NEW ZEALAND
International Prospectus
Kia ora
Welcome to St Andrew’s College
The St Andrew’s College International Programme provides an incredible opportunity for young men and women from abroad to live, study, and reach their academic potential in a New Zealand secondary school with a special spirit and a highly dynamic and supportive culture.
Our international students enjoy a world-class private education, modern, comfortable boarding facilities which are a real ‘home away from home’, and the opportunity to participate in a huge range of exciting sporting, cultural and outdoor activities. We are proud of our rich history, values and traditions at St Andrew’s College, which inspire our passionate, skilled teachers today. Our students consistently attain high academic achievements, with many of our talented young sports people and performers achieving national, and even international recognition.
From our central Christchurch location, just one hour away from the magnificent snow capped Southern Alps, and only 15 minutes from the city’s beaches and Port Hills, international students can also experience the best New Zealand has to offer.
We value diversity and embrace different cultures and perspectives at St Andrew’s College. A wide network of caring people is dedicated to ensuring our international students’ time with us is as enjoyable, fulfilling and memorable as possible.
Mrs Christine Leighton Rector
Mr Palē Tauti Director of International Students and Exchanges
“With modern facilities for studying and boarding, students are given every opportunity to learn, perform and achieve success.
Palē Tauti DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND EXCHANGES
Why St Andrew’s College?
a world-class, private education at a prestigious College, with a highly engaged, innovative, and creative co-educational learning environment; home away from home in safe, secure and welcoming boarding houses;
small class sizes and highly qualified teachers; ESOL (English language) classes to support students to develop their English language skills; student well-being and support for their academic learning is a priority – a holistic approach to well-being and support of the student;
established international programme, living and studying alongside fellow international students; a flexible curriculum, with a strong focus on academic success;
passionate, skilled and responsive teachers who inspire and support students to reach their full potential;
a large variety of sports and cultural activities in an extensive co-curricular programme; service and leadership opportunities; modern, leading-edge facilities; well established values, with history and traditions dating back more than 100 years; pathways to top universities and tertiary providers worldwide.
Our Campus
St Andrew’s has one of the largest school campuses in New Zealand, with exciting, state-of the-art teaching and learning centres, and impressive cultural and sports facilities, spread across a spacious 13-hectare site in the heart of Christchurch; key campus features include: the Spiro Science and Mathematics Centre, three boarding houses, two gymnasiums, StACFit fitness centre, Centennial Chapel, the Stewart Junior Centre and Pre-school, and the Green Library and Innovation Centre; opened in 2024, Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre also supports a variety of cultural groups. This building includes the 266-seat Gough Family Theatre, Lesley Johnston Ballet Studio, Fife Dance and Drama Studio, and Blair Gough Drama Studio.
Well-being and Support
Well-being and Positive Education is a strong focus at St Andrew’s College, with student care and well-being at the College considered among the best in New Zealand. On joining the St Andrew’s College community, international students gain the support and friendship of an entire network of people who take an active interest in their welfare. This large, caring team includes teachers, tutors, Deans, boarding staff, a guiding and counselling team, and College management, including Director of International Students and Exchanges, Mr Palē Tauti. Together, they provide the following help and support: ensure international students feel welcomed, comfortable, safe and cared for; support students to flourish academically and develop critical thinking skills; assist them to grow confidence and resilience, and to build positive relationships; provide confidential guidance and counselling services if required; help students to establish a strong foundation for success in their lives beyond school.
“At
St Andrew’s College our focus is not only academic, sporting and cultural achievement, but also building the character, backbone, and self-respect that will support our Collegians through life’s ups and downs.
visa and immigration requirements; emergency accommodation when required.
Each international student also has a key support person who is Christchurch based and over 25 years of age. This person will often speak the same language as the student, and can provide support and guidance for the following: setting up bank accounts; medical and travel arrangements; authorising school trips and expenses;
Kerry Larby HEAD OF WELL-BEING
“Life is co-ed, so it makes sense for students to spend their formative years in a highly engaged co-educational learning environment as they prepare for their future beyond school in a diverse society.
Christine Leighton RECTOR
Studying at St Andrew’s College
The broad and balanced curriculum at St Andrew’s College is based on the vision and requirements of The New Zealand Curriculum, which states that ‘all students, regardless of where they are situated, should experience a rich and balanced education that embraces the intent of the National Curriculum.’
Years 1–8 (5–13 years
old)
Students are engaged with a meaningful learning environment. Driven by a student-centred approach, supported by inspired and passionate teachers with the aim to foster and grow independent learners and responsible individuals.
Years
9–10 (13–15 years
old)
Students are tested in a nationally moderated assessment that serves as a benchmark against which students, teachers and families can measure progress. Students are well prepared for the NCEA assessments, which commence in Year 11. Our preparation and programmes are well proven.
Years 11–13 (15–18 years old)
St Andrew’s College students consistently achieve well above the national average in NCEA at all levels, and in the attainment of NCEA Merit and Excellence endorsements. There are many initiatives to encourage and reward academic success, including Academic Colours and Academic 30s certificates for our top NCEA performers.
“Our learning values of creativity, the ability to think and question critically, to collaborate, and to self-manage, are all foundations to learning.
Bevin
CurriculumReferenceChart
David
HEAD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
RUSSELL BOEY (OC 2018)
Russell Boey is one of the most outstanding scholars from St Andrew’s College in recent years.
The 2018 Dux excelled across several academic disciplines, sitting six Scholarship subjects, and achieving them all, five at Outstanding level. These incredible results saw Russell named in the top 10 students in New Zealand for 2018. He was also in the New Zealand team of four students who competed at the 50th Chemistry Olympiad in Bratislava and Prague, where he won an individual bronze medal. A talented writer, as well as a scientist, Russell had many successes in writing competitions, including winning the Secondary School category in the national Sunday Star Times Short Story Competition while in Year 12. Russell was born in Singapore and came to New Zealand as a young boy. He is grateful to have worked with some great teachers, who helped him to achieve his academic goals. In 2019, Russell began studying Physics at the University of Auckland, with his overall goal to study astrophysics.
Pathways
Studying at St Andrew’s College, and gaining New Zealand’s NCEA qualifications, can open the door to further study almost anywhere in the world.
Our track record of academic success sees many of our graduates move onto prestigious domestic and international universities and tertiary providers, with a number of our students offered university scholarships each year.
MIKAE TUU’U (OC 2003)
Mikae Tuu’u is a former scholarship student who embraced every opportunity during his time at the College. As well as excelling academically, Mikae played 1st XV rugby, sang in the choir and had major roles in two productions. After leaving St Andrew’s, Mikae gained a Bachelor of Education majoring in Physical Education and History, then juggled a teaching career with rugby for some time. He attended four Junior Rugby World Cups, was a member of the New Zealand U19 and U21 teams and played for Canterbury and Northland. He joined the St Andrew’s College staff in 2015 to run the Elite Sports Studies programme and was Head of Middle School from 2018–2023. During his tenure, Mikae was a key mentor for the College’s highperformance athletes and Pasifika students. He also coached the 1st XV and was a driving force behind the girls’ volleyball programme at St Andrew’s.
Charlotte Whittaker came to St Andrew’s College on a scholarship in 2017 to pursue greater opportunities in both academic and sporting areas. She was a leading player in the Girls’ A basketball team who won both regional and South Island titles, as well as achieving considerable individual success, including being named one of 20 female athletes invited to attend an elite training camp with Kiwi NBA legend, Steven Adams. Using embedded support strategies, staff and peer mentors were able to assist Charlotte to graduate with Excellence, and assist her in helping her team secure the title of South Island Champions. Charlotte secured a full basketball scholarship at the University of Colorado – one of the USA’s top universities, and being named in 2019 as one of the youngest players in the national women’s basketball team, the Tall Ferns, in her first year out of school.
During her five years at St Andrew’s College, Jin Ju (Victoria) Lee has been a humble and very gracious scholarship student, who has demonstrated exceptional musical talent, which has seen her recognised on the national, and even the international stage. The multiinstrumentalist is especially well known for playing the violin, with her biggest achievement to date, being selected as one of 80 students from around the world to perform with the 2018 International Honors String Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in New York. Victoria came to St Andrew’s College on a music and academic scholarship in 2015, and says the College, and particularly its Music Department, has positively influenced every aspect of her life. In 2020, Victoria plans to study Health Sciences at Otago University, with a goal to one day be part of the New Zealand Doctors’ Orchestra.
CHARLOTTE WHITTAKER (OC 2018)
JIN JU (VICTORIA) LEE (OC 2019)
“Our philosophy when guiding student well-being and achievement in the boarding family is based on ‘what a great parent might do’. We set the same intentions as we support students in their main objective for being at St Andrew’s College –to get a great education.
Matt Parr DIRECTOR OF BOARDING
Boarding
Most international students choose to live in our bright, modern, welcoming boarding facilities on campus. Our three boarding houses are considered among the best secondary school boarding facilities in New Zealand.
We are proud of our boarding culture in which students are encouraged to foster a strong community spirit and achieve their potential.
What students can expect as a member of the St Andrew’s College boarding family?
modern, highly resourced boarding houses with a well-structured routine and after school programmes;
support for students to reach academic goals during scheduled prep time; to make new friends from a diverse range of cultures;
a caring, highly trained boarding staff team;
close supervision, which ensures students live securely while developing independence and maturity;
an exciting programme of events throughout the year;
after-hours access to facilities on campus such as the Library, gymnasiums and Fitness Centre;
all meals are provided by our own catering team, including morning and afternoon tea;
special dietary requirements catered for;
all bedding and laundry services provided.
Our Boarding Houses
We have three bright, modern boarding houses at St Andrew’s College.
RUTHERFORD HOUSE
Years 9–11 Junior Boys
Years 12–13 Senior Boys
THOMPSON HOUSE
Years 9–13 Girls
Student facilities:
boarders in Years 9–12 share twin rooms or quad rooms (Year 9 girls only), which are divided into semi-private spaces. These encompass a comfortable bed, desk, wardrobe, storage facilities, and a pin board;
boarders in Year 13 have their own room;
each House has communal spaces where students can relax and socialise together;
each House has free Wi-Fi, limited SKY TV options, and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities.
MACGIBBON HOUSE
Events and Activities
As part of our vibrant boarding community, international students at St Andrew’s College enjoy an exciting programme of events and activities throughout each year. This could include everything from watching a live international sports match, to supporting St Andrew’s College sports teams and watching cultural performances (and taking part themselves).
Lots of fun annual or weekend activities are also planned, which might include: farmers’ markets; eateries in Christchurch city; barbecues on campus movie nights; Hororata Highland Games; Godley Head walks; Top Town competition;
swimming at Jellie Park; Mud Run; ski trips; surfing;
Orana Wildlife Park; Willowbank Wildlife Reserve; Antarctic Centre.
Living and Studying in Christchurch, New Zealand
Christchurch is a fantastic location in the central South Island of New Zealand, which offers so much to international students.
It has easy access, with an international airport just a short 15-minute drive from St Andrew’s College. Students can enjoy all the benefits of New Zealand’s second biggest city, which has a safe and relaxed environment, while being at the leading edge of innovation and technology.
Outdoor activities abound, with mountains within an hour of the city, beaches on its doorstep, and a host of walking and cycling tracks close by. Christchurch is the gateway to the rest of New Zealand with its world-famous scenery and incredible tourist attractions.
There are many opportunities for students to explore Christchurch and New Zealand, with friends, and on boarding or class trips. To find out more about Christchurch, please visit the following website:
christchurchnz.com
CHRISTCHURCH
“There are many cultural opportunities available and I found performing in the Middle School production enjoyable. For me, studying at St Andrew’s College has both encouraged and pushed me to be more outgoing and to speak to other students more confidently.
Rocky Vatananan (OC 2019) THAILAND
Culture
Some of the exciting cultural opportunities available at St Andrew’s College include: ballet; dance; debating; drama; kapa haka pipe band; music – choirs
– orchestra
– chamber groups
– jazz bands
– concert bands
– rock bands
– barbershop
– singer songwriters; television and film making; theatresports.
Students undertaking cultural activities have access to some exciting facilities, among the best offered in New Zealand schools. These include a Television and Media Studio, Music Suite and Recording Studio, Ballet studios, and Drama and Dance studios.
“I have made some amazing friends at St Andrew’s and I joined the hockey team as a goalie. I highly recommend studying overseas as it helps you improve both socially and mentally.
Yuji Hattori (OC 2019) JAPAN
Sports Programme
International students can choose from more than 30 sports at St Andrew’s College, where both enthusiastic participation and elite performance are encouraged.
The College competes at the top level of secondary school sport, with its individual athletes and teams regularly winning national, South Island and regional titles. Many students have the opportunity to travel to various competitions throughout New Zealand and abroad.
Sports Facilities
St Andrew’s College has top quality sports ground and facilities, including three rugby/cricket fields, a football field, two artificial hockey turfs, six nets for cricket training, netball and tennis courts, two gymnasiums, and a purpose-built fitness centre, StACFit.
Outdoor Education
Exploring the outdoors is a key aspect of New Zealand life. Students at St Andrew’s College enjoy a top-quality Outdoor Education programme at the award-winning Alistair Sidey Mountain Lodge at Castle Hill, in the spectacular Canterbury High Country. They take part in a range of exciting activities, overseen by our highly qualified, full-time instructors, which help to develop leadership and decision-making skills, and the value of working as a team. These include: group problem solving games; abseiling; rock climbing; skiing / snowboarding; snow-caving;
wilderness skills; tramping; camping; kayaking; environmental projects.
“Visiting Castle Hill was a great opportunity to experience a different side to learning and education and experience the New Zealand outdoors. The abseiling was really good. These sorts of activities bring out the best in people. Everyone did their bit, helping out with making food, doing dishes and setting tables which brought a team work aspect to it. With seven of us in a room it was great socially as well.
Charlie Webster EXCHANGE STUDENT, SCOTLAND
TOGETHER, BUILDING BETTER PEOPLE, FOR LIFE
347 Papanui Road, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand
P +64 3 940 2000 W stac.school.nz