ESOL AND LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Under the guidance of the Director of International Students and a qualified, experienced and caring team of professionals, the students undergo a full English as a Second Language course while at the same time being integrated into mainstream classes at the level their ability indicates.

The small number of international students at school allows us to give them individual care and attention.

ESOL Staff

Length Of Study

The full academic year runs from the last week in January to early December. International students may start their course of study at any time during the year. When they arrive students have an orientation programme in culture and language. Students who start at the beginning of the fourth term will use that term as an introduction only. Students wanting university qualifications are required to complete two years in the senior school unless their English is assessed as being above average.

The school year is divided into four terms with a two week break between each term and a seven week break at Christmas.

ESOL Programmes

There is a full English as a Second Language Programme. Classes are small. Both private tuition and group study are available. IELTS is also taught to those requiring it. If extra tuition is needed on arrival, this will be provided.

Language Requirements

On application, students are required to submit a hand written half page of English on why they wish to attend Timaru Boys' High School. Students applying must have some ability at both written and spoken English. If necessary, the student may be required to attend extra classes until their English is to the required standard. Beginning students will attend full ESOL classes in school for assessment before being mainstreamed into school classes.

Requirements for Entrance to a University in New Zealand
42 credits at level 3 or higher on the National Qualifications framework including a minimum of 14 credits at level 3 or higher in each of two subjects from an approved subject list with a further 14 credits at level 3 or higher from no more than two additional domains on the National Qualifications Framework or approved subjects.

A minimum of 14 credits at level 1 or higher in Mathematics. A minimum of 8 credits at level 2 in English, 4 credits must be in reading and 4 credits must be in writing.

International English Language Testing System
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the examination used to assess whether candidates are ready to study or train in the medium of the English language.

Academic IELTS
For students who plan to study at an international university. It tests their ability to understand and use complex, academic language. Academic IELTS helps universities and colleges to select students with sufficient English skills to succeed in their courses. An IELTS 6 is the usual requirement but each university should be contacted and level requirements verified.

General Training IELTS
Training IELTS is required by other institutions, eg polytechnics, and it is also used for immigration purposes in New Zealand. Both levels are provided for TBHS International students who will later be studying at university in their own countries, in other countries or in other institutions within New Zealand.

Test of English as a Foreign Language
For the same reasons, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is also available at Timaru Boys' High School.