Education Review Office report on Provision for International Students

Compliance with the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students and the Provision of English Language Support

Mount Maunganui College is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (the Code) established under section 238F of the Education Act 1989. This is a requirement of all schools that enrol international students in terms of the Act. Schools are also required to provide English language support for their international students.

Currently, the school has 42 International students on its roll, from 12 different countries.

The school complies with all aspects of the Code.

Areas of Good Performance

Management of international students

The International Manager has primary responsibility for the welfare and accommodation of international students and is providing effective management for them. He is supported in his role by an international home stay coordinator and an English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) support coordinator. An ESOL teacher is also in this department. Staff involved are readily available to provide support and guidance for international students. There is a designated space for them to gather and socialise and they can access computers for their personal emails. The department reports regularly to management and the board, this information assisting them with ongoing decision-making about the care and provision for international students at the school. International students are well managed at Mount Maunganui College.

School administration and documentation

The international department has developed effective and efficient administrative systems. Documentation is current and includes policy and procedural manuals that guide staff and caregivers in meeting the requirements of the Code. The school maintains comprehensive files on each student and ensures that this information is continually updated. Procedures for reporting about matters relating to student safety are in place and are continually reviewed. An international student handbook provides guidance for students about all aspects of student life at the school. The ongoing development of computerised filing systems is enhancing accessibility of information about international students, as is the extension of the school??s website to convey information to parents of enrolled international students who live overseas. Effective marketing of the department has led to an Excellence in Marketing Award in 2007 from Education New Zealand ?? one of only three awarded in New Zealand.

Student Welfare

The school meets all requirements of the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students that relate to welfare. Support services are effectively tailored to meet the needs of international students. Students report that they feel very well supported at the school and speak positively about the care and concern taken for them by all associated with their schooling. All developmental and pastoral care needs of international students enrolled in Years 9-13 are being met. Attendance and academic progress is closely monitored, and close liaison with the school??s pastoral care and guidance staff is maintained. International students interviewed by ERO state that they receive high quality pastoral care when enrolled at Mount Maunganui College.

Student Accommodation

The school meets all requirements of the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students that relate to accommodation. Fee-paying students stay in accommodation provided by home stay parents, some of whom have been associated with the school over a long time period. Robust procedures are in place for the selection and monitoring of residential caregivers and living accommodation to ensure the safety of students. The home stay coordinator maintains close oversight of students?? accommodation and regularly contacts and visits homes. Effective communication strategies and comprehensive guidelines for host parents have been established. All practices relating to designated caregivers, including police vetting procedures fully meet the Code requirements.

English language support

The teacher in charge of the ESOL department is responsible for providing appropriate programmes for international students. The department is well resourced and works closely with the international student manager to ensure that the specific needs of international students are appropriately met. An emphasis on instruction towards being successful in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination is a present focus of senior teaching programmes. International students are regularly assessed and appropriate group and individual programmes of assistance are provided where required. The ESOL learning environment is attractive, secure and well used.