Why Burnside High?
International agents, parents and students will know Burnside High School for our numerous achievements and our high profile alumni who often stand out in the areas of: Academia, Creative and Performing Arts, the Specialist Music Programme and Sport.
Because of our size we are able to provide an extensive list of subjects. For those interested in Art – we offer the following separate senior classes: Art Design, Art History, Art Painting, Art Photography, Art Printmaking & Art Sculpture. For those interested in Digital Technologies – we offer: Digital Technology Infrastructure, Digital Technology Programming Computer Science & Databases, Digital Technology Digital Media, Digital Technology Project Based Learning. Our Maths Department is equally as diverse and challenging, offering Cambridge Maths for our most talented mathematicians. In Music, there are five different music classes at senior level. The degree of specialisation going as far as offering Music Conducting as a Year 13 subject. In the Languages Faculty there are six different second languages on offer – Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Japanese, Spanish and Te Reo Maori.
Our geographical location is also key to our success. We are only 4 km from the Christchurch International Airport, 2km from Russley Golf Club, 2km from the University of Canterbury and 400m from Jellie Park (a city run fitness and aquatic centre).
With the above opportunities and facilities, the well-staffed and dedicated team in the International Office, Burnside High School is able to offer everything an international student could wish for. Should further information be required, please use the contact details posted on our International pages within this website.
Orientation Programme
When arriving in a new country and city it is important that students are given a good introduction to school life so that they feel confident and comfortable in their new environment. Students arriving at the beginning of Terms 1, 2, 3 and 4 have an Orientation Programme which includes essential information and support.
Homestay Programme
One of the most exciting experiences of living in a different culture is having the chance to live with a New Zealand family or homestay. Homestay families are usually close to the school – either a short bus ride or within walking distance, and are chosen carefully by our Homestay Manager who visits the family. There are a lot of advantages for students living in a homestay, including getting to know and understand New Zealand culture and improving their English.
If there are any problems in a homestay it is our policy to work through things with the family and student until the problem is resolved and the student and family are happy.
International Activities
Frequently we have events organised by our International Leaders (Buddies). These include the Welcome Picnic, Pizza and Movie Night, and sports events. The events are free for international students and are a great way to make new friends and spend time with students from other cultures.
