New Zealand Early Childhood Education System
(Primary & Intermediate School: Year 1–8)
Early study abroad in New Zealand can start from the age of 5, and international students can enter school according to the same curriculum as local students. Year 1 to Year 8 are the primary and early secondary courses, and are mainly attended by children aged 5 to 12.
1. Grade Structure
연령 (Age) | 학년 (Year) | 교육기관 (Educational Institution) | 설명 (Explanation) |
|---|---|---|---|
13 years old or older | Year 9+ | Secondary School | Focus on career and studies |
Ages 11-12 | Year 7–8 | Intermediate School | Secondary school adaptation period |
Ages 5–10 | Year 1–6 | Primary School | Forming basic study habits |
2. Educational Philosophy and Characteristics
🎨 Creativity-Centered Education
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Classes focus on discussion, hands-on experience, and cooperative learning.
👩🏫 Small Class Sizes
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Typically around 20 to 30 students per class.
📚 Integrated Curriculum
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In addition to core subjects like English, Math, Science, Social Studies, P.E., and Arts, students also take part in practical classes such as IT, Environment, Cooking, and Music.
🌿 Experience-Based Activities
🌎 Support for International Students
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ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes are offered for non-native English speakers.
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Most public schools have dedicated international departments and managers to support international students.
3. Evaluation System
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Focused on absolute evaluation and individual feedback
Rather than test-based competition, the focus is on individual assessment and portfolios based on student achievement.
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Strengthen parent-child communication: Share your child’s growth and learning status through regular reports and **3-way interviews (student-teacher-parent)**.
4. Academic Management
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4 semesters per year (Term system)
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Term 1: Early February - Mid-April
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Term 2: Late April - Early July
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Term 3: Mid-July - Late September
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Term 4: Early October - Mid-December
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There are approximately 6 hours of classes per day, and after school, you can also participate in various club activities such as sports, musical instruments, and art.
5. Homestay or Parent/Guardian Accompaniment
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International students under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
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Children aged 11 years or older can safely live in a school-approved homestay, and verified homestay placement is possible with the help of a study abroad agency.