Nau Mai, Haere Mai, Welcome
It is challenging for young people to move to another country. We understand how difficult it can be to make friends, learn a new language and understand a new culture and school system so you can fit in. We also know it’s important for teenage migrants to stay connected to their cultures and home languages.
We have two main support programmes our English Language programme and our clubs both are designed to help new migrants and former refugee students feel supported and welcome at Hutt Valley High School.
For former refugee and new migrant students who have English as an additional language, Hutt Valley High School has a range of English Language classes. There are classes at every year level (Years 9-13) and classes to support learners who have basic English. We interview and test each new student who arrives to work out the best programme to support their English Language learning and learning across all subjects.
Students can take more than one English Language class in their programme. In English Language classes students improve listening, speaking, reading and writing in English. They also learn about New Zealand culture, history and society and go on some fun trips exploring the local area. Recently students have been to Parliament, The National Library of New Zealand, Te Papa, Petone Settlers Museum and Zealandia.
If students are doing an NCEA programme there are English Language classes that have credits for NCEA. These classes help students reach the level required for literacy (reading and writing) at NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3. These credits are also what students need to get into a New Zealand university. Our English Language programme supports English learning across all of their subjects.
Sarah Roper (Head of English Language) is currently on leave, please contact Yanling Guo at yanling.guo@hvhs.school.nz for more information.
Our English Language Classes
HVHS has two English Languages options that are supported by Bilingual Tutors and Learning Support Assistants.
English Language (ELAN) & Literacy for English Language Learners (ELIT)
- Focus on learning and improving English Language skills
- Vocabulary learning
- 3-4 hours per week
- NCEA credits offered for Year 11-13 students
English Language Foundation (ELAF)
- Entry-level class with a focus on basic language skills and vocabulary
- Up to 10 hours per week
For more information, please contact Yanling Guo at yanling.guo@hvhs.school.nz as Sarah Roper (Head of English Language) is currently on leave.
Our Clubs
HVHS Fusion Club (for New Migrants & Former Refugee Students)
Staff Contact – Sarah Roper (sarah.roper@hvhs.school.nz)
The wonderful youth workers from Ignite will come in on Tuesday lunchtime in G7 for weekly mentoring, and relationship building for former refugee students and new migrant students. Day trips are also run, one per term, where students are taken out into the community for activities (sports and games). Everyone is welcome.
Please also see our Homework Club that runs on Wednesdays at 3:30pm in the Library.
Homework Club
Staff Contact – Jamie Casley (jamie.casley@hvhs.school.nz)
Former refugee and new migrant students face unique challenges when it comes to completing their school assignments and homework. KiwiClass runs a Homework Club at HVHS, offering one-on-one support from a coordinator, experienced volunteer tutors, a registered teacher, and bi-lingual tutors, focusing on NCEA-specific assessments and tasks, utilising the New Zealand curriculum. Everyone is welcome to attend.
KiwiClass runs Homework Club with support from HVHS and the Ministry of Education. KiwiClass is an organisation that provides a range of services to support former refugees and new migrants in the Wellington region. To learn more visit KiwClass’ website
