The General English Programme is designed for students whose first language is not English. The purpose of the programme is to provide the essential skills required to function in an English language community, with specific reference to Aotearoa New Zealand community (including workplace and academic environments).

Qualifications Achieved New Zealand Certificate in English Language (General) (Levels 1-4)

Available Programmes Foundation English Level 1 Elementary English Level 1 Pre-Intermediate English Level 2 Intermediate English Level 3 Upper Intermediate English Level 4

Pathways Because the programme provides a New Zealand Certificate, graduates may be qualified for further education that requires these prerequisites. (NZQF qualifications listing pending) Likewise, potential employers may accept the certificate as proof of English proficiency.

Programme Length

• Practical & theoretical information on grammar, vocabulary & pronunciation
• Language learning through language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening)
• Contextualized socio-linguistic input for Aotearoa New Zealand
• Essential social and cultural information

Programme Content

• Developing, implementing, evaluating and adapting Diversional Therapy plans for individuals and groups
• Developing a resource manual for Diversional Therapy
• Safety, risk assessment, cultural considerations, dementia and challenging behaviours.
• All pre-requisite level 3 Core Competency Unit Standards and Diversional Therapy level 4 Unit Standards are included
• The Certificate in Diversional Therapy with Healthcare Core Competencies Programme includes no optional modules or electives and is classroom and work placement based including 11 weeks of work placement. Maximum student/tutor ratio 16:1

Entry Requirements

Domestic Students:

• Placement Test. NCEA English or ESOL credits gained earlier can be used to determine a student’s English level.

International Students:

• Placement Test.
• Students must be at least 18 years of age.
• Students must possess the appropriate immigration documentation.
• Students must have appropriate and current medical & travel insurance.
• Students in full-time study of at least 6 months duration and who intend to work while studying must have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall band score of 5.0 or above (General or Academic Module) from an official testing center.

Working While Studying

You may be allowed to work for up to 20 hours each week... more

Requirements to Pass the Programme

• Achieve pass grades for all language skills assessments
• Have an overall attendance record of at least 80%. (Students who do not achieve attendance requirements due to illness, injury, bereavement or any other critical circumstance have the opportunity to apply for an aegrotat pass. Aegrotat consideration will be on a case by case basis.)

The General English Programmes do not include any optional modules or electives and are wholly classroom-based. A student may start at any level depending on the assessment of the student’s English language skills. Maximum student/tutor ratio 16:1

Credit Value

60 credits (if attending for at least 15 weeks per level)

Programme Start Dates

Every Monday (Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday)