Oxford Area School

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Principal’s Welcome Oxford Area School is 45 minutes from the largest city in the South Island (Christchurch) and is surrounded by a magnificent and scenic outdoor environment of hills, mountains, lakes, rivers and forests. Students have an opportunity to study and develop in a school with a special character and to enjoy being in a supportive and caring community.

Oxford Area School is a composite (Area) school, having students from five to nineteen years of age and with a current roll of approximately 510 including 20 to 25 international students. Classes in our secondary school are small. This gives us a strong family atmosphere with quality pastoral care and individual attention for our students a top priority.

At Oxford Area School students are offered a full range of academic subjects balanced with wide sporting and cultural opportunities. Art, Photography, Outdoor Education, Music and Drama all provide excellent opportunities for students.

Bob Norrish Principal

Oxford Area School’s 2011 Head Students with Mrs Tina Wylie, Director of International Students, and Mr Norrish

Mr Bob Norrish

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International Student Programme E.S.O.L. programme Oxford Area School’s E.S.O.L. department aims to assist its students to adjust to their home and school lives as effortlessly as possible. Each student arrives in New Zealand with different language knowledge and abilities. The department has specialised individual programmes to support each student’s learning both in and out of the classroom.

This may take the form of: ●● one-to-one English lessons ●● small group lessons ●● support teaching within a subject class ●● outings to local places eg the post office, supermarket etc

Mrs Tina Wylie Director of International Students

All students are assessed on arrival and appropriate individual programmes put in place. Assistance is given to enable students to sit TOEIC and/or IELTS examinations where requested.

Qualified and trained staff build positive working relationships with students.

Oxford Area School has built an excellent reputation for providing high quality care for our international students. We are proud of the academic achievements of our students in national qualifications.

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We offer: ●● Full time Director who provides 24 hour service ●● Home stay coordinator ●● Orientation for all new students ●● Expert advice to assist course selection ●● Close to ski fields, adventure recreation, scenic walks and forests ●● Forty-five minutes from Christchurch ●● Modern facilities including individual advice and tuition ●● Full range of academic subjects

The recent Education Review Office Report states: “English Language programme and Support. International students receive high quality language support. The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher is trained to provide English language support. Students receive an appropriate balance of in-class and withdrawal support through individualised programmes.

These programmes cover all aspects of English and New

Zealand customs. ESOL lessons are linked to mainstream curriculum learning.

The ESOL teacher measures the effectiveness of the programme. She tracks student achievement by class observations and formal assessments in English, Mathematics and Science. The ESOL programme is well resourced. International students are integrated quickly into mainstream programmes. Their progress and achievement is well monitored.”

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Fees & Accommodation Oxford Area School arranges homestay accommodation for all international students. A representative from the school will meet the student at the airport upon arrival and will introduce them to their host family. There is no fee for transport to and from the airport, nor is there an administration fee for homestay placement.

Annual tuition fee

NZ$12,000

Homestay accommodation

NZ$200 per week

The tuition fee does not include any additional costs for curriculum subjects that require specialist course books, materials or additional costs with Outdoor Education which will be incurred for accommodation, food and travel etc. The tuition fee does not include external examination fees. Full medical insurance is also required.

Contact Tina Wylie – Director of International Students Oxford Area School 52 Bay Road Oxford North Canterbury New Zealand Tel: +64 3 312 4197 Fax: +64 3 312 4842 Email: tina@oxford.school.nz Website: www.oxford.school.nz

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Academic Programme The school offers a full range of courses and has a reputation for academic excellence, achieved within small classes, preparing our students for the transition to university.

Students usually study five subjects at year 12 level and four or five subjects at year 13. They can study various courses at different levels depending on their competence at individual subjects and in order to best meet the student’s needs.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is available at all levels for international students at no additional cost.

Student responsibility New Zealand school students are active in their own learning and take responsibility for their own progress. The E.S.O.L. department at Oxford Area School works very hard to develop confidence in its international students to speak out and to take risks in their language learning - something they may not have done before. In the supportive environment of small classes and friendly homestays E.S.O.L. students can make great improvement in a short period of time.

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Course Chart Senior Curriculum Year 11 – NCEA Level 1 Compulsory Subjects Active Living - Careers - Health - Core Physical Education English Mathematics Science Sport Optional Subjects Agriculture Visual Art Design Technology – Hard Materials Economics Geography Graphics History Hospitality and Food Japanese National Cert. In Computing Performing Arts Physical Education (NCEA) Textiles

Year 12 – NCEA Level 2

Year 13 – NCEA Level 3

Compulsory Subjects

Compulsory Subjects No Compulsory Subjects at this level

English Sport

Optional Subjects Agriculture Biology Chemistry Classical Studies Design Technology – Hard Materials Economics Geography Graphics History Hospitality and Food Japanese Mathematics National Cert. in Computing Outdoor Education – Outdoor Pursuits & Leadership Performing Arts Photography Physical Education (NCEA) Physics Practical Art Textiles Tourism

Optional Subjects Biology Chemistry Classical Studies Design Technology – Hard Materials Economics English Geography Graphics History Hospitality and Food Mathematics with Calculus Statistics and Modeling National Cert. in Computing Outdoor Education – Outdoor Management Painting Performing Arts Photography Physical Education (NCEA) Physics Sport Textiles Tourism

Subjects not listed may be available through Correspondence or Distance Education Drama, Dance and Music are included under Performing Arts. Languages can be accessed through video conference links or through tutors within the community, for example French, Spanish etc.

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Facilities

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Oxford Area School Values At Oxford Area School everyone is encouraged to value themselves, their school, their community and their environment and to develop their ability to: ●● Have respect for others, accept diversity and work co-operatively. ●● Always aim for personal excellence. ●● Show commitment and participation. ●● Enjoy learning, know how to learn and be a life long learner. ●● Act with integrity, honesty and self discipline. ●● Recognise their strengths and weaknesses. ●● Be innovative, curious and independent thinkers. ●● Be tolerant and sensitive to the needs of others.

These values are encouraged, modelled and explored through a balanced curriculum and quality teaching in a safe and healthy environment with community support.

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