Student Handbook 2017

Students Sailing Trip, November 2016

Taupo Language is an NZQA registered Category 1 English language school

Taupo Language address – 111 Tuwharetoa Street, Taupo, New Zealand Postal address – P O Box 1234, Taupo, New Zealand Telephone for weekdays and weekends – 07-378-8881 Emergency telephone contact - (Rose) 021-468-011 www.taupolanguage.co.nz Email - admin@taupolanguage.co.nz / director@taupolanguage.co.nz Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TaupoLanguageCentre General emergency - DIAL 111. It is a free call from any phone. Taupo Language emergency - If the emergency alarm rings, exit the building by the nearest doorway and meet

on the footpath at the front of the building. Wait for your teacher to check student names and tell you what to do.

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Table of Contents Kia Ora – Welcome to Taupo Why do you want to study English English levels-Cambridge/IELTS exams Your first day How to get better at English

Page 3 Page 3 Page 3 Page 3 Page 3

Administrative/Teaching staff If you have a problem Late or absent from class

Page 4 Page 4 Page 4

Student Counsellors Student feedback Daily timetable Public holidays NZ school terms Scheduled holidays

Page 5 Page 5 Page 6 Page 6 Page 6 Page 6

School rules Homestay rules Bicycles Wi-fi Pocket money

Page 7 Page 7 Page 7 Page 7 Page 7

Work rights Helpful homestay hints Weekly/Progress tests Speaking assessment

Page 8 Page 8 Page 8 Page 8

Student complaint procedure The Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students Student fee protection Reports/Academic counseling Disciplinary Procedure

Page 9 Page 9 Page 9 Page 9 Page 9

Accident insurance Medical & travel insurance NZQA, EER, Category 1 status

Page 10 Page 10 Page 10

Withdrawal & refund policy Weekend Activities

Page 11 Page 11

How to remember a new word:

1. Find the meaning in an English dictionary. You will learn other similar words, and examples of use. E.g. achieve (verb) = to succeed, to accomplish, to be successful 2. Use the word in a sentence. E.g., ‘I need to achieve 6.5 IELTS to get into a NZ University’.

3. Then if necessary write it in your first language, achieve = 成し遂げる

Useful Text language

c u l8r = see you later c u @ 5 = see you at 5 o‘clock b4 = before wot = what bcoz = because skl = school

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Kia Ora - and welcome to Taupo! Together we are here to help you to achieve your English language goals and

dreams. (Kia Ora = hello in the Maori language; key-or-ra) Why do you want to study English? (This question is in your class placement assessment too)

• Enter secondary school and pass exams or get a better school report

• Improve my employment opportunities

• I want to work in NZ while on my working holiday visa or study/work rights visa

• I want to be able to talk to people from all over the world while travelling

• I want to immigrate to NZ or another English speaking country

• Get into a good university by gaining an IELTS score How English Levels relate to Cambridge/IELTS exams*

Global CEFR scale

General Level Cambridge ESOL level

IELTS Level

Proficient user C2 Proficient CPE IELTS 7-8

C1 Advanced CAE IELTS 6-7

Independent user B2 Upper Intermediate FCE IELTS 5-6

B1 Pre-Intermediate/Intermediate PET IELTS 4

Basic User A2 Elementary/Pre-Intermediate KET IELTS 3

A1 Beginner Starters/ Movers IELTS 0-2

*The time you take to progress to a higher general or IELTS level will depend on such things as age, first language, attitude to study and how well you immerse yourself in everyday life in NZ. Talk to the director, director of studies or your teacher for more information about English exams or email director@taupolanguage.co.nz In order to pass secondary school exams and understand the syllables, you would need approximately: Year 9 (13-14 years) - IELTS 4.5-5.0; Year 10 (14-15 years) - IELTS 5.0-5.5; Year 11 (15-16 years) - IELTS 6.0; Year 12 (16-17 years) - IELTS 6.5; Year 13 (17-18 years) - IELTS 6.5 – 7.0. Your first day 8:45 – arrive at Taupo Language

Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents. We will give you your student I.D. card.

• Make a time to meet your homestay family after class. Swap mobile numbers.

• Another student or a teacher will show you around the building.

• Send an email home to let them know you have arrived safely. 9:00 – Class placement test (approx 40 min)

• We assess your grammar, writing and speaking skills. Bring your pens & pencils.

• We will give you your workbook and a map of Taupo.

• We will help you find your homestay on the Taupo map.

• You will need to confirm that: you have read the school rules; know how to make a complaint or ask for help; know about the Code of Practice; and the student fee protection policy.

• You will be placed in a class with students who have a similar English level. 10:45 – Begin class or join a Taupo orientation walk

• If there are many students starting together, you may join a group and walk to the town to answer a quiz. 12:15 – Lunch - Your homestay family will ask you what you like to eat, so you need to tell them what you enjoy. 13:15 – Afternoon class or activity (see the whiteboard in reception area for the activity/time of departure).

You may also meet your student counsellor (see staff photos)

• He or she can help you open a bank account, buy a cell phone, go with you to the doctor, or help you with a problem. How to get better at English

• Try to only speak English at Taupo Language, with your homestay family or with your friends on the weekends. Make conversation with Kiwis every day, don’t be shy!

• Students who stay in their bedrooms using the internet do not improve their English quickly.

• Watch TV or DVDs, with subtitles if necessary.

• Revise the class work each night. Use your dictionary to understand new language or vocabulary. Ask your homestay family if they can help you with difficult words or expressions.

• There are graded reading books we encourage you to borrow at any time.

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ADMINISTRATIVE/TEACHING STAFF

Rose Blackley – Director 021-468-011

Chris Chaplin – Director of Studies 022-630-0670

Greta Donaldson - Business Manager

021 220 0229

David Lawrence – Teacher

Kerstin Miessner – Teacher

Cath Dudley – Teacher

Enid Richards -Teacher

Simon Johnson -Teacher

Jeff Marshall - Maths/Science Teacher

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If You Have a Problem:

• About your homestay – talk to your student counsellor, the director or manager

• About your class level or test results – talk to your teacher or the director of studies

• About Taupo Language – talk to the director, director of studies or manager

• About your health – talk to your student counsellor or manager If you are going to be late or absent from class: text 021 220 0229 or phone 07 378-8881.

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STUDENT COUNSELLORS

Amjed Hanna

Arabic- مستشار الطلبة العرب 022-023-2086

Yuying Ruan - 阮雨盈

Chinese -中国学生辅导员

022-021-8834

Su Brown

Thai -ทีป่รกึษาของนักเรยีนไทย

027-413-8446

Yukie Dawson – ドーソン 由紀枝

Japanese -日本人カウンセラ

027-464-0637

Priscila Lopes – Brazilian

Conselheira de Estudantes 021-0252-2574

Gye Chung

Korean- 한국 학생 상담자

021-463-123

Nenden Jeneway – Indonesian

Konselor mahasiswa bahasa Indonesia

021-150-1143

Sophie Plante – French

Conseillère des étudiants français 021-109-9393

Sandra Gonzalez - Spanish

Consejera escolar en Español 021-029-39-845

Please do not call your counsellor after 21:00 unless it is an emergency. You can also text him or her Student feedback

• Taupo Language welcomes all feedback, both negative and positive. Every month students are given a feedback form to fill out, and can comment on their homestay or things at Taupo Language. We also have an exit questionnaire where students can comment on their overall experience. At any time, students can also discuss with staff or their counsellors anything which can help Taupo Language to do things better and how the Taupo experience can improve!

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Daily Timetable Monday - Friday Full and part-time English students

08:00 Taupo Language building opens 09:00 - 10:30 Monday mornings - weekly and class placement test 09:00 - 10:30 Tues – Fri, first half of morning class 10:30 - 10:45 Coffee / tea / toilet break 10:45 - 12:15 Second half of morning class 12:15 - 13:15 Lunch 13:15 - 15:25 Afternoon class (10 minute break at 14:30) (Friday afternoons- students can choose to go on organised activity or attend class)

17:00 School closes Monday - Friday English & Activity students

09:00 - 09:05 Write your name on the activity list 09:05 - 10:30 First half of morning class 10:30 - 10:45 Coffee / tea / toilet break 10:45 - 12:15 Second half of morning class 12:15 - 13:15 Lunch 13:15 Depart for afternoon activity. DON’T BE LATE - you might be left behind! 13:15 – 16:30 Activity Friday morning- all students

09:00 - 10:30 First half of morning class 10:30 – 10:50 Farewell speeches for departing students

Exceptions Rafting – students depart at 10:30, return at 16:00-17:00. You need to bring your lunch + a drink + swimming clothes & towel. 13:00 departure, return 19:30 English & Golf – students depart at 13:15 for Taupo Golf Club. You are given a schedule for the week with

lessons and games. You can play golf any time after classes or during the weekends. Ski/Snowboard days - depart at 07:00 from Pointons Ski Shop and return at 17:00

Public Holidays 2017

New Year Holiday Sunday/Monday/ Tuesday *

January 1st /2nd /3rd

Auckland Anniversary Day Monday January 30th

Waitangi Day Monday February 6th

Good Friday Friday April 14th

Easter Monday Monday April 17th

ANZAC Day Tuesday April 25th

Queen’s Birthday Monday June 5th

Labour Day Monday October 23rd

Christmas Day Monday December 25th

Boxing Day Tuesday December 26th

*If holiday is on a weekend day, next closest weekday is the public holiday. Taupo Language will be closed from 13:00 on Friday, 22nd December 2017 , re-opening again on 8th January 2018. There is no refund for public holiday days. During the Christmas holiday homestay continues as per usual.

NZ School Terms 2017

Term 1: 30th January – 13th April, Term 2: 01st May – 07th July, Term 3: 24th July – 29th September and Term 4: 16th October – 20th December. Scheduled Holidays We encourage you to include a week’s holiday in your schedule every 10 or 15 weeks. This

holiday week will not affect your attendance percentage.

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School Rules

• Be ready to start classes on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late please wait until next break time to join your class. If you know you are going to be late or absent, please phone 07-378-8881 or text 021-220-0229 (“I’ll be late/ absent”). You can also tell your teacher.

• Immigration New Zealand requires 100% attendance for student visa students and may cancel or not renew a student visa if attendance is below this percentage. If students are frequently absent, INZ will be advised. Your actual attendance is printed on the End of Course report.

• Respect other students’ right to study, their religious beliefs and each other’s cultural differences.

• You should try to take part in class, ask questions if you do not understand something, study for every test and try to do the homework given.

• Speak English in class or you may be asked to leave the room. If you have to speak your first language, you can say “In my language we say…”, or ask permission from your teacher.

• Do not smoke inside the school grounds. If you do smoke, use the ash trays provided and do not throw cigarette butts on the ground in the smoking area.

• Do not eat or drink in the classrooms, however you can take drink bottles to the class. Eat in the student dining area or outside. Please put your food waste and paper/plastic waste in the bins.

• You must be over 18 years to go to a pub or nightclub, or buy and drink alcohol. Please respect the NZ laws.

• Students under 18 years require authorization for bungy, jet-ski, 4-wheel quad bikes and skydiving.

• You may use a smart phone as a dictionary in class. Using them for texting and/or social networking can distract other students and your own study. If you are under 18, your teacher may remove your phone during the lesson if you do not follow this rule.

• If you are under 18, you need to get written permission from the school if you are travelling to another town. You should also tell your homestay of your travel plans, including departure and arrival times from/to Taupo.

Homestay Rules

• Students should not walk around alone after dark. Let your homestay family know where you are, at all times. They may call the police if you are very late home! If you are over 18, it is polite to text or phone if you think your homestay may worry about you.

• If you download gambling games or pornography using the homestay computer we will ask you to leave the homestay and pay all extra internet costs. Under 18-year-old students are allowed ONE HOUR/day of internet use at the homestay’s.

• If you are given a house key, please check that you have locked the house or set the alarm before leaving. If you lose the key, you may be asked to buy a replacement.

• In the weekends, you can make your own breakfast when you get hungry. Please put your plates in the dishwasher and leave the kitchen tidy.

• If you do not know what to do with your rubbish please ask. Most homestay families recycle their paper, glass and some plastic rubbish into green bins.

• If you borrow homestay clothing or sports’ equipment, please replace it if you lose it.

• Please keep your room tidy. Make your bed, put away your clothes, change your sheets and vacuum weekly. Ask your homestay about how they do laundry, i.e., washing and drying clothes, etc.

• Most NZ families do not have cleaners, and clean their own house. Please respect the house and be clean and tidy when you are there.

• You should make your own lunch every day; ask your homestay for help if necessary.

• Please keep your student ID card with you. It has your homestay address and phone number, student counsellor’s name and number, school staff, taxi and emergency phone numbers.

Bicycles

• You can rent a bicycle from Taupo Language. There is a $300.00 deposit and a contract to sign. If the bike is returned in the same condition we refund the deposit less the rental fee of $50.00/month and a $50.00 administration fee. (Cycle shop bicycle rental is $80.00/day.)

• In NZ law, you must wear a cycle helmet while riding a bicycle. Lock your bike at all times. Wi-Fi

• Wi-fi is free. The password for wireless is on the notice board in the school lounge.

Pocket Money

• If you prefer we can look after your pocket money, air ticket and passport, in the office. DO NOT carry

large amounts of cash around with you.

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Work Rights

• Taupo Language is registered as a Category 1 PTE by NZQA. This means that all students enrolled on a full-time English programme for 14 weeks or longer have “work rights” on their student visa. You can work legally part time up to 20 hours per week without having to apply for a variation of conditions on your visa.

• See the ‘Want a Job’ notice board in front reception for information about bank accounts, IRD numbers and other helpful tips about finding employment.

Helpful Homestay Hints

• We suggest that you spend less time in your room and try to be part of the family; eat, talk and socialise with them. You can also help preparing dinners, washing dishes, clearing the table, etc. The more you do for them, the more they will do for you.

• Try not to receive telephone calls after 21:00 at night. Do your emails & skype at school.

• Check what time is best to use the bathroom in the morning. Hang your wet towel to dry or put it in the washing machine; do not leave it on the floor. Leave the bathroom clean after use. (In NZ, hot water is expensive so please be considerate when using the shower/bath.)

• Leave the toilet clean after you use it. Do not stand on the toilet seat. Do not leave water on the toilet floor. Used toilet paper is flushed down the toilet.

• Do not put sanitary pads in the toilet; ask your homestay mother where you should put them.

• Ask your homestay family what time you want to leave and come home. Do not keep your homestay family waiting to transport you to and from school. If you want to eat out let your homestay know and take a taxi home.

• Ask the homestay family if it is OK to bring friends home. NZ families enjoy having a foreign meal cooked for them too!

• Ask the family where smoking is allowed.

• If you do not like some food, be polite and honest. Just say “No thank you”.

• Ask your family where you should put your dirty washing and/or how to wash and dry your clothes.

• In NZ, it is rude to ‘slurp’-make sucking noises-at the table. We also do not burp after eating. We also keep our mouths closed while eating.

• When your family takes you to the cinema or weekend activity, you should offer to pay for yourself.

Weekly / Progress tests

Each week there will be a different grammar focus and set of vocabulary in the lessons. You will be tested on this and the week's work on the following Monday in a short weekly test. These tests are marked together in class. A progress test is also held every 6 weeks (short-term or new students may be given the weekly review test instead). There is a mid-course progress test which assesses the first 6 weeks of the course, and an end of course progress test which covers the whole 12 weeks of the course. The results help the teacher/s decide if the

learner is ready to move up to the next level or needs further study at the current level. To progress to the next level, learners generally need to achieve an overall average of 70 % in all tests (teachers will also consider other

factors to determine if a learner can progress, including general performance in class and attitude to learning). NB: For all tests, the student can request feedback or re-consideration of the final mark. Ask your teacher.

Speaking Assessment

There is a speaking assessment held at the same time as the 6 weekly progress tests. You will be told in advance of the exact date (if you are a short-term student, you can choose not to do it). In the assessment, there is a list of question prompts that will be prepared into full questions (to be done in a previous class), and a set of statements which the student can choose from to talk about and discuss with another student. During the assessment - at any time during the assessment, you can ask the other student or teacher to repeat or

clarify (make clear) the question or vocabulary you do not understand. If you do not understand after that, tell the teacher and you can move on to another question. There are 4 areas of assessment: Interactive communication - we will assess your ability to communicate with others, asking and responding to

statements or questions. We will also listen to how well you take your turn in speaking. (You will be assessed on your individual performance and not in comparison to others.) Vocabulary - we will assess your ability to use vocabulary accurately and listen for your range of vocabulary. Grammar - we will assess your ability to use grammar accurately. We will also listen for the range of grammatical

forms you use and how well you use the language overall to complete the task. Fluency/Comprehensibility - we will assess your ability to complete the task with appropriate responses and how

comprehensible you are (how well you can be understood). We will listen to your pronunciation, stress and intonation. You will also be assessed on how often and how long you pause or hesitate when you are speaking. The teacher will give you feedback on your performance soon after the assessment (a report is also available).

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Student Complaint Procedure If you have a complaint or a problem you can talk to your teacher, the student counsellor or one of our office

staff. You can make an appointment to see the director. Taupo Language is a member of English New Zealand. If you have a complaint we haven’t been able to resolve, you may wish to write to our professional body and ask for assistance. The address is English New Zealand, PO Box 35283, Christchurch 8640. Phone 03-386-1222 or email admin@englishnewzealand.co.nz If English New Zealand is unable to resolve your problem, or if you do not think your complaint has been dealt with adequately, you can contact the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), if your complaint is about the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice. You can contact NZQA by phone on 0800-697-296 or email qadrisk@nzqa.govt.nz. If it is a financial or contractual dispute, you can contact iStudent Complaints by phone on 0800 00 66 75. More information is available on the iStudent Complaints website:http://www.fairwayresolution.com/istudent-complaints

NZQA has produced a brochure for international students about the complaints process: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/assets/Providers-and-partners/Code-of-Practice/int-students-make-a-complaint-updated.pdf The Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students

Taupo Language & Outdoor Education Centre has the responsibility to ensure that its students are well informed, safe and properly cared for under the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. Copies of the

Code in English and other languages are available from: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/education-code-of-practice/code-of-practice-resources-languages/ There are also hard copies available in the school in several languages. . Student Fee Protection

In the event of a voluntary or regulatory closure, student fees are covered by a bank bond supplied by the ASB Bank Limited and administered by the school Trustee, Janine Hellyer, BDO Tauranga Ltd, Tauranga, New Zealand, ph 07-571-6280. Student fees are held in the BDO Trust account to cover the refund period(s) (as noted in ‘Withdrawal and refund policy’ p 11). Any fees received by or on behalf of students are placed in the BDO Trust account by close of business the following day. Your course fees are protected, so in the case that the school closes you will be able to receive any outstanding fees, which may be paid to you or another provider of your choice. Taupo Language may need to provide your information to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or the trustee. For courses more than 3 months, in accordance with sections 235A and 235B of the Education Act Taupo Language operates a trust account with RHB Trust Services. Fees for courses of more than 3 months are held in the trust account until 10 working days after the first day of the student’s course. Reports/Academic Counselling

If you are a long-term student (12 weeks +), you will receive an academic report every 6 weeks. Your teacher will interview you about your progress and he/she will counsel you on how you could further improve your English. For <18 year olds, your teacher may discuss your other goals, your maths and science results, and your homestay life. At the completion of study, you will receive an End of Course report, showing your competence in the 4 main skills

and overall ability. This will usually be presented as part of a graduation ceremony on your last day.

Disciplinary Procedure

Students will normally be given 3 written notices. The first notice involves discussion with the student, student counsellor and the director. The second notice is reported to the agent and parents/guardians. Upon receiving the third notice the student is asked to leave the school. Immigration New Zealand will be notified if required. Immediate removal from the school and home stay (if applicable) is required upon receiving the third notice. There is no refund of fees if the student has received three notices. Absenteeism is considered to be a disciplinary issue. Where a student is in breach of the NZ Law, expulsion can be immediate. School rules are published on

www.taupolanguage.co.nz, please ensure you are aware of the rules prior to paying your fees. Students who are on a student visa are required to have 100% attendance to meet Immigration NZ criteria.

If you are ill, we may require a doctor’s certificate.

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Accident Insurance

The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at http://www.acc.co.nz. ELIGIBILITY FOR HEALTH SERVICES: Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of

Health, and can be viewed on their website at http://www.moh.govt.nz Medical and Travel Insurance: Bring a copy on your first day if not supplied earlier. International students must have appropriate and

current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand. Please check that your policy covers the adventure activities offered at Taupo Language. We can organise insurance for you through Unicare or contact http://www.uni-care.org directly. Please notify the school on your enrolment form if you have an infectious illness or allergies, or if you are taking any prescription medication. NZQA, EER and Category 1 status

For more information regarding our Report of External Evaluation and Review please see the NZQA website at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/nqfdocs/provider-reports/8954.pdf Taupo Language (Provider No. 8954) is registered as a Private Training Establishment by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, pursuant to the Education Amendment Act 1990.

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Withdrawal & Refund Policy

Note – the total fee in the above chart includes all fees paid to Taupo Language. Any unused accommodation fees paid to Taupo Language will be refunded to the student, less administrative fees. Refunds following withdrawal from study will be made as follows:

• For students over the age of 18 years, refunds will only be made to the student who enrolled, with a proof of identity. The original receipt and offer of place documents must be returned to Taupo Language before any refund will be made.

• For students aged under 18, refunds will be made only to the parents or legal guardians of the student on receipt of a written request from them. The original receipt and offer of place documents must be returned to Taupo Language before any refund will be made.

• Taupo Language will advise Immigration New Zealand that fees have been refunded and the enrolment cancelled, if applicable.

• Students withdrawing from Taupo Language under any other circumstances may receive a refund depending on circumstances. This decision is entirely at the discretion of the Director. Domestic students are entitled to a refund if they withdraw from a programme or training scheme as per section 235 of the Education Act 1989, and if: the course is of three months duration or more / the withdrawal occurs up to the end of the eighth day after the start of a course. The private training establishment (PTE) must refund an amount equal to the sum of the amount paid less a deduction of the lesser of 10 per cent of the fees paid or $500. Domestic students withdrawing from courses of less than three months duration should refer to the PTE's refund policy.

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Weekend Activities:

• Cinema: www.starlightcinema.co.nz

• Taupo Hot Springs: www.taupohotsprings.co.nz

• Swimming: http://www.greatlaketaupo.com/things-to-do/listings/ac-baths/

• Wall climbing; http://www.greatlaketaupo.com/things-to-do/listings/the-edge-taupo-indoor-rock-climbing-wall/

Ka kite Ano