Distance Education

Distance Education Learning Area

Students may choose to study a subject via Distance Learning.  The majority of these subjects are for level 2 and level 3 and some courses can be endorsed.  Languages are available for all levels.

Distance Learning is divided into three areas:

1. Volcanics eLearning Community  2. Te Kura Correspondence School   3. Outside Providers

This gives students opportunities to study a variety of courses that may not be offered at Thames High School.   Students get to work independently and at their own pace.

1. Outside Providers - Level 2 and Level 3.  These Distance Learning students will use an outside provider who prepares all the course material and assessments.  Subjects available include Early Childhood, Tourism, Floristry, Horticulture, Agriculture, Equine Studies and Health Science.

2. There are multiple benefits to enrolling through Volcanics eLearning Community (link) , where the courses are through other schools with a teacher.

  • Students are able to take courses that are not currently offered at their school.
  • Timetable clashes can be resolved.
  • Languages are offered through Volcanics eLearning - for all year levels.
  • A personalised approach can be used to meet students' needs.
  • Successful online learners are also very well prepared for tertiary study.

Access to a personal laptop or chrome book is recommended, as well as headphones for the web based conferencing using Zoom or Google Hangouts.

3. Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu Correspondence School  (link)- In some cases students can be enrolled in courses through the Correspondence School where the course is not available for them.  This is independent study and requires very good time management and organisation.

To apply for any of the three Distance Learning Courses you will need to apply for an exemption and state what you are interested in studying. These courses fill up quickly, so please make sure you get your request in early!

Click here to see the list of Courses available through Volcanics eLearning Community or see the details in the Useful Information tab on the left hand side.