo (Māori language) is used daily.

  • All Year 7 and 8 students go to Selwyn College once a week for technology. Over two years they cover:

    • computational thinking for digital technologies

    • designing and developing digital outcomes

    • designing and developing materials outcomes

    • designing and developing processed outcomes

    • design and visual communication.

  • Unlike most other primary schools in New Zealand St Heliers School employs a science specialist teacher.

    All students in Year 7 and 8 receive specialist science teaching and learning every week. This prepares the students for the science they will be studying at secondary school.

    The science teachers also provide advice and guidance in science for teachers of students in younger year levels.

Unlock Your Global Potential: Embrace the World as an International Student!