What our students say:
"I didn't know learning English could be fun. I think Alpha was very good for my English and for my confidence!"   "I don't regret studying at Alpha before I came to High School."   "Alpha is a very friendly place to learn English."   "My English has improved a lot since I came to Alpha."   "My Alpha friends and teachers are very good and fun."
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Alpha Educational Institute provides courses for International Students whose English is not yet adequate for study in a New Zealand Secondary School. Students study at the Alpha Educational Institute until they are ready for main-streamed high school classes and can then transfer to the school of their choice. This provides a unique opportunity for students to be thoroughly and adequately prepared with a strong foundation for their secondary education. Depending upon their English language level, most students would progress through an Alpha course in two to four terms. A term is between 9 - 11 weeks long and follows the same dates as most New Zealand High Schools. There are four terms in the Academic year. The minimum age of entry is 12 years, unless by prior agreement. Alpha Educational Institute offers:
  • Intensive English Tuition by highly qualified specialist ESOL tutors, who are also experienced New Zealand School teachers.
  • Small classes limited to 12 students and averaging 8 students.
  • Language and skills tuition in the three major subject strands of Mathematics, Social Studies and Science which link into the New Zealand Curriculum.
  • Pastoral care and counselling (in the student's language if necessary).
  • Excellent reporting systems to keep guardians and parents informed of their students progress.
  • Liaison with guardians and host families throughout the year.
  • Access to special events, library, computers, and information resources.
  • An environment which encourages peer friendships and interaction.
  • An environment which values and celebrates cultural diversity.
  • Links with other Christchurch High Schools.
  • Links with New Zealand Tertiary Institutions.
The emphasis is on accelerated skills development including:
  • Reading and Writing skills
  • Listening and speaking skills
  • An understanding of how the English language works
  • Vocabulary extension
  • Independent study and research skills
  • Understanding how the New Zealand School System operates
  • 'Kiwi life' - social behaviour, etiquette, Maori & Pacific Island culture
  • Learning inside and outside the classroom.
An after-school subject tuition and homework supervision programme is also available to all High School-aged Non English Speaking Background students. One-to-one or small group tuition is provided in many High School academic subjects by suitably qualified tutors.