International
Prospectus
“Mount Albert Grammar School provides International students with high quality pastoral care. They integrate well into the school’s education programme and are involved in all aspects of school life. The school provides good quality English language support for its International students.” (ERO - Ministry of Education)
Welcome to Mount Albert Grammar School A New Zealand education delivered by teachers of the highest quality is the cornerstone of the many features that attract International students from around the world to our school. Here they are cared for in a supportive and inclusive environment, encouraged to take part in all aspects of school life where they can make friends and try new experiences. This enables our International students to feel secure in reaching for the height of academic achievement that sees Mount Albert Grammar placed among the top 5 schools in New Zealand.
We are widely considered the top sporting school in the country, and offer a wealth of opportunities for International students to follow their sporting passion, or try something new. Our arts and culture programmes are also varied, and many International students enjoy being part of performance groups. We value our International students as much as they value being here – with more than 100 currently attending our school they add to the cultural diversity that makes Mount Albert Grammar School such an interesting and enjoyable place to learn. I look forward to meeting your students in the near future. Patrick Drumm Headmaster
International Prospectus
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Mount Albert Grammar School – one of New Zealand’s best
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• Located in the largest city of New Zealand, a country of only 4.5 million people which is repeatedly ranked one of the world’s most peaceful countries on the Global Peace Index. • Auckland has been named the third most liveable city in the world on the Mercer Quality of Life Survey four times in the past five years. • We are one of the country’s most desirable schools, located 5 minutes drive from central Auckland • Academically one of the top 5 schools in New Zealand after record Scholarship and NCEA results in 2015 • We provide outstanding support for our International students • Top sporting school in New Zealand - 16 championship titles from 2014-2016 across a range of codes • Award winning performing arts groups
We are one of the country’s most desirable schools, located 5 minutes drive from central Auckland
Founded in 1922, MAGS is a co-educational school with 2700 students, including more than 100 International students from around the world. • • • • • • • •
New, modern classrooms complement the tradition of our heritage buildings Expansive grounds 2 heated swimming pools Artificial hockey and tennis courts Large playing fields 2 gymnasiums Astronomical observatory 10 hectare school farm
International Prospectus
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A launchpad to success
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Armed with a world-class education our former students are now excelling internationally in a variety of fields: • Molly Swanson – University of Auckland Science graduate awarded a $100,000 scholarship for her PhD research in Germany into Alzheimer’s Disease • Luke Butler – top Chinese language student awarded scholarship to study at Tsinghua University in Beijing • Sonny Bill Williams – All Black and NZ Rugby Sevens player • Monty Patterson – soccer player contracted to Ipswich Football Club in England • Lisa McLaughlan – studying with the Sydney Dance Company
Our academic support network includes providing an English language programme to prepare our students for entry to mainstream classes.
Academic Leaders MAGS is among the top 5 schools in New Zealand after record results in 2015 NCEA and Scholarship exams. We support our International students to reach their full potential. Our academic support network includes providing an English language programme to prepare our students for entry to mainstream classes. • • • • • • •
90% of International graduates attend university NZQA Outstanding Scholars - 2 students named among the top 68 students in the country Top 1% of competitors in the Australia-NZ Maths Competition Top 1% of competitors in international Science Competition Robotics team represented NZ at 2015 World Championships Winner of NZ Chinese language competition Top teachers awarded Woolf Fisher Fellowship, Government Science Leadership International Prospectus Prize and New Zealand Mathematics Teaching Prize
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Subjects available Subject Accounting Accounting/Economics Agribusiness Agriculture Biology Building Skills (BTICO) Business Chemistry Chinese (Mandarin) Classical Studies Commerce Studies Dance Design Technology Drama Earth and Space Science Economics English English International ESOL Food and Hospitality French Furniture Making Gateway General Science Geography German Global Perspectives Design Design for Print Design and Visual Communication Health 6
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Year 13
Subject
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Year 13
History History of Art Horticulture Japanese Learning Support Lifestyle PE LIFT (Learning Intensively for Future Training) Maori Performing Arts Mathematics Mathematics (Calculus) Mathematics (Statistics) Mechanical Engineering Media Studies Music Numeracy and Literacy Outdoor Education Painting Photography Physical Education Physics Social Studies Social Science Studies Sports Academy* Sports Coaching Sports Leadership Technology Hard Materials Technology Mixed Materials Te Reo Maori Te Reo Rangatira Travel and Tourism Visual Art *Students are selected for the Aquatic, Basketball, Cricket, Netball, Rowing, Rugby and Football Academies Details of subjects and qualifications can be found in the Academic Guide – available at the Student Centre and on the school website, www.mags.school.nz
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Performing Arts Stars Mount Albert Grammar School understands the importance of Dance, Drama and Music in meeting the academic needs of students who wish to make a career in the arts, and in enhancing the school experience of all students. We offer Dance and Drama Academies for Year 9 and 10 students, academic courses in Dance, Drama and Music, and a variety of performance opportunities throughout the year that all students have the opportunity to be part of. • Top NZ Scholar in Drama • First in NZ Trinity College Grade 8 violin exam • Gold medal at World Hip Hop Dance Championships in San Diego • Dancer Lisa McLaughlan selected for tertiary study with Sydney Dance Company • MAGS Jazz Band wins Silver medal and Chairman’s Command Performance at Auckland KBB Music Festival • Kauri May selected for New Zealand String Quartet summer school • Violinist Hannah Houghton selected for New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra. Performance opportunities MAGS Mega Crew – hip hop dance YouDance Youth Dance Festival Junior School Performing Arts Concert Senior School Performing Arts Concert School Production (Drama, Dance and Music) Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival Theatresports Storylines Festival Cultural Groups
Mount Albert Grammar School understands the importance of Dance, Drama and Music in meeting the academic needs of students who wish to make a career in the arts, and in enhancing the school experience of all students.
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International Prospectus
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Sports Champions Mount Albert Grammar is widely recognised as the top sporting school in New Zealand. • 16 New Zealand Championship titles won between 2014-2016 across a range of codes • MAGS the top sporting school in Auckland at the 2015 Auckland Young Sportsperson of the Year Awards – a record 17 finalists in 11 sporting codes, 8 winners, NZ Softball player Cole Evans names Auckland Young Sportsman of the Year • Numerous students have gone on to play with major regional and national teams, including the All Blacks (Rugby), Silver Ferns (Netball) and All Whites (Soccer) • A number of students in America on college sporting scholarships for athletics, basketball, baseball and soccer We offer more than 40 sports, with students able to participate at social, competitive or elite level.
Sports Academies MAGS is unique in New Zealand in our offering of 8 Sports Academies for talented athletes in the following codes: • Aquatics • Basketball • Cricket • Boys Football • Girls Football • Netball • Rowing • Rugby Each Academy is directed by a coach who has competed and coached at national or international level.
“We encourage every student to take part in a school sports team.”
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International Prospectus
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School Life International students are offered a rich variety of opportunities to get involved with their Kiwi friends and learn more about New Zealand life. Mount Albert Grammar School runs clubs for special interests, and special events for International students.
Clubs • • • • • •
Astronomy at the school’s own Observatory Chess Debating Environment Photography Robotics
International Student Events Each year our International students get involved in a variety of special events tailored especially for them. These activities are a great way for the students to get to know each other, make friends and display their cultures to the wider school community. • • • • • •
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Auckland Orientation Tour Welcome Barbecue International Food & Culture Evening International Camp Polyfest Cultural Festival Auckland Rippa Rugby Tournament
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Pastoral Care At MAGS we want our International students to be happy, healthy and secure. We have a range of services to ensure they are well looked after, and can get on with the business of studying, and having fun.
International Students Office
Jude Lydia International Director
Bronwyn Watts Assistant International Director
Tracey Siddins International Office Manager
Paula Barakat Homestay Co-ordinator
The door is always open to our International Students Office, where our friendly staff are on hand to help students with any problems and make their stay at MAGS as successful and enjoyable as possible.
Health Clinic
Monica Haworth School Nurse
Claire Brown School Nurse
We have a new Health Clinic in our Student Centre, where nurses Monica and Claire are available to help students with injuries and illness.
Guidance Counsellors
Paul Ferner Head of Guidance
Marianne Wilson Counsellor
Margaret O’Carroll Counsellor
Rhonda Weeks Counsellor
Our new Student Centre also houses our Guidance Counsellors. They are available for students to talk to and can find extra help for them if required.
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Mount Albert Grammar School is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016, overseen by the New Zealand government. Details are on the website of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority: www.nzqa.govt.nz
Accommodation Students must live in a homestay, at the school’s boys-only hostel, (limited places) or with a relative or close family friend. The school’s Homestay Co-ordinator, Ms Paula Barakat, closely monitors all accommodation.
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Gesa – Germany “I loved Outdoor Education - we went on a kayak trip, a tramp and a rogaine - always in the stunningly beautiful environment of New Zealand. I fell in love with the country and now think of it as my second home.” Diego – Italy “The school offers a lot of fun activities for International students like a barbecue, concerts and a fantastic two-day camp near Auckland. They are a very good way for socialising and knowing more about other cultures.” Diana – Russia “My Dance class was like a family to me where I could relax and enjoy myself. I especially loved the concerts!” Anmol – India “Mount Albert Grammar School made me a better person. I became positive towards my studies and discovered more about myself. The teachers make every class fun, educational and interactive.” Masayoshi – Japan “Thanks to my friends’ and teachers’ support, I became an International Prefect for 2015. The responsibility made be grow as a person, and I was proud to represent this brilliant school.” Mengyan (Monica) – China “Choosing to come to New Zealand was a turning point of my life. My final year at MAGS was my favourite - I became one of the school Prefects and participated in many school events: school camp, school ball, quiz night, culture night, leaver’s dinner and more.” Diego – Chile “Learning how to live without my family or culture has made me grow up, and I have had lots of friends at MAGS to support me. There are so many different things to do in Auckland - the beaches, shopping, eating places and beautiful islands in the harbour.”
Why we
love
MAGS
Mount Albert Grammar School Alberton Avenue Mount Albert Auckland 1025 New Zealand Telephone: +64 9 846 2044 x8187 Facsimile: (09) 846 2042 E-mail: international@mags.school.nz Facebook: Mount Albert Grammar School Skype: Jude Lydia
BR-j9325
www.mags.school.nz
Mount Albert Grammar School Auckland, New Zealand
Why choose MAGS Award-winning Teachers Our teachers are among the best in New Zealand at delivering this country’s progressive form of education, aimed at preparing students to succeed at tertiary level and beyond around the world
Academic Excellence • NCEA and Scholarship results from 2015 place us among the top 5 schools in New Zealand • 90% of International graduates attend university
New Zealand’s Top Sporting School • 18 national titles in the past 2 years across a variety of codes • 40 sports to choose from • 8 Sports Academies for talented athletes
Arts and Culture Opportunities • Music, Drama, Dance, Culture - students can choose to follow their passion and reach for the stars with our award-winning performance groups
Caring Student Support • Our Pastoral Care services ensure our International Students are happy, healthy and secure, with support available 24/7
English Language Programme • Dedicated ESOL classes ensure students enter mainstream classes ready and able to learn
Expansive grounds and facilities • Numerous sports fields and our school farm make MAGS one of the largest schools by area in New Zealand. • Modern classrooms, heritage buildings, 2 gymnasiums, indoor pool, astronomical observatory
Central Location • 5 minutes from the centre of Auckland • Close to our city’s beautiful harbour, islands, beaches and forest
Telephone: +64 9 846 2044 x 8187 Facsimile: +64 9 846 2042 e-mail: international@mags.school.nz Facebook: Mount Albert Grammar School Skype: Jude Lydia
www.mags.school.nz