He also sought to “celebrate and integrate the bicultural nature of New Zealand” by shaping a modern school as related to enrolment. “We now look to celebrate the bicultural essence of this country and have allowed that to grow and flourish at College,” he says. In tandem, Garth highlights the co-curricular programme as “phenomenal” – enabled by teachers still being involved, and enhanced by external expertise. “Co-curricular enables boys to find who they are, and, therefore, its breadth has to match the nature of the boy, as you do in academic subjects, so that boys can taste and test and find themselves,” he says. “It is all about change and continuity.
Schools such as College do not need revolution – they need evolution. While people like change, they also have respect for the past. So the balancing of those two is the key.” Garth believes he has managed this fine balance during his past eight-and-a-half years at Christ’s College.
challenge our aspirations for the development of the whole boy. I believe this has made College look up and look out. Given College’s geographical circumstance, it always needs to be part of something bigger than ourselves. In the sense of character and experiential education, I think the international perspective of Round Square and its focus on leadership and service have really driven constructive and positive outcomes for our boys.” Equally, Garth has been proactive in “ensuring that the school reflects the community of which we are a part”, removing the entrance exam, “which was as much a deterrent as it was an attraction” and making the school more open and accessible.
“The idea of change and continuity is so important. If you are talking about co-
curricular, just that aspiration for excellence in a wide and sweeping programme gives boys various opportunities to explore who they may become outside the traditional classroom.” He is equally proud of Wellbeing Education at College, appreciating the contributions of the many
COLLEGE 2024
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