Curriculum and Learning
Languages
Languages take you places

The Southland Girls’ High School Languages Department offers three languages – French,  Japanese and Te Reo Māori.

Our Languages Department Whakataukī is:

E koekoe te Tui The Tui sings
E ketekete te Kaka The Kaka chatters
E kutu te Kereru The Wood Pigeon coos

A whakataukī is a Māori proverb.  We believe this whakataukī reflects the nature of language learning, in that people speak different languages.

Our curriculum is focused around building confident communicators who can interact with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.  Language programmes provide students with a wide variety of best practice second language learning opportunities.  All of our teachers are specialist language teachers who provide girls with learning in the classroom that is stimulating and up to the minute. Students participate in individual, pair and group activities that provide them with the opportunity to extend themselves in their chosen language.  Our Languages Department was completely redeveloped in 2019 into a modern learning area. A key feature being six small breakout rooms for recording the spoken component of our courses and small group work.

Paper Feather Korowai

Year 7 – students learn Te Reo Māori as part of the ‘Explore our Language and Culture’ learning package.
Year 8 – the girls learn an international language for one semester as part of the ‘Explore the World with Languages’ learning package.

From Year 9 – students can choose to study a language if they wish.  It is recommended that if students intend to continue studying the language for NCEA Level 1, that they complete a full year of study in both Years 9 and 10.  Language courses are offered up to NCEA Level 3 and Scholarship Level.

There are a range of language based activities for students to become involved in within our department.  These include:

  • Ngā Manu Kōrero
  • Southland Interschool Japanese Speech Competition
  • Education Perfect Languages Championships

Languages field trips both locally and regionally:

  • International Languages Week Celebrations
  • Māori Language Week Celebrations
  • Japanese Trivia Champs (Yr 7-10)

For students learning international languages there are also a number of trips and scholarships available that enable them to travel overseas to improve their language skills.  Opportunities include:

  • Kumagaya Exchange – a school led trip to Japan for two weeks
  • French Exchange – a school led trip to France for four weeks
  • Click on the link below for more information:

Book a Tour of Enwood House

Come and see all that Southland Girls’ High School offers boarders with a tour of Enwood House that allows you to see our facilities in action, while meeting the staff and the students.

To book in for a tour of the boarding house, please email Jenni Dennis, jenni.dennis@southlandgirls.school.nz or telephone 03 211 6030.

RISKS Disclosure

Weekly sports contains risks, including common injuries like strains, sprains, bruises and dislocations. These events are managed by the appropriate sporting body in conjunction with school staff who will manage risk and hazards according to the school’s safety management plan. This includes careful consideration of the risks, all risks will be outlined to the students. While risks can be maintained to acceptable levels they cannot be totally eliminated. Some risk is retained for its learning and experiential value. If you wish to come in to school to see our safety management systems or have any questions, feel free to contact Ashleigh Rabel 03 211 6030 or ashleigh.rabel@southlandgirls.school.nz.

It is important for safety reasons that students follow instructions given to them by all staff and follow all appropriate school rules. Behaviour by students that is deemed dangerous and puts themselves and/or others at undue risk will result in your child facing disciplinary actions on their return or sent home at the cost of the Whanau/parents or caregivers.

RISKS Disclosure

This event contains risks, including possible injuries. This event is managed by school staff or other organisations who will manage risk and hazards according to the school’s/organisation’s safety management plan. This includes careful consideration of all procedures while carrrying out the activites. While risks can be maintained to acceptable levels they cannot be totally eliminated. Some risk is retained for its learning and experiential value.

If you wish to come in to school to see our safety management systems or have any questions please phone 03 211 6030.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

I understand that playing sport is an opportunity for me to learn, practice skills, and gain attitudes and values in an environment outside of the school.  I realise that this requires me to take on genuine responsibility for my own enjoyment and safety and that of others.

I agree to do the following to make this happen:

  • Show courtesy and consideration to others.
  • Follow the rules and instructions of staff and other supervisors at the events.
  • Look after myself and my personal belongings.
  • Declare medical conditions that could affect participation in the events.
  • Accept the rules set by the school for the events.

I understand that my parents / caregivers will be contacted and I may be sent home at their expense if:

  • My actions are considered unacceptable by staff / supervisors of these events.
  • I breach the behaviour / discipline standards of the school.
  • My actions put me or others in any danger.

Book a School Tour

Come and see all that Southland Girls’ High School offers students with a school tour that allows you to see our facilities in action, while meeting the staff and the students.

Student tour guides will answer questions and offer a student’s perspective, before meeting with a senior member of staff to discuss your child’s enrolment.

To book in for a tour of the school, please email Nicola Macpherson on  nicola.macpherson@southlandgirls.school.nz or telephone 03 211 6030.

Play Video

Contact details