International Students at SWIS

South Wellington Intermediate School is a multi-cultural school in the heart of Wellington city.

Why study at SWIS?

South Wellington Intermediate School is a specialist Year 7 & 8 school, which focuses on the specific needs of early adolescents.

Emerging adolescence is an important developmental stage. South Wellington Intermediate School values this time and is set up with the physical, emotional and academic needs of this unique and complex group always at the forefront.

Students are supported to become independent learners, thinkers and actors and we make the most of every opportunity to provide them with a wide, challenging and varied range of experiences.

Our dedicated team of teachers work to ensure that students are challenged in academic, cultural and sporting contexts.

SWIS offers our international students many opportunities and experiences, including:

  • a broad and varied curriculum
  • specialist teachers for each subject
  • cultural immersion experiences
  • placement in homestay families from within the community to offer the opportunity to be a part of a New Zealand family and develop English skills.
  • a wide variety of extra – curricular activities.

Flexible classrooms to meet the needs of your child

At SWIS we recognise the rich learning opportunities that diversity brings. We offer both long and short term programmes that give your child the opportunity to experience New Zealand while attending a school with a varied programme in a modern learning environment.

Education outside the classroom

Throughout the year there are opportunities to experience learning beyond the four walls of the classroom.

A highlight of the year for all our students is school camp. Our two-night camp at the beginning of the year gives students the opportunity to get to know their classmates and teachers, and participate in lots of fun activities. See more camp information here.

EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) is another very popular event in our school year, which gives students the opportunity to spend time outside the school environment. It takes place in Term 4 and students choose from many options such as major camps and numerous other activities in and around Wellington.

Other locally based opportunities to learn outside the classroom are also available throughout the year.

Additionally, SWIS is a member of the Wellington Regional Intermediate School Sports Association and participates in regional and national events in a variety of sporting codes.

Looking after your child

SWIS makes keeping your child safe our number one priority.

Great care is taken when selecting our homestay families from our local community to ensure that a family is found who will welcome your child into their family. The Principal takes on this responsibility personally and will regularly meet with your child to monitor their academic, social and personal development.

We observe and are bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. You can download this information from here.

About Wellington

Wellington is the vibrant capital city of New Zealand and there is a lot to see and do here.

The city is home to many museums, theatres, and festivals. It is also home to many sporting teams and hosts international rugby games featuring the New Zealand All Blacks. Wellington is home to a thriving film industry and Sir Peter Jackson, director of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Located on a harbour, there are plenty of water activities such as sailing, kayaking, and swimming to be enjoyed.

What next?

More detailed information about our program is available in our enrolment pack, along with an enrolment application. You can also contact our office for more information or directly email our Principal, Toby Stokes.