Kiwi Nutz
The Alternative NZ school page
Schooling for my kids?
So you want to take that well deserved break rather than wait until you are retired and too worn out to enjoy it. What of your kids? Wouldn't you want to take them with you, to experience that once in a lifetime adventure? That's where the problem start, or so you would perhaps guess. Yes you do have to take the children out of the English schooling system but providing you plan it properly you will be able to provide a very adequate alternative in New Zealand. Please read on for the details.
School starting age in New Zealand
Before I progress further the NZ school starting age is 5 years old. So if you have children of 4 that have been attending school in England then you will find that you will have them at your side for most of your stay in NZ. The alternative being, private schooling, a matter persoanl to yourself.
Geographical Location of Schools
New Zealand is a large country with a small population, once outside of the main cities the towns can get very small very quickly and bus networks for schools start operating. Most towns have at least one Infant & Junior school but it is possible that the senior school may be in the next town. This is quite the norm over here and the school bus is an accepted part of schooling for most NZ children, of all ages.
It is no problem at all to get your kids into school, and what's more the schools are so relaxed about things and yet so consciencious about the childrens education and welfare at the same time.
Fees
There are schooling fees (contributions/donations) but the fees are more of a token gesture than a schooling fee. The contribution that you pay mainly goes to the classroom that your child attends for utensils etc. For example, two of our children attended the local school from January until the end of April, with an easter break. The total cost of the 'fees', childrens equipment and books etc. came to a grand total of $150. Not a bad figure for the quality education of two children for three months. Don't forget that in this figure we purchased the entire exercise book-list (for the year!), pens, pencils and other ancillery items. Half of these items I would have expected to purchase in the UK anyway. The only other consideration you may have is a school uniform but these are not usually essential for short stays.
Term times
The school year commences at the end of
January and runs through 4 terms, ending in early/mid December. You might
find the list below helpful in planning an uninterupted education for
your children.
Terms
- - End January --- Beginning Easter
- - End Easter --- Beginning July
- - End of July --- Mid September
- - Beginning October --- Mid December
Schedule
The school times will vary from area to area but I have found that generally the classes start at 8.30 and end at 14.30. This we found really helpful, giving us as a family plenty of time to explore and venture out. Not that the kids need to be exercised, outdoor pursuits and sports are heavily part of the school curriculum. Our children took swimming lessons everyday of their time at school.
Teachers
The attitude of teachers to your childrens welfare appears exceptional, even when told of the potential for only a short stay. You are encouraged to talk openly with the teacher at any time about any concerns you may have, even to the extent (my experience only) of providing a home contact phone number for your childs teacher, re; home work problems etc.
Differences
One interesting policy you will pick up on is the compulsary 'hat-wearing' policy that operates in all schools during break times. 'NO HAT NO OUTSIDE PLAY'. Sunblock is also highly promoted, the sun is treacherous and the kids happily fall into line. The children are also encouraged to sip water throughout the day. 'Brain-foods' such as fruits, vegetables, natural popcorn and bread are allowed at the desk, not in my day!
Parents
Parents are encouraged to actively participate and help in the classrooms. The same goes for PMP (Physical Education) which, as said before, features very highly in the childrens day.
Summary
On a personal note I believe that the approach to schooling in NZ is great. There seems to be so much involvement between puplis and teachers. My 5 year old son progressed more in half a term than he did in the whole preceeding year at his local UK school, and he's racing to get to school early every morning, a sight I thought I'd never see.
