FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below you will find a number of frequently asked questions. If the answer to your question is not listed here please contact us.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE PREP FOR MY DAUGHTER?

  • A culture of highly motivated learners

  • Dynamic needs-based learning programmes

  • Small class sizes

  • Experienced core subject teachers

  • Specialist subject teaching at Nelson College for Girls

  • Smooth transition from Intermediate to College

  • Inclusion in College House activities

  • Senior Mentors for academic support

  • Progressive digital learning environment

  • Personal growth opportunities - academic, cultural and sporting

  • No zoning – enrolment is open to all families across the region

  • Specific teaching of learning habits

WHAT CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE AT PREP?
At Prep your daughter will have the opportunity to participate in any of these activities:

  • Drama Club

  • Kapa Haka

  • Specialist teaching of technology, drama, music, languages and art

  • Access to itinerant music lessons with private arahis. Taster lessons available at Year 7

  • Prep Choir

  • NCG Junior Orchestra

  • NCG Orchestra

  • Prep Rock Band

  • Theatresports Club

  • HPAC - House Performing Arts Competition combined with the Main College

WHAT SPORTING OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE AT PREP
At Prep your daughter will have the opportunity to participate in any of these activities:

  • Summer Tournament with local Intermediate Schools

  • Winter Tournament with local Intermediate Schools

  • Intermediate Interschool events - swimming, athletics, cross country, tennis, skiing

  • Summer Sports - volleyball, cricket, softball, summer hockey, touch

  • Winter Sports - netball, basketball, rippa rugby

  • Underwater hockey

WHAT OTHER OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE AT PREP?

  • Maths and Science badges

  • Canterbury University Kiwi Competition exams - Science, Maths, English and Spelling

  • Otago Problem Solving Competition

  • Local competitions - Mathix, Kids’ Lit Quiz, IDEAS Festival, Academic Quiz

  • Speaking opportunities - Speech, and Debating competitions, Open Morning tour guides, assembly leadership, class Arahi Representative

  • Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) - Camping Skills, Skiing, local environment day trips, Museum trips

  • Incentive Awards Scheme - rewarding participation and achievement

HOW DOES PREP CHALLENGE AND EXTEND STUDENTS?

  • Personalised learning, catering for individual needs both in-class and home-learning

  • Individual participation in areas of personal interest with NCG groups

  • Leadership opportunities - Ārahi Representative, assembly presentations

  • Specialist teaching

  • Incentive Scheme

  • Maths and Science badges

WHAT PASTORAL CARE SYSTEM DOES PREP PROVIDE?
The Preparatory School provides students with a safe, nurturing, positive environment in which each student is supported in reaching their full personal and academic potential. We strive to empower students, to be confident, caring and respectful citizens.

  • Small class sizes

  • Ārahi teacher who teaches core subjects

  • Year 7 and Year 8 Buddy Support

  • Student-led Parent/Teacher Learning Conferences

  • Regular liaison between the school and parents/whānau by way of emails, newsletters, notices, student diaries

WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE PAYMENT OF FEES?

  • Prep fees for 2025 will be $10,000 per year

  • Your fees remain the same for both years of your daughter’s enrolment at Prep

  • Our payment options are as follows:
    a) one lump sum at the beginning of each year and receive a 4% discount
    b) two payments - one in January and one in June
    c) term by term instalments

WHAT IS THE ENROLMENT PROCESS?