The Timetable

There are classes timetabled between  9.00am - 2.30pm Monday to Friday.  The school opens at 7.45 in the morning.

Monday – Thursday

                                             Morning Classes                                                         Afternoon Class*

*On Wednesday, afternoon classes start at 1.15 to allow for various meetings and club activities.Orientation on your first Wednesday is from 1.00 to 2.30 approximately or as arranged by the Welfare Officer.

Friday
                                                                         Morning Classes 

Assembly is usually at 12.00 pm. 
Weekly activity time is usually from 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm.  There is no afternoon class.
After you have officially enrolled, we will tell you your class, text book, your teacher(s) and the room number.

Expectations

What you can expect from your teachers and lessons

1.You can expect your teachers to be polite and courteous at all times.
2.You can expect your teachers to be punctual.
3.You can expect them to set homework and to review it with you in lessons.
4.You can expect assessments every week.
5.You can expect some classes to take place outside the classroom in order to experience English communication in places like a coffee shop, etc.
6.You can expect informative trips and activities that contribute to your learning of English.

Moving to a higher class

Your teacher will recommend you move to a higher class level when you are ready.  This decision is based on your results in term tests which are given in student assessment forms and reports, as well as on the teacher’s awareness of your English level as demonstrated in class.

Your teacher and the DOS will decide when you are ready to move up a class.  You can expect to move up a class if you get high grades in your weekly assessments over a period of 8 weeks. Normally the required grade average is 80%. Your homework, your attitude in class and your attendance are also taken into account.  Poor attendance means no moving. 

Self help in learning English

You can also help yourself in learning English by doing various activities yourself.

Read as much as you can about something you are interested in;
Keep a personal dictionary and write in all the words that you don’t understand;
Watch television, especially the news programmes and documentaries;
Listen to the radio;
Talk to people in shops and ask them questions about what they sell and how much things cost;
Go with friends to coffee shops and read national newspapers together;
Go to the cinema;
Talk to your homestay parents as much as you can, and go out with them if they invite you to join them.

How you can help yourself to achieve your goals?

Live a balanced lifestyle

Living a balanced lifestyle will enable you to make the most of your study time at AEC. 
Feel encouraged to:

 Have fun and join in activities with your classmates.  This not only helps you learn English, but also makes you feel better.  A relaxed mind can help you study better.
 Go to sleep at a reasonable hour (before midnight), get up in time to eat breakfast before going to school.
 Eat a good diet with fresh fruit and vegetables as well as protein.
 Make friends with students from other countries as well as your own.
 Have some exercise, go for a walk or a swim, and join a sports club.

A balanced life means you have enough time studying, enough time sleeping, some time having some fun and enjoying life.

Learn new Words

Activity

Below are some recommended ways of learning new words. Can you arrange them in the order you think will help you the most

1. Think of a way to remember it.
2. Write it down in your notebook, with an example.
3. Look it up in a dictionary or ask someone to explain it to you.
4. Check the pronunciation.
5. Try hard to use it in conversation.
6. Practise saying it.
7. Try to guess what it means.

Discuss ideas for conversation with your homestay.

Class Rule

1.  Attendance:  Students must attend school on time every day. You’ll be marked absent after 9.30 am. You must phone the school if sick or unable to attend. School telephone: 09-263 8666

2. Classroom behaviour: 
  Listen when your teacher or other students are speaking.
  2.1 Be on time
  Knock on the classroom door (if closed) before entering the room, and apologise if you are late.
  2.2 Turn off cell phones
  No calls or texting is permitted during class from anywhere. If you forget and your phone rings you must leave the room till the next class.
  2.3 Speak English only during class activities and participation.
  2.4 All students are expected to participate in class work
  2.5 No eating or drinking in class rooms (except bottled water).
  Keep the school tidy.  Put rubbish in bins. Keep your school tidy.  Keep good hygiene standards in eating and bathroom areas.

3.  Show respect to all people.  Be polite and courteous to your teacher, the staff and other students.  They will respect you too

4.  Watch your language. No shouting or swearing in any language

5.  Take care of the school building and furniture. Don't punch walls, kick doors or damage the furniture. 

6.  Smoking is prohibited in the school building or entrance stairs.  You cannot buy cigarettes if you are under the age of 18 in NZ

New Zealand Culture

General NZ Culture and Expectations

In different cultures there are different ways of doing things.  If you do things in the right way for NZ culture, people will think you are friendly and polite.  Here are a number of things you need to know.

1. Look people in the eye when talking
2. Smile at people
3. No body noises, no spitting
4. Say ‘excuse me’ when you want to get past, don’t push
5. Wait your turn in shops, banks, bus stops etc…
6. Sit straight in class
7. It is polite to hold doors for others to walk through
8. It is not polite to try and talk to someone while they are talking to another person
9. Say please and thank you when asking for something and receiving assistance

New Zealand Law, Health and Safety

AEC wants you to feel safe.  Please come to us if you are worried about your safety in any way.  NZ is generally a safe country and our police are also helpful and you don't need to have any worries about going to them for help if you are threatened by anyone.

Note: for more information about living in New Zealand, please check out the Student Guidebook

Important things to remember

1. Don't carry large amounts of cash with you or keep it where you live.  Open a bank account.  Our staff will assist you to open a bank account, and help you set up internet banking if you want it.  You can use the school’s postal address (PO Box 76209, Manukau City, Auckland) if you constantly move around.

2. Don’t drive a car without the correct licence.  Make sure you learn the New Zealand road rules and that you can actually drive a car.  It is a good idea to get a NZ driver’s licence, especially if staying for more than a few months.

3. Be careful about buying a car...  Ask for advice, and you need to have insurance.

4. You must be 18 to buy alcohol and cigarettes.  Unless you have permission from your homestay, it is not recommended that you smoke in their home. Most New Zealanders prefer smokers to go outside.

5. Think of personal safety at night…  Girls especially should not stay in the city late at night on their own, or travel home alone, late at night.

6. Stay together in a group…  Always carry your student ID with you.

7. Consider others health….   Always use tissues or handkerchiefs to blow your nose. Cover your mouth if you cough. It is considered rude in NZ to sniff or spit on the ground.

8. Using NZ toilets…  Learn how to use the toilet correctly.  You cannot stand on the rim as it may break and you could be hurt.  Always wash your hands after using the toilet.

9. Toilet paper disposal…  Only put toilet paper in the toilet and flush after each use. Leave the area clean.

10. Shower each day especially in hot weather; also wash your clothes regularly.  This makes the environment in the classroom more pleasant.

11. NZ water has added fluoride...  Look after your teeth; using a good toothpaste and mouthwash each day is a good idea.

12. Use your Student ID…  Many activities and theatres may give discounts for students.  Ask if there are student discounts when you book or before you pay. Use your ID.  You can also get an International Students Card (ask at reception for more details).