Ngā reo | Learning Languages
Tōku Reo, Tōku Ohooho - My Language, My Awakening
Learning languages at Wakatipu High School opens new opportunities and gives students perspectives that they might never have encountered otherwise.
Personal, professional, social, and economic considerations all point to the advantages of learning languages.
Culture and language are inseparable. Language isn’t just the sum of words and grammatical principles, but also unique cultural norms, social systems and cognitive processes. Understanding these cultural-specific contexts along with linguistic principles of a particular culture is central to effective language acquisition.
In Learning Languages students develop holistically across all spheres of the school Ākonga Profile, and school values are underpinning the teaching and learning.
Personal, professional, social, and economic considerations all point to the advantages of learning languages.
Culture and language are inseparable. Language isn’t just the sum of words and grammatical principles, but also unique cultural norms, social systems and cognitive processes. Understanding these cultural-specific contexts along with linguistic principles of a particular culture is central to effective language acquisition.
In Learning Languages students develop holistically across all spheres of the school Ākonga Profile, and school values are underpinning the teaching and learning.
For 2026 course information, including areas of study, prerequisites, assessments and standards, please follow the link to our Course Options Portal:
Languages on Offer
Te reo Māori
Te reo Māori is an official language of New Zealand and an intrinsic part of our heritage. Te reo Māori and tikanga Māori are intertwined, and so learning te reo strengthens identity and shared cultural understanding. The insights and experiences that you will gain as you learn the language will enrich and broaden your understanding of the uniqueness and complexity of te ao Māori (the Māori world). You will come to understand that culture shapes the ways people think and behave and begin to appreciate the value of cultural diversity. You will also learn about the important role that indigenous languages and cultures play in New Zealand and throughout the world.
French
French is a major international language and is spoken on five continents. It has official-language status in 29 countries and is spoken in some Pacific territories (New Caledonia, French Polynesia) within three hours flying time from New Zealand. With an understanding of French, you will have an extra advantage in business, tourism or any organisation with an international marketing strategy. French is a language of diplomacy, science and art, and is an official language of multiple institutions, from the United Nations to the European Union and the International Red Cross.
Spanish
Learning Spanish opens doors to communicate with over 400 million Spanish speakers of the World. Closer to home, it allows you to communicate with Spanish speakers in the local community. There are 21 countries in the world that have Spanish as an official language. Knowing the language will make travel experiences in beautiful Spain and Latin America much easier. A good grasp of the Spanish language also provides a valuable window into learning about the cultures of Spanish countries.
Japanese
Japan has one of the largest and most developed economies in the world and is major influencer in the Asia Pacific Region. Japan is also a major trading partner with strong economic, cultural and tourism ties with NZ. Learning Japanese is an advantage for anyone wanting to live, work or visit Japan in the future. Whether your interest comes from gaming /anime/manga, art or fashion, you will find that learning the language also opens the door to an deeper understanding and appreciation of their fascinating culture.
English for Speakers of other Languages
ESOL courses are offered to international students and to students living permanently in New Zealand who do not have English as their first language. The nature of these courses depends on the ability of the students, their length of time in New Zealand and their educational goals. Course placement follows testing and discussion with students about their goals. Once tested they are placed in the corresponding English Learning Language Proficiency (ELLP) stage (From Foundation to Stage 3).
Note: New Entrants, students in Year 9 must select at least one option from the Languages Learning Area.
Te reo Māori is an official language of New Zealand and an intrinsic part of our heritage. Te reo Māori and tikanga Māori are intertwined, and so learning te reo strengthens identity and shared cultural understanding. The insights and experiences that you will gain as you learn the language will enrich and broaden your understanding of the uniqueness and complexity of te ao Māori (the Māori world). You will come to understand that culture shapes the ways people think and behave and begin to appreciate the value of cultural diversity. You will also learn about the important role that indigenous languages and cultures play in New Zealand and throughout the world.
French
French is a major international language and is spoken on five continents. It has official-language status in 29 countries and is spoken in some Pacific territories (New Caledonia, French Polynesia) within three hours flying time from New Zealand. With an understanding of French, you will have an extra advantage in business, tourism or any organisation with an international marketing strategy. French is a language of diplomacy, science and art, and is an official language of multiple institutions, from the United Nations to the European Union and the International Red Cross.
Spanish
Learning Spanish opens doors to communicate with over 400 million Spanish speakers of the World. Closer to home, it allows you to communicate with Spanish speakers in the local community. There are 21 countries in the world that have Spanish as an official language. Knowing the language will make travel experiences in beautiful Spain and Latin America much easier. A good grasp of the Spanish language also provides a valuable window into learning about the cultures of Spanish countries.
Japanese
Japan has one of the largest and most developed economies in the world and is major influencer in the Asia Pacific Region. Japan is also a major trading partner with strong economic, cultural and tourism ties with NZ. Learning Japanese is an advantage for anyone wanting to live, work or visit Japan in the future. Whether your interest comes from gaming /anime/manga, art or fashion, you will find that learning the language also opens the door to an deeper understanding and appreciation of their fascinating culture.
English for Speakers of other Languages
ESOL courses are offered to international students and to students living permanently in New Zealand who do not have English as their first language. The nature of these courses depends on the ability of the students, their length of time in New Zealand and their educational goals. Course placement follows testing and discussion with students about their goals. Once tested they are placed in the corresponding English Learning Language Proficiency (ELLP) stage (From Foundation to Stage 3).
Note: New Entrants, students in Year 9 must select at least one option from the Languages Learning Area.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Students enhance and enrich their languages learning by stepping outside of their comfort through opportunities outside of the classroom, and the following are offered at Wakatipu High School through the Languages Learning Area:
Students enhance and enrich their languages learning by stepping outside of their comfort through opportunities outside of the classroom, and the following are offered at Wakatipu High School through the Languages Learning Area:
- Year 9 and 10 Māori - visit of a Marae, trip to Waitangi and Kapa Haka regional competitions
- Year 11 - 11 day long - Immersion trip to Noumea, New Caledonia
- Year 11 to 13 - 3 to 6 month - Language Immersion Award
- Year 12/13 - 2 month long - Swiss-New Zealand exchange
Academic Opportunities Outside the Classroom
Students are able to sit:
Students are able to sit:
- The International Diplomas of Language Proficiency i.e DELF, at different levels of ability.
- Scholarship tutorials and assessment
Reasons to Learn a Language
Still not quite persuaded? Check out these nine reasons or watch the video below to see that learning a language is the right choice!
Still not quite persuaded? Check out these nine reasons or watch the video below to see that learning a language is the right choice!
