New Prospectus is here!
Thames High School International Prospectus 2024
Please enjoy an excerpt from the 2023 Yearbook. This showcases all the amazing end-of-year activities our International students have been enjoying.
Curriculum
We offer a full range of subjects at all levels. Year 11 and Year 12 students must take six subjects, but most Year 13 students take only five, and use their free time to study. International students will be assessed when they arrive, and their placement will depend on their academic ability and level of English. However, we do our best to place students in the subjects they choose.
You can download a Curriculum Flowchart from this site or email the school to receive one. Please read it carefully and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries.
Thames High School offers the following qualifications
- National Certificate of Educational Achievement (Levels 1-3)
- National Certificate of Employment Skills
- National Certificate of Computer Studies
We can also make arrangements for students who wish to sit the TOEFL and IELTS examinations.
School Terms
The school has four terms of 10 weeks each, starting in early February and ending in late November for Seniors (Years 11-13) and December for Juniors (Years 9-10).
Term Dates 2025
| Term 1: | Start: Friday 31 January – Term 1 |
| Finish: Friday 11 April (Waitangi Day Public Holiday in this term) | |
| Term 2: | Start: Monday 28 April |
| Finish: Friday 27 June ( Kings Birthday & Matariki Public Holidays in the is term) | |
| Term 3: | Start: Monday 14 July |
| Finish: Friday 19 September | |
| Term 4: | Start: Monday 6 October |
November: International Student End of Year Activities Finish:Friday 19 December TBC |
The School Day
The school day begins at 8.45 a.m – 3.10 p.m. Thames High School operates a 25 periods per-week timetable, with five 60-minute periods per day (new in 2024) and a morning tea break and lunch break. School is open from Monday to Friday, and there are never lessons on Saturday, although most sports teams play their games then.
You can view and download the weekly timetable here.
Uniform
All students must wear the school uniform. This will cost the student about NZ$300-$500. International Students who come for a very short period might not be required to wear the uniform.
For more information see the Uniform page on the main High School website here.
Lunches
Free lunches and morning tea are provided through a new (2024) government programme called Ka ora, Ka Ako or Healthy School Lunches Programme. You can also buy from our canteen or bring food from home.
Smoking
Smoking is forbidden by all students at school. Smoking in school uniforms outside of school is also forbidden.
Town
Thames High School is situated within easy walking distance of the Thames township. Only Year 13 students may leave the school during lunch time.
Driving
International students are not permitted to own or drive motor vehicles while attending Thames High School.
