Detailed Profile

Darfield High School

Introduction
Darfield High School is a co-educational state school with a current roll of 740 students. The school is committed to providing a balanced education for all students and encourages academic, cultural and sporting excellence. It has a high academic success rate in external examinations. A disciplined but caring environment is provided. International students are welcome to enrol from Years 7 to 13 (ages 11 to 18).

Location and Facilities
The school is located in Darfield, 25 minutes away from Christchurch International Airport. The school has a rural atmosphere and is close to beaches, ski fields, mountains, lakes and forests. It has ten hectares of landscaped grounds and is well-equipped with modern specialist rooms including science laboratories, computer facilities, art room, library, music suite, gymnasium and a well equipped International Centre for our international students.

Academic Programme
We prepare students to study at universities, polytechnics and other institutions. Students prepare for the National Certificate of Educational Achievement Level 1 in Year 11, Level 2 in Year 12 and Level 3 in Year 13.
Subjects offered for Senior Curriculum, Years 11 to 13 (ages 15 to 18) are: English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Economics, Technology, Accounting, Computer Studies, French, Outdoor Education and Visual Arts.
The Junior Curriculum follows a compulsory learning programme: English and Languages, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Sciences, Technology, The Arts, Health and Physical Wellbeing.
Students are placed in classes of mixed ability with a teacher who has a pastoral role.

Extracurricular Programme
Sports include skiing and snowboarding (in season), badminton, volleyball, basketball, soccer, netball and hockey, among others. Cultural events include musicals, plays, chamber music, rock band contests and speech contests.
Recreational/cultural activities include: leadership training, drama, music, outdoor education and tramping.

Special Relations with Overseas Schools and Students
We welcome international students and value contact with other cultures. Currently, we have 40 international students from eight different countries. Our school has established long term relationships with overseas schools in the form of sister schools, group holiday programmes and short-stay groups for English language tuition.

International Student Welfare
Pastoral Care of students is paramount. The Director of International Students is responsible for all overseas students. We offer qualified staff who are available to help students with academic and personal needs. On arrival at Christchurch Airport, students are met and taken to their accommodation. Help is given with banking, uniform, insurance and understanding the local community and Christchurch. International Department staff live in the local area and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Accommodation/Homestay
International students live with carefully chosen families, arranged by the Homestay Co-ordinator. This enables the students to improve their English in a supportive family environment.

English Language Support
All international students are provided with a minimum of 4 hours ESOL tuition per week, with provision for increased hours depending on English Language ability.

Study Tour Groups
Darfield High School welcomes and can arrange a variety of programmes for Student or Teacher Study Tour Groups, including English Language Learning and a wide range of interesting trips and activities.

General Description
Co-ed; Years 7–13; State School; Roll: 730; Day; Homestay available.

Enrolment
Enrolment forms are available from the Director of International Students on request or on the internet.

Fees
Tuition fees $12,000 per annum, Administration fee $300, Homestay Placement fee $450. This covers ESOL tuition, arranging homestay, airport pick up and administration costs.
2012 homestay fees are NZ$210 per week.

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