VIRTUES College Committee Reports
ACADEMIC The Academic Committee has been involved in a myriad of initiatives this year to support the learning environment at College. A key role of the committee has been providing critical student feedback on the learning environment. Every two weeks, the committee gathers to discuss topics that members have in mind, ranging from the new College Diploma to specifics about a course. For much of the academic year, the spread of Covid-19 meant learning for many boys was disrupted as they endured at least a week of home isolation. Hence, we strived to understand the challenges that boys from across the achievement spectrum faced during this period, and evaluated various methods to address the issues. In Head of Department meetings, we have continually stressed the importance of the “hybrid” teaching approach implemented at College, allowing students at home to follow along through learning logs and sometimes Google Meets. The committee also continued efforts to create a peer-to-peer tutoring programme, aided by the use of a web platform which allowed students to sign up, view available tutors and make requests for sessions. After the promotion in assembly, the platform saw over 80 tutors and tutees sign up. Later, we saw the addition of several NZQA Outstanding Scholars (including recent Old Boy Janindu Pahalawatta) who were particularly useful to senior College students who wanted help in scholarship exams. Another goal of the committee this year was to promote the interest and enjoyment of students. We did
this in two notable ways. First, the committee organised the inaugural interhouse eSports tournament in the medium of the world’s most popular game, Minecraft. The tournament was split into two competitions, one for juniors and one for seniors, and was run in a style similar to The Hunger Games . Pairs of representatives from all 10 Houses worked as a team to collect resources, fight off opposition, and ultimately outlive all others. Following a torrid onslaught of online skills, quick thinking and dexterity, Somes won the senior division and Rolleston came out on top in the junior division, with each winner awarded Steam vouchers. The exhilaration felt by the competitors was infectious, with live gameplay broadcast to the projector for the hundreds of supporters who gathered in the Assembly Hall. Special thanks go to MCs Guy Greening and Ciaran Huntley, who were pivotal in creating the atmosphere boys described as “absolutely electric”. Except for House Music and House Plays, House eSports might have been the only event this year where the House spirit of all 10 Houses was felt simultaneously. Another highly successful event this year was the Beat the Chasers event, spearheaded by committee member Nick Sharr. Teams of up to three students were pitted against a team of teachers – Nick Sutcliffe, Erin Rutherford and Andrew Levenger – in a general knowledge quiz modelled after the British quiz show, Beat the Chasers . We thank William Sudell, who had the challenging task of being MC for this event, as well as members of the committee who collated hundreds of questions.
The committee especially thanks Nicole Billante for her openness to feedback and continued support of the committee’s work. Her advice and experience have been invaluable in guiding the progress of the committee this year. I wish the Academic Prefect for 2023, Angus Gifford, the very best of luck as he brings his own ideas and vision to the committee. I am sure his diligence and modesty will bring about further improvements to academic life at College, all while being an excellent leader for the boys. Bruce Chen Head of Academic
CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP
2022 has been a great year for the Character & Leadership committee.
The committee has cemented itself as a prominent group in
College’s ecosystem. Through my time at College, I have noticed a progressive culture shift; the school is embodying the beliefs that create a good culture and allow every boy to be at his best. One of the Character & Leadership committee’s main initiatives was boys nominating boys. This is a student-led process of recognising peers who the nominator believes should be praised for how they helped or dealt with a situation. “The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching” (John Wooden, American basketball coach). Next year's Head of Character & Leadership, Tom Foster, will enable this initiative to see its full potential. The last week of Term 2 was our Character & Leadership Week,
32
Christ’s College Canterbury
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online