INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUSVILLA MARIA COLLEGE

“Learn to prize what is of value”

Our Location and FacilitiesOur College is set in 4.5 hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds in Christchurch, New Zealand.

mature trees. Our close proximity to the city of Christchurch and easy access to public transport make Villa Maria College a truly accessible campus.

Our Academic ProgrammeWe are extremely proud of our reputation as a top performing college for girls. All students are encouraged to strive for excellence and we offer a broad curriculum which prepares students for University and other tertiary education.

Our English LanguageWe take care of our students’ language needs and provide them with individual language support programmes. All International Students are tested

programmes to assist them with their English speaking and writing.

Our Extra ActivitiesVilla Maria College offers students many additional opportunities. We have many musical opportunities for our students. They can take part in the Junior or Senior Orchestras, the Jazz Band or one of our three Choirs ranging from the Junior Choir through to the

Villa Maria College is a Catholic school for girls established in 1918 by the Sisters of Mercy. We provide a Catholic Education of the highest standard encompassing true Catholic values. The Villa Maria College campus is a safe and welcoming place for our 780 girls from Year 7-13.

School and two of our students are New Zealand National Champions for swimming.

Our Student CareWe have our very own ‘Buddy Programme’ which sees each International Student teamed up with a kiwi student who takes a special interest in their lives and becomes their friend.

Our Home StaysThe Home Stay Co-ordinator at Villa Maria College carefully chooses families to care for our International students. Being hosted by a New Zealand family is such a great way to quickly adjust to the Kiwi culture. New Zealanders are friendly people who go out of their way to make you feel relaxed and welcomed. See our website for Homestay costs – www.villa.school.nz

elite Senior Choir. In 2014, our Senior Choir won a gold medal at the New Zealand National Schools’ Competition. Musical tuition in small groups is also offered to our students along with numerous opportunities to perform in festivals and competitions.

Drama / DanceVilla Maria College produces a major musical production every second year in conjunction with a local Catholic boys’ school. In the alternate year, we take part in a large schools’ dance competition called Stage Challenge.

Sport Villa offers over 30 different sporting opportunities including: badminton, volleyball, netball, football, swimming, water polo, cycling, rowing and hockey. Our College hockey team is ranked 5th in New Zealand while our football team recently won the South Island Football Tournament. Our athletics team was named Top Canterbury Girls

Antonia Zwiener Germany

Haruka Karaoka Japan

Jinah Park South Korea

WE SAY...IN OUR OWN WORDS

My time in New Zealand so far has been awesome. The lifestyle is really different to the German one but I like it. I really love school here and have felt so

day. The staff are friendly and helpful and encourage us to get involved.

My home country is Japan. I visited Villa Maria College and knew straight away that this was where I wanted to be for my education. The teachers are so friendly and the students make me feel very welcome. I like the way that this school is only for girls; it is a safe and kind place. I also like the way we are taught moral values through the Catholic religion of the College.

I came to Villa Maria College when I was 14 years old and spoke very little English. One of the reasons my parents and I chose Villa was because it has a history of high academic results. I have been very happy here; my teachers are so helpful and always support me. I have had many great experiences here.

SportTeaching and Leading – opportunities exist for sports coaches in the school and second-language tutors of German at a neighbouring primary school.

SocialEarthquake Relief – work with the International Red Cross and City Mission offering support to many of those still suffering the effects of the 2011 earthquake.

EnvironmentEnvironmental Action – help save one of the rarest birds in the world – the Rowi Kiwi. Work in collaboration with the Department of Conservation to help preserve New Zealand’s national bird.

Academic Plus VolunteerAt Villa Maria College, we hold a heart-felt belief in serving others. You can contribute to the school and the wider community in three ways: Social; Environmental; Sporting.

Apply NowVisit our College website to download and International Student Application Form.

Mrs Nicola McCormickHomestay Co-ordinator International Students

Tony Perring International Director Phone: +64 3 348 4165 x 835 Mobile: +64 027 342 4352 Email: tpe@villa.school.nz

Take a Tour Of Villa Maria College - www.villa.school.nz

Contacts:

Mrs Rosemary WrightAssistant to the Director of International Students

CODE OF PRACTICEVilla Maria College is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. Copies of the Code are available on request from this institution or from the NZQA website, www.nzqa.govt.nz