Study at Upper Hutt College
Study at Upper Hutt College
Academic Year
- At Upper Hutt College the school year starts in late January and ends in early-mid December and is divided into 4 terms
- Each term is approximately 10 weeks and terms are separated by a 2 week break. In term 4 during senior students' study leave, a separate end of year programme is offered to international students not sitting exams.
For more general information about studying at Upper Hutt College please click on the link to the school prospectus.
Upper Hutt College Prospectus 2025
Orientation
We take all international students through an orientation programme in their first few days to help them settle more easily into New Zealand school life. We will introduce you to the Upper Hutt College school routines, extra-curricular activities and rules and expectations.
New students will meet the international staff, complete testing to determine their English language ability and choose their subjects. They will also be buddied with a New Zealand student to help them begin socialising with other students at our school. We also talk to you about school buses and other public transport, visit the uniform shop and assist you to get a bank account if required.
Curriculum / Subjects
All Year 9 and 10 students study English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education and Health. They choose either 8 option subjects (Year 9) or 2 option subjects (Year 10) from a range of other subjects, including ESOL.
All senior students study either 5 or 6 subjects. There is a wide range of choices, including:
- Languages: English, Maori, Japanese and ESOL.
- Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- Mathematics: Calculus and Statistics
- Social Sciences: Commerce (Economics and Accounting), Business Studies, Tourism, Geography, History, Media Studies and Classical Studies.
- Physical Education: Health Studies, Sports Leadership, Sports Performance and Adventure (Outdoor) Education
- Creative and Performing Arts: Music, Dance, Drama, Art (Design, Printmaking, Painting and Photography), Media Studies
- Technology: Food & Nutrition, Textiles, Hospitality & Catering, Digital Technology (Computers), Design & Visual Communication (Graphics) Building & Construction and Hard Materials Technology.
For information on 2025 courses in either Year 11 or Years 12 and 13, please read the relevant (red) Course Selection handbook below. .
2025 Year 12 & 13 Course Booklet
Student Wellbeing
Our international team is focussed on providing an excellent experience for our international students. We do this by providing individual attention to a relatively small number of international students. All students are also members of an Ako class and have a "Kiwi" buddy. Students also have access to a Guidance Counsellor.
Concerns
If any student or parent is concerned about a matter, they should see either the International Homestay Manager - Amanda Sharkey - or the International Director - Janetta Van Maren - in the first instance. If they are still concerned about the issue the should see the Principal - Ms Judith Taylor. If a concern remains once this process is followed, please find out what to do next by clicking here
Upper Hutt College is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice. This ensures we will offer services for international students that meet nationally consistent standards. To view the code of practice click the following link:
As attested in the most recent Education Review Office (available on yellow tab below), "International students' wellbeing and pastoral care are a high priority for staff. There is a deliberate focus on successful homestay placements and students having opportunities to have a range of experiences in New Zealand."
Ero International Students Report
Living in New Zealand
Please read the brochure Student Guidelines to Living in New Zealand .
Student Guidelines To Living In New Zealand 2022
FEES
For 2024 fees click the green link below
For 2025 Fees click the yellow link below
For 2026 fees click the blue link below
CONTACT
For more information, please contact:
Janetta Van Maren (Director of International Students)