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Student Experience

Your time at Aquinas College will be a memorable and life-changing experience. We will support you to achieve your International Education goal. This might be to travel throughout New Zealand and meet as many friendly ‘Kiwis’ as you can. It could be to achieve excellence in your academic studies and go on to attend a local University. What ever the plan, we will support you to achieve it. Our aim is for you to return home with a new knowledge and understanding of New Zealand’s culture and history, the satisfaction of improving your English ability and  life-long memories of the people and places your have encountered.

Our School

There are 750 students attending Aquinas College, aged 11 to 18 years, across Years 7 to 13. In addition to this, there are up to 30 international students from Germany, Japan, Brazil, Thailand, Belgium, Korea, China and The Philippines. These students are welcomed into our College community and quickly form lasting friendships with their New Zealand class-mates. Aquinas College is famous for Academic Results, Special Catholic Character and the Outstanding Care and Support offered to students.

Orientation 2021

We are looking forward to welcoming new International Students on 29 January 2021 for our Orientation Day. Meet our friendly team, other students and some of the key teachers who will support you during the year. 

Academic Results

It is the top performing Secondary School in the Bay of Plenty Region, and one of the best in New Zealand. Strong academic performance from our students is supported by committed and dedicated teachers. They are passionate about their subject areas, and go out of their way to help students to do well. If academic studies are important to you, then Aquinas College will be an ideal place for you to learn and excel. 

Aquinas College has an outstanding academic record for NCEA pass rates. NCEA is the National Certificate of Educational Achievement, and internationally recognised qualification offered by most high schools in New Zealand.  International students can choose to study from a wide range of curriculum subjects and are also offered extra English support (ESOL). 

Special Catholic Character

Aquinas College is a state-integrated, co-educational Intermediate and Secondary College with a Special Catholic Character. This means that International Students are surrounded by staff and pupils living and acting according to Gospel values. All Year Levels take part in Religious Education classes, as an additional subject to the timetable. In our faith-based College, students experience what it means to be truly valued for their own unique gifts and talents, and are supported to grow and become what God intends them to be. It is not a requirement for International Students to be Catholic.

Every year, the College offers a scholarship for a Catholic student to attend. This is valued at 50% of the Tuition Fee for a Full-Year enrolment. 

Outstanding Care and Support

Aquinas College welcomes a select number of International Students each year meaning we get to know each one personally, and set a care and learning programme for each individual based on their goals and needs. Our qualified staff go out of their way to ensure that students are happy, healthy and meeting their potential. Our friendly, family-like environment is one within which students feel safe, supported and cared for while they rise to the challenges of school work and adjusting to a new culture or language.

Behaviour

We have high expectations for how students should behave while part of our school family. This is to make sure every student has a safe, happy and productive learning experience. Read our Disciplinary Policy by clicking here: 3.2 Disciplinary Policy 2020 2021

Students are encouraged to live according to the Touchstone values of Joy, Scholarship, Service, Prayer, Truth and Family. Read about Student’s Code of Conduct here: 3.9 Behaviour Contract for Students 2020 2021

Safety

The health and safety of our students is paramount. In compliance with the Code of Practice, Aquinas College offers outstanding pastoral care and support. Consent from natural parents is obtained for all overnight stays and outdoor activities considered high risk. Students are supported with both a Pastoral Care Dean (The Director of International Students) and an Academic Dean (The Year Level Dean). Together with the Assistant Principal for Pastoral Care, the two Guidance Counsellors and Tutor Class Teachers, students are surrounded by staff with their best interests at heart.  

Click here to read our procedure for managing a serious incident: Critical Incident Procedure 2020 2021

More Information about our Curriculum

Career Opportunities after Graduation

We assist our students to progress towards their desired careers by offering guidance and information about Tertiary Study Options and Career Paths.

 Here is the link to our Careers Website: https://aquinas.careerwise.nz/

ERO Report

Read our latest Education Review Office Report:

Confirmed-ERO-Report-for-Aquinas-College