English classes for newcomers to New Zealand are offered by a number of groups in the Riccarton area. Some require a fee, while others are free. Contact each group to find out more details.
Following is a list of those currently available:
Oak Development Trust
Weekly classes on Friday mornings, 10.00am - 12.00pm, during term time; for migrants, particularly those without permanent residency. There are classes for beginners, new learners and for those with intermediate to advanced English. Child minding is provided. A donation of $5 per lesson is requested, which includes morning tea.
Riccarton Baptist Church
80 Rattray St, Riccarton.
Contact: Chang Hun
Phone: 960 6878 / 021 1455 8062
Email:
Canterbury College
English language school (registered with NZQA, MOE and TEC).
Meeting Times: Open all year, except 2 weeks break Christmas/New Year
145 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch 8041
Contact: Mr David Pepperle, Manager
Phone: 365 1920
Email:
http://www.cancan.com/
English Language Partners
English Language Partners provide a wide variety of English lessons. Classes are free for people with a residency visa. People without a residency visa pay $50 per term.
Residents can also have a volunteer home tutor, providing a lesson of one hour per week in your own home.
There is an ESOL intensive class, for residents/citizens, that focuses on English for everyday life in New Zealand. This is 18 hours per week for 15 weeks.
English for employees is for residents/citizens who are working and who have less than 80 NZQA credits.
Classes in Riccarton:
Elementary-Lower Intermediate, Mondays, 10.00am-12.00pm
Lower Intermediate, Tuesdays, 10.00am-12.00pm
High Intermediate, Thursdays, 10.00am-12.00pm, Riccarton
Beginners, Fridays, 10.00am-12.00pm
Bi-lingual for Chinese beginners, Fridays, 10.00am-12.00pm (bilingual teacher)
To find out how to join a class, contact 377-3141, or email
Rewi Alley Academy
Rewi Alley Academy is a New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) accredited private tertiary institution.
It offers NZQA and TEC accredited English language courses to international students and immigrants to New Zealand. Examination preparation classes prepare student for the internationally-recognised General IELTS and Academic IELTS examinations.
Courses: General English; Listening and speaking in English; Exam preparation; English for migrants; Group programmes; After-school English tuition for high school students. Many of the courses are in 20-week semesters.
Phone for more information on fees and how to join a class.
32A Matipo Street, Riccarton
Phone: (03) 343 0136
Email:
St Peter's English conversation class
Meets every Friday during school term time at Petersgate, 22 Main South Road, Upper Riccarton, from 4 pm until 6 pm.
A group of tutors from St. Peter’s congregation present lessons designed to assist migrants with life in New Zealand. The class is free and all are welcome.
Phone (03) 348 5653
South West English Classes
We offer English classes at a beginner level and above – all cultures and levels are welcome! Come along for an enjoyable morning with friendly, trained ESOL teachers, to learn and practice your English skills. Classes meet during school term time. The cost is $4 per class, which includes morning tea.
Halswell English
Location: 6 Balcairn Street (South West Baptist Church)
Time: Wednesdays 9.00am -11.00am
Trained teachers, different level classes
Contact: Helen 027 338 0025
Upper Riccarton Library
The Upper Riccarton Library has started a new free weekly group for anyone wanting to practice conversational English. It’s on from 11am to 12pm, Thursdays, at 71 Main South Road.
PEETO
A registered and accredited private training establishment, PEETO is a multicultural learning centre providing ESOL training services to learners from more than 60 nationalities since 1991. (NOTE: PEETO has been bought by Wilkinsons English Language School and has now moved from Rattray St, Riccarton, to new premises at 20 Twigger Street, Addington.)
Phone: 343-2890
Email:
http://www.peeto.ac.nz/