Music

The Director of Music, Mr Aburn, arranges lessons for a wide range of instruments and voices. He acts on information given in the Music Information sheet that should be completed by new entrants and sent to the Headmaster’s Office. Qualified professional musicians take lessons on an individual basis in rotation during school hours, so they do not occur at the same time each week. Senior pupils can arrange permanent lesson times in study periods or another time by arrangement. Instruments can be hired through a number of hire options.
There are many opportunities for group music performance and boys are actively encouraged to make the best use of these music making activities whether they be Choral or Instrumental groups.
See more about Music

Debating

There are two ways of becoming involved in debating at College. Inter-house competitions are run at both senior and junior levels, with the junior competition beginning in Term 2. Teams for this competition will be organised by a senior boy in your house. Several junior inter-school teams will also be chosen. The teacher in charge of debating is Ms Evans.

Drama

Where can you form some of the strongest friendships you’ll ever know? Learn to take responsibility for yourself, and others in your team? Discover the joy of creative expression, and find ways to accept criticism? Compete against other schools, experience the highs of winning and the lessons from making mistakes?
You can learn all this and more by being involved in the performing arts: Drama, Dance, Speech-Making, Film-Making, TheatreSports, and Theatre Technology. Each offers unforgettable experiences.
In the curriculum, Year 9 boys have about 30 periods of drama during the year. You can also enrol with the specialist Speech and Drama teachers who prepare boys for NZ Speech Board and TCL grade exams.
In addition, there are a number of extra-curricular clubs and house activities which you can get involved in. Co-MOTION is the College dance company, which practises twice a week. The Junior TheatreSports Club practises for two hours on Saturday morning, while the Junior Drama Club has a two-hour session each week after school. If you are interested in backstage technical, camera work and film editing work, you can learn more by being part of The MEKTEK Club.
All provide performance opportunities and good training for involvement in the Houseplay, House video, School Speech and Debating competitions, festivals and the various productions held throughout the year.
See more about Drama

 

Young New Zealanders' Challenge (The Duke of Edinburgh's Award)

Year 10 boys may join this scheme to achieve the Bronze Award. Many Year 11 boys go on to complete the Silver Award and some senior boys complete the Gold Award. The scheme promotes physical and social development, and is open to all boys. Mr Hayes is the Master-in-charge of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

Saturday Activities

All boys are encouraged to participate in the wide range of activities that operate on Saturday mornings. Those who do not have a regular school sporting commitment on Saturday MUST elect to do one of the activities available. The activities offered may change from term to term, determined by seasonal factors and the availability of expertise. Activities on offer at the moment include art, chess, cooking, music, model making, rock climbing, role playing, TheatreSports and weight training. Mrs Gilbert is in charge of allocating boys to Saturday morning activities.

Sport

SUMMER OPTIONS	WINTER OPTIONS
Athletics	Badminton
Cricket	Basketball
Golf	Golf
Mountain Biking	Harriers
Rowing	Hockey
Rustics	Rugby
Sailing	Shooting
Swimming	Soccer
Tennis	Squash
Volleyball	Table Tennis
Water Polo

 

All Year 9 boys are expected to play a team sport where possible. It is normal to attend three practices/games per week. The usual sports days are Monday after school, Wednesday after school, Thursday after school and Saturday, but other days may be used, depending on the sport. Time in practice also varies with the sport, but most finish by 5.30 pm
Many teams practise on the College grounds in South Hagley Park, though grounds in North Hagley Park are also used.
The Athletic and Swimming Championships are held in Term 1. In both cases there is an interhouse competition as well as the individual championships.