Kia ora, Welcome to PHS

Papanui High School

Established 1936

We have a long tradition of welcoming and educating
International Students, with over 30 years' experience.
Come and see the creativity, compassion and diversity of Papanui High School for yourself.

We have embraced the changes to international travel that has allowed for international students to return to Christchurch once more.  Our international team are excited to meet and get to know all our new students coming to learn and experience our school, our culture, and the unique opportunities our greater community has to offer.

International students bring new culture, heritage and values, which continue to contribute to the diverse student community at Papanui High School. We are proud of our students for the way they continue to welcome our international arrivals with support and friendship.

In 2023 we had an exciting return to an International Programme that included  40 international students at our kura (school).  Our current students are from China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Norway, Italy and the Philippines.  

Some students will be returning home to continue their studies by the end of this school year, but we are set to welcome more confirmed student placements in 2024. 

We would like to take this opportunity to wish every future success to our 2023 graduates!

We have been impressed with the way all our students are looking after each other and how they help new arrivals settle into the school routines quickly.

Students are encouraged to become involved in club and community activities. There are lots of opportunities to play sport and/ or do a cultural activity. We encourage all students to become involved in the school community. Please see the school website for more information


I would like to thank our Year 13 students for their commitment to leadership, and our staff for the continued support and care they provide.




Students come for a variety of reasons: to learn English, to gain New Zealand high school qualifications and to experience another language and culture. 

Students stay for different lengths of time depending on their goals and can begin their studies at the beginning of each term.  No matter how short or long a student's study duration is for, our team and staff encourage and support each student to reach their aspirations.

Papanui High School is a global village and everyone contributes something special to the cultural mix of our school. 

We offer a wide range of subjects and we aim to meet the learning needs of each student by providing each student with an individual timetable.   We also allow students to learn across year levels, enabling students with specific talents and abilities to achieve at different levels within a school year.

We have started to re-introduce our popular Intensive English course this year, and will continue to expand this course as our student numbers allow.  This course is for students who do not have intermediate level English and are less able to join mainstream classes. It allows them to learn English more quickly, so they can move into mainstream classes.

In Term 4 some  senior international students will be involved with NCEA exams.  For international students not sitting NCEA exams, our team provides an activities programme with a wide range of experiences in and around our region, giving students another change to explore and have fun together.

We are very proud of our reputation of providing academic excellence and quality pastoral care. We have an experienced and dedicated staff of 4 in the International Department.  Papanui High School has been looking after international students for over 30 years now. We have many years' experience. 

We work to find you a homestay family where you will be included as one of the family.  We are aware that some students may have specific needs or requirements and we endeavour to find the best placements to meet our students needs.  The homestays are closely monitored by the school and are an important part of our community.

Orientation

All students take part in an orientation programme when they arrive. Buddies are selected for their form and subject classes. Orientation is on-going throughout the year, with weekly meetings and emails.  Our team try to ensure that students settle quickly and easily to the new school and life in New Zealand.

Please contact us to discuss your student's  dreams and goals to study and experience Papanui High School.