International Students

Greetings from the Principal

South Otago High School, established in 1926 and situated on 17 hectares of playing fields, is a co-educational secondary school located in Balclutha, about 50 minutes south of the university city of Dunedin. Balclutha is also about two hours by car from Queenstown and the scenic lakes of Central Otago.

The school emphasises the development of all-round skills. With 500 - 550 students there is much personal contact between students and staff.

Students are encouraged to be fully involved in the school and take part in sports and cultural activities such as choir, as well as academic studies. By offering a full range of subjects many or our students go on to university study.

The school has a policy of limiting the number of fee-paying students to 15 - 20 each year. this is so we can provide your child with personal attention and a programme that is suitable. Your child will have individual support with English as a Second Language. This varies according to the level of English of your child.

South Otago High School is a welcoming place. We think it is important that your child has the opportunity to learn in a safe and supportive environment.

Nicholas Simpson - Principal of South Otago High School

South Otago High School

Established in 1926, the school is located on a magnificent and spacious site overlooking teh township of Balclutha and the Clutha River. Emphasis is placed on providing a caring invironment where high standards of academic, sporting and cultural excellence are encouraged.

Key Features

Co-educational school, Years 9 - 13 (aged approximately 12 - 18)
520 students
Senior roll, Years 12 and 13, of 150 students
Wide range or recreational, sporting and cultural activities
South Otago High School is the only Year 9 - 13 scecondary school in the Clutha District

Academic Programme

International students are accepted at every level from year 9. A wide range of courses are offered which cater for a variety of needs and interests. Subjects include: English, Mathematics, Mathematics with Statistics and Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Science, Social Studies, History, Geography, French, Economics, Computer Studies, Accounting, Art, Graphics, Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Music, Technology.

Academic Year

Our Academic year starts at the end of January. there are four 10 week terms, with two-week holidays in April, July and September.

Facilities

The school has excellent facilities enabling it to cater to for a wide range of subjects. These include new physics and bilogy laboratories, music and drama rooms and an information technology suite. Two gymnasiums are available, with squash courts and a weight training room.

Sporting and Cultural Activities

A wide range of co-curricular activities are provided, including music, drama, and an extensive sporting programme. Outdoor Education courses include snow caving, skiing, kayaking and tramping, ski trips and educational field trips are arranged for international students.

International Students

The International Students Programme provides our students with an invaluable insight into other cultures. SOHS accepts fee paying and also exchange students from international organisations. The school regularly hosts international students from Asia, North and South America, Scandinavia, and Europe.

The international links and friendships built have proven positive for both overseas and local students. Accommodation with home stay families is an important aspect of this cultural interchange. A Director assists students and helps cater for all their needs, and visits students on a regular basis, in their homestays, to make sure everything is going well.

International students are supported at SOHS by a helpful team of experts. These include Nick Simpson, our principal; John Douglas, the Dean of International Students; Yvonne Sharp who liases with students and coordinates homestays as well as Rachel McDonald, who teaches English to international students for four hours a week. Both SOHS staff and host parents are very experienced in supporting international students and many of our homestay families have hosted students over many years.

The school provides a quality international programme, which is evident in the success our international students go on to achieve. More and more of our international students are choosing to stay on in the area, and go on to study at Universities such as Otago, where some have recently gained honours degrees. We are confident that we provide these young people with the knowledge and skills that enable them to achieve success, in their adult life, in whatever path they choose.

Contact details are available by clicking on this link: http://www.sohs.school.nz/section/contact-details

Attachment	Size
International Student Application Form.pdf	104.97 KB