Our Community

At Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College, students are valued as individuals and fully supported in their quest to achieve their goals.

We choose to be a small College so that our team of experienced tutors can work closely with our students. In order to provide the best learning environment, class groups are intentionally small to enable closer on-going contact between staff and students throughout their programme of study. The tutor/student ratio is 1:12.

What attracts students to Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College?

Our students come to the College with a wide variety of experiences. While many students are school leavers, other students have experience in the workforce.

Former students comment on what attracted them to Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College:

“It was Rangi's great reputation nationwide. I was accepted into courses all over New Zealand for the nanny certificate and because of Rangi’s reputation, small classes and warm environment, I chose to come to Christchurch and Rangi. People speak very highly of Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College.”

“It was a small tertiary institution that had a family feel (important for someone out of education for a number of years) and structured hours that enable me to work around my family.”


“ I chose to come (to Rangi) due to the College being a very highly recommended College with a great reputation. The staff are very friendly and very helpful and I felt very safe in the Rangi house.
Morning chat in the kitchen at No 58 Rossall St
Debrief over coffee at a local cafe
Students working together in the Discovery Room at No 58

During their time at the College, students form new friendships and many continue their associations beyond graduation, even as far a-field as the United Kingdom. Graduate ‘reunions’ allow students’ renewed contact with their peers.

Student learning and support

Our programmes incorporate a range of teaching and learning approaches to accommodate students’ different learning styles and needs. There is an emphasis on students’ developing independent learning skills. We aim to make the delivery of our programmes as varied as possible, through blending theory and practical ‘hands-on’ experiences. Students’ learning is regularly monitored through guidance, discussions and individual interviews.

A student comments on the factors that assisted with the development of her teaching skills…

“We get more one-on-one tuition. Our relationships with peers and tutors are more personal. We don’t get taught ‘how to teach’ but instead we learn to find our own teaching style. The teachers cater for students’ different learning styles; the smaller numbers mean these different learning styles are easier to learn. The teachers are open and approachable.”
A class exercise in communication
A tutor and student engaged in shared learning
Small group discussion


Information for international students

In New Zealand, the early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki, “supports the cultural heritage of all children, affirms and celebrates cultural differences, and aims to help children gain a positive awareness of their own and other cultures” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p.18). The Rangi Ruru programmes support the same ideology and we warmly welcome the contribution that international students make to our College.

Our international students tell us that our small, friendly, supportive family atmosphere is highly suited to their needs. Classes are small and there are numerous opportunities for collaboration and support tutoring from teaching staff, learning support specialists and fellow students.


Code
The Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Minister of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from this institution or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at http://www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/international.


Medical and travel insurance
International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand.


Eligibility for Health services
Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health and can be viewed on their website at http://www.moh.govt.nz.


Immigration
Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service and can be viewed on their website at http://www.immigration.govt.nz/.


Accident Insurance.
The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at http://www.acc.co.nz.


Accommodation
The College has a register of families offering private board. The cost of this varies from NZ$120 to NZ$180 per week. A copy of this register is available on acceptance of a place at Rangi Ruru Early Childhood College. The College will assist you to find suitable accommodation.


Apartments/flats are often available close to the College. A room-only price in a three-bedroom flat, including rent, electricity, and telephone rental is approximately NZ$100 per week. Two-bedroom flats, rent only, cost approximately NZ$180 per week.


Fees
The 2011 fee for International students is $15,000 (incl GST).