The Languages Department offers French and Japanese at all levels from Years 9 to 13.  Te Reo Maori, New Zealand's second official language, is taught from Years 9 to 11 at this stage.

We believe that all students should study a language for these reasons:

• Learning a language benefits all students intellectually, socially and culturally.
• Learning a new language gives students a better understanding of their first language.
• Learning a new language gives students the skills to learn further languages they will increasingly need.
• Exploring language helps students to gain skills and confidence and encourages them to take learning risks.
• Learning a new language enables students to take their place in a multi-cultural community and a multi-lingual world.

Career Pathways

The programmes offered at Howick College all lead into courses at tertiary level. Young people who combine the study of a foreign language or Maori with business, law, commerce, science, engineering, technology, tourism or politics may find increased career opportunities. Many tertiary institutions now offer combination degree or diploma courses which include a language component.

French

Te Reo Maori

Japanese

Languages flowchart

Teaching Staff