The arts are an integral part of a boy’s all-round education at Christ’s College. We have excellent facilities, and a highly talented group of staff dedicated to fostering excellence in cultural activities. This creates opportunities for boys to be involved in a wide range of artistic, dramatic and musical productions.

In music, there is a strong choral tradition with an active chapel choir that enjoys an excellent reputation. Chapel services are enhanced with a fine organ and renowned congregational singing. In addition, the whole school takes part in the annual ‘House Music Competition’, which includes instrumental and choral sections.

For performance, we combine with St Margaret’s College to form our orchestra, and also have an excellent Concert Band and Jazz Band. Musical ensembles regularly tour New Zealand and abroad.

Boys have the option of taking instrumental tuition on a wide range of orchestral instruments, including guitar, drums, saxophone and bagpipes. The Music School is equipped with a keyboard laboratory and computers. Musical composition software (Sibelius) is widely used.

The drama programme is comprehensive, and our facilities outstanding, including a modern, 214-seat theatre within the College grounds, as well as a larger auditorium.

More than half the Christ’s College population participates in drama – from plays performed by boys in each of our Dayboy and Boarding Houses, to entries in the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival, the Crashbash Stage Challenge, and the Theatresports competition at the Court Theatre, as well as major productions each year, often in association with neighbouring Christchurch girls’ schools.

Every two years, boys produce a film, and each year they can also experience radio programme making and presentation, broadcast on the local Plains FM 96.9 station. Boys who have interests in film and radio can expand their learning in academic programmes available through our Media Studies department.

Our art teachers have international reputations from their work as artists, and their practical knowledge creates an inspirational environment for students. Learning and creativity are further enhanced through a visiting Artist in Residence programme, and the availability of facilities for sculpture and large-scale art production, as well as art exhibitions.