Frequently Asked Questions

For Students

How often can I go home?
You have seven weekend’s leave per 10 week term and can have town leave after school on Friday, You can also apply for leave on Saturday and /or Sunday afternoon, if staying in for the weekend.

How can I contact home?
The school is wireless so there is email and Internet access across the campus. There are over 100 computers on site and most Year 12 and 13s have a laptop. Cell phones are permitted in Year 10-13 in boarding houses (though not in the classroom). All boarding houses have telephones specifically dedicated for personal calls.

What do I do on weekends?
On Saturday mornings girls are typically engaged in sport. Saturday afternoon activities are followed by a movie and dinner. On Sunday afternoons, buses transport boarders to Palmerston North and on Sunday evenings at 7pm there is Chapel for boarding students.

Will I be the only new student?
Nga Tawa accepts a number seniors each year due to limited spaces. Many seniors value the transition into more challenging courses and independent accommodation prior to departing for university.

How will you help me pass my exams?
Class sizes in Years 11 to 13 average between 8 to 20 students so you will get all the attention and the help you need.

For Parents

Due to the school’s small size, will my daughter have access to a wide range of academic and extra- curricular programs and facilities?
Nga Tawa works to deliver increasingly innovative programs by which to challenge and stretch student thinking and development. A wide range of academic programs, tailored extracurricular offerings and community involvement is encouraged.

How does the school address learning differences? And Behavioural Issues?
All students are assessed before entry to Nga Tawa. These results are used in conjunction with previous school information to guide student course selection and academic mentoring.

What support services- health, emotional and academic- are available to students?
There is a school nurse, guidance counsellor, and a school health services team which facilitate any further medical attention in either Marton, Wanganui or Palmerston North.

Are life skills taught to prepare my daughter for university?
In every way boarding your daughter prepares her for a successful transition to university.

Does Nga Tawa offer career guidance or advice?
At all year levels.

What equipment would I need to provide for my daughter? (Laptop, school supplies, etc)
In Years 9 - 10, school access to ICT is all that is required. However from Year 11 boarders bring their own laptop with them and have wireless access to the Internet.