HOBSONVILLE POINT SECONDARY SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
OUR VISION
Hobsonville Point Secondary School's vision is to create a stimulating, inclusive learning environment that develops personal and academic excellence. We strive to develop confident, connected, actively involved, life-long learners. We empower our students to develop the skills necessary to live successfully and contribute confidently and responsibly in our changing world.
We believe that personal excellence is required for academic excellence to be achieved. We have developed a set of 'Hobsonville Habits' which we use explicitly to help students develop deeper thinking and effective habits. These are positive attributes and dispositions that are essential for lifelong learning and success.
With a mission to innovate, engage and inspire, our school utilises our modern facilities to create personalised learning, engage through powerful partnerships and inspire through authentic learning opportunities that demand deep challenge and inquiry. We are focused on preparing and inspiring our students to achieve their very best in a global society.
We are pleased to offer opportunities for students from around the world to learn and experience life in our exciting and innovative school environment here in Auckland, New Zealand. Hobsonville Point Secondary School welcomes applications from overseas students as international fee-paying students.
Our school is located at the heart of the newly developed Hobsonville Point community, situated in the historically rich Upper Waitemata Harbour area in Auckland.
Please contact us if you have any questions about our International Student programme or if you require any further information about what Hobsonville Point Secondary School could offer you as an International Student.
Unique
At Hobsonville Point Secondary School, our point of difference is our learning and our people. Learning at HPSS is guided by principles of personalised and authentic learning opportunities which help our students find their pathways/passion and achieve personal excellence. Our teachers at HPSS have an infectious passion for learning. They are committed to working in partnership with our students, their whānau and the community to ensure learning is relevant and meaningful.
Innovative
Hobsonville Point Secondary School offers integrated classes (Connected Learning Modules) in Years 9-11. In these classes coverage of the New Zealand curriculum is provided in two subjects, with learning integrated around key concepts, capabilities, contexts or outcomes. Integrated learning at Hobsonville Point Secondary School increases student engagement by providing a connected and relevant education, where students can connect their learning across subjects and also relate to how acquired knowledge and skills can be applied in the real world.
Diverse
Hobsonville Point Secondary School celebrates diversity at our school. Diversity includes diversity in culture, languages and learning. We recognise that success looks different for different students. We therefore provide a variety of opportunities for our students to develop their unique talents and to connect to the community and each other. We are a multi-cultural school represented by Pākehā, Māori, Pacific, Asian, European, Middle Eastern, Latin American and African students.
Modern
Opened in 2014, Hobsonville Point Secondary School is a modern campus with flexible learning spaces. Learning spaces are bright, open and comfortable. The school is fully climate controlled and designed with acoustics in mind. With almost all classrooms off the central corridor it is easy to navigate and students can change classes with braving the weather outside.
English Language Learning
The English Language programme at Hobsonville Point Secondary School is designed to meet the needs of all learners. Our highly experienced English Language Teachers will ensure each learner has a personalised learning programme that allows them to develop their English skills, no matter their starting point.
As part of orientation, each student will sit an English placement test. The results of this placement test will allow the International team to accurately place a student in the correct class. This class may or may not be in the student's chosen year level and may override a selected subject.
Please note that we do not offer a fulltime English language programme. Students are expected to attend regular classes alongside their assigned English Language class.
Although there are no English language entry requirements at HPSS, students are expected to have enough basic English to be able to navigate daily life. We want every student to enjoy a sense of achievement while at our school so we also provide three experienced Teachers Aides who support students in their regular classes.
Opportunities at Hobsonville Point Secondary School
Sport
Students are encouraged to participate in sports while at our school. We have over 20 different sports on offer at the School. Their involvement fosters long-term health and supports them with exploring and expanding their talents. It is also a great way for International students to make friends with local students. Visit the school sports site for more detailed information: https://www.hpss.school.nz/sport
Performing Arts
Performing arts enables students to deepen their understanding of their own identity, humanity and our place in the world. Students can unlock their creative potential in music, drama and dance. Performing Arts opportunities in 2026 include school production, K-pop dance club, cultural evening and more. Joining one of the performing arts can be a great way to maybe try something new and make new connections with other students. The International Director can support you to access these opportunities.
Extra-curricular
Beyond the classroom, students are also given the opportunity to engage in a multitude of extra-curricular activities, including kapa haka, the model UN, EPRO8 and Aquabots and the Maths Club. Students should regularly check the school notices in SchoolBridge for information about clubs, ask the International Director, or check the International Support Classroom.
Ways We Support Our International Learners
The International Office
The International Director and Homestay Administrator have a dedicated office space in India. Students can visit at anytime to get support.
We will help students to understand their timetables, find classes and resolve issues.
We support students in homestay to have the best experience possible by providing regular check-ins and a safe space to express themselves.
We will also support students to access the school nurse, school counsellor, and local health services as required.
ESOL Teacher Aides
We provide three ESOL Teacher Aides to support students in regular classes. They will work alongside the student to make sure they understand the class instructions and expectations.
Students are able to email their assigned Teacher Aide directly to ask for support in a particular class.
All of our Teacher Aides are experienced and empathetic. They are committed to helping you achieve success while at Hobsonville Point Secondary School.
International Classroom & Club
We have an International Google classroom. This dedicated classroom keeps international students up to date on happenings in our school.
It also allows us to survey the students regularly to check how things are going at school and in their accommodation.
In addition to the classroom, we also have a weekly International Club, This provides an opportunity for students to network with other International students. We play games, learn English and keep the students up to date on what is happening each week.
24hr Emergency Phone
All students, homestay families, agents and/or caregivers are given the 24hr number. This can be used in an emergency to reach a member of the International team. They will then escalate or resolve the problem as needed. This gives students peace of mind that there is someone on hand at all times to support thing if something serious happens.
MEET THE INTERNATIONAL TEAM
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Kirsty Dowding
Principal
Kirsty Dowding is the Principal at Hobsonville Point Secondary School and was appointed to this position in July 2023. Prior to this position, Kirsty was Deputy Principal at Rangitoto College and she has also worked for the Ministry of Education. Kirsty completed her Master's Thesis on the Geographies of Export Schooling in New Zealand and the Production of New School Spaces Created by International Students. Kirsty believes that International Students add strength, culture, and diversity to a school environment.Kirsty, the Senior Leadership Team, and all the staff at Hobsonville Point Secondary School believe in supporting learners to achieve both academic and personal excellence. Students are confident, connected, and actively involved, and we encourage them to become lifelong learners. We empower students to live successfully and contribute responsibly to their communities. Students learn in state-of-the-art facilities using tools and technologies that support and enhance their learning. As a school, we offer personalised learning, powerful partnerships, and deep challenge and inquiry.
In Kirsty’s spare time, she enjoys cooking, spending time with family, and travelling.
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Maryann Green
International Director
As International Director, Maryann is excited to support students to have positive life-changing exchange experiences. Maryann has personally experienced an exchange programme herself and has taught English as a second language in junior high schools in Japan where she lived for a few years.Maryann holds a Master of Professional Studies in Translation (Japanese) and worked as a professional translator for many years until she became a high school teacher.
Maryann encourages her students to be kind and be the best version of themselves by taking the time to listen and care for them. She is an avid photographer who also loves playing Pokémon Go, watching K-dramas, and spending time with her family.
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Chrissy Latimer
Homestay Administrator
Chrissy comes from a Recruitment / HR career with a focus on supporting her clients into employment. Recruiting internationally for Australian and Chinese companies and having many new immigrant clients has given her an insight into the challenges of new migrants to New Zealand. Supporting students also played a large part in her job while working at different training providers.She loves to encourage others to reach their potential and believes everyone has the ability to succeed.
Chrissy is the proud Mother of 4 children, 2 cats, and 1 dog. She is learning to speak Te Reo Maori with her husband and her spare time is spent reading, walking her dog Cody or hanging out in the garden.
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Beth Knight
English Language Teacher
Beth enjoys teaching and learning at HPSS where her passion for learning and developing the whole student is valued. She has taught across all year levels within New Zealand. Throughout her career, relationships have always been the most enjoyable and important aspects of education.Beth sets high standards for her learners and loves to help them achieve their best.
She spends her time outside of school at the beach, traveling and experiencing new places, being with friends and family, and reading.
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Dr Diya Ghosh
ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHER
Diya is one of our English Language Teachers. She has a Phd in literature.
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David Wilson
English Language Teacher Aide
David comes from a background in finance and worked in Chartered Accounting for many many years.
He re-trained and completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Adult Learning and Teaching (TESOL). He then completed the CELTA course and moved into ESOL. This saw him teaching in language schools and more recently teaching groups of International students coming to HPSS on educational tours. David loves working with teenagers and helping them to improve their level of English language.
David and his wife have two children, as well as a granddaughter who attended HPSS for four years and graduated from HPSS in 2021. David’s interests are education (especially English), his church, trying to manage his garden, and walking with his Labrador dog, Kodi.
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Sheida Mirza
English Language Teacher Aide
Sheida is one of our English Language teacher Aides who supports our students in class.
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Rose
English Language Teacher Aide
Rose is one of our English Language Teacher Aides who supports our students in class.
