Nau mai haere mai Welcome to Christ’s College
As one of the leading independent boys’ schools in New Zealand, we get boys. We understand what makes them tick. We enjoy their energy, their humour, their ideas and their zest for life. We celebrate boys and we teach in ways that boys learn best. College is renowned for the quality and strength of its academic, cultural, sport and co-curricular programmes, which are all designed to meet the needs of adolescent boys and prepare them for the future. Our commitment is to work with each boy, to inspire and encourage him to always aspire to reach his full potential. If I had to come up with one word to sum up the College experience, I would choose “opportunity”. There are so many opportunities to be had at College and so many ways in which a College education will enrich your son’s life.
Garth Wynne Executive Principal
We appreciate your interest and look forward to welcoming your family to our community.
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Christ’s College – Each boy at his best
A history of excellence Established in 1850, Christ’s College is an Anglican school founded on Christian principles, its history inextricably linked with the European settlement of Christchurch and the Canterbury region. College moved to its present site in 1856, putting down roots in the central city, growing and developing to build an exceptional learning environment. Today, we are proud stewards of our heritage and traditions, but we also look to the future. Being a great school is about providing the best possible education. It is about what happens both within and outside the classroom, and the sports, cultural, pastoral care, service and co-curricular activities that complement and support the academic programme. College delivers an innovative and inspirational educational experience, designed to guide our boys as they transition through adolescence and become young men, ready to set out and embrace a world of opportunities.
Our Vision Christ’s College will be a vibrant school community that educates boys to be men of virtuous character who make a positive contribution to society.
Our Mission Each boy at his best.
Ma¯ te ahurei o te rangatahi, ka arahi i o¯ ma¯ tou mahi – “Let the uniqueness of the student guide our work”. Our Motto Bene tradita, bene servanda – “Good traditions, well maintained”. Our Virtues Seven core Christian virtues – compassion, honesty, learning, justice, respect, spirituality and stewardship – underpin all aspects of College life.
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Christ’s College – Each boy at his best
As boys become men
At College, we focus on boys’ intellectual, physical, social, spiritual and emotional development. Our highly qualified and passionate teachers and support staff, small class sizes and outstanding facilities, combined with excellent pastoral care and breadth of experience through the range of activities we offer, creates a holistic learning environment that nurtures, challenges and motivates our students. As they look beyond school, we ask the boys to consider the kind of men they aspire to become. We guide them as they develop excellent interpersonal skills, courage and resilience, enterprise and curiosity, and compassion and empathy. We support them as they foster a strong sense of self-awareness, confidence and humility, and a disposition to serve. And we encourage them to embrace the capacity both to lead and to follow, to aspire to personal excellence, and build global and bicultural competence.
These are the essential character attributes we believe enable our College graduates to thrive.
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Christ’s College – Each boy at his best
Faith based education Our Chapel is the architectural reminder at the heart of our school to find the still point in the turning world. It is the place where the College community gathers to pause, reflect, sing and pray. Our Chaplain guides the spiritual life of the school, following Anglican practice, but inclusive of all denominations or religious affiliations. All boys are expected to participate in Chapel and attend services on Monday and Friday mornings, congregational singing practice (Congers) on Wednesday, at least two Sunday services each term, plus our traditional Christmas celebrations. Religious Education focuses mainly on Christianity, but also explores the world’s other great religions, including Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism, and teaches the fundamentals of philosophy and ethics. Centre for Ethics & Spirituality The Centre for Ethics & Spirituality aims to start a conversation, asking us to consider and discuss some of the big questions in life. Guest speakers present on a wide range of topics, designed to enhance our understanding of and engagement with the world.
We welcome everyone to our Centre for Ethics & Spirituality events, which are advertised on the College website and in our newsletter.
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Christ’s College – Each boy at his best
At home at College When a boy starts at College, he becomes a valued member of one of our House families. College has 10 Houses, three for boarders and seven for dayboys. For dayboys, the House becomes the base from which they operate while at school, and for boarders, it becomes their home away from home. Housemasters and other House staff get to know all the boys in their care. They provide help and advice about all aspects of College life and always have the boys’ wellbeing at heart. In addition, each boy is assigned to the particular care of an Assistant Housemaster, who will help and support him with goal planning and monitor his progress. Student leaders in each House support the Housemaster, mentor younger students, oversee House duties and foster House spirit. College runs a number of interhouse competitions and events, and all boys are encouraged to take part. Our Houses are more than just physical spaces where boys live or congregate. Each has its own special character, inspiring a strong sense of House pride and loyalty. The House soon becomes one of the most important places at school.
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Christ’s College – Each boy at his best
Boarding at College Boarders have been a vital part of our school community for more than a century and we believe our boarders add to the richness of the experience of all students at College. Joining the boarding community is a significant and exciting step in a boy’s life. For our boarders, Christ’s College becomes not just their school, but also their home. We provide a warm, secure and caring environment in which boys will grow and develop academically, socially, physically, morally, spiritually and emotionally. The boys thoroughly enjoy access to College facilities in the evening and at weekends, as well as having the opportunity for downtime and privacy. Christ’s College boarding staff enjoy their opportunities to create special relationships with the boys and their families. Parents remain a key part of their son's life, helping him flourish as he progresses through the school.
Three Boarding Houses
SCHOOL HOUSE
RICHARDS HOUSE
FLOWER’S HOUSE
Boarding Structure
The Director of Boarding oversees all aspects of boarding at College, to ensure the three boarding Houses offer a consistent level of care. Boarding Housemasters, Matrons, Assistant Housemasters and other House staff work closely together to ensure every boy feels supported and at home. Others – including the International Student Manager, College Counsellors, mentors and teachers, medical staff and the Chaplain – are all part of our pastoral care network and available as required. Senior students, led by the Head of Boarding and Heads of House, are also expected to look out for, look after and mentor their younger peers.
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Christ’s College – Each boy at his best
We look after you
At College, we take our duty of care seriously. Our pastoral care approach is designed to make sure every boy feels safe and supported, and develops a sense of belonging to the College community. College has a comprehensive counselling and support service and a strong guidance network. There is always someone to turn to in times of need. The College Counsellors offers professional, confidential counselling services for boys and their families. The principles of Positive Education are embedded across all aspects of College life, and age-appropriate programmes that focus on character development and social skills run alongside our academic and co-curricular activities.
Centre for Character & Leadership
We encourage our boys to aspire to be at their best in every aspect of school life and to carry that attitude with them after they graduate. The Centre for Character & Leadership teaches important life skills, which help our students acquire the knowledge, virtues and attributes to enable them to flourish. We want our boys to become responsible, caring and considerate citizens, who make a positive contribution to the society in which they live.
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Christ’s College – Each boy at his best
Three key ideas Biculturalism, Christianity and Positive Psychology – are at the centre of our health and wellbeing philosophy. These form the foundation of our unique and targeted programmes for our boys, staff and community.
Biculturalism In the traditional Ma¯ ori wordlview everything and everybody – the land, the people, the sky, the oceans, flora and fauna – are connected. The essential elements of the Ma¯ ori sense of wellbeing are feeling connected to place, knowing your purpose and knowing your holisitic self. Christianity Wellbeing in the Christian tradition encompasses each person living in peace in all relationships – with God, with self, with others, and with nature. Positive Psychology Positive Psychology is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves and to enhance their experiences of life, love and social connection.
Centre for Wellbeing & Positive Education
We believe the best education encompasses not only academic achievement, but also focuses on health and wellbeing. Good mental health is a prerequisite for effective learning, and the Centre for Wellbeing & Positive Education, which combines the science of positive psychology with best teaching practice, aims to promote good relationships, foster resilience and encourage positive lifestyle choices.
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Christ’s College – Each boy at his best
Multidisciplinary teaching & learning
Innovative education programmes, such as Immerse & Inspire for Year 10 students, MINDfit for students in Years 9–11, and MANifesto for students in Years 12 and 13, complement and enhance our academic programme. They are designed to support the boys as they transition through adolescence and help them develop the character strengths and skills they need to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. Round Square As a member of Round Square, College is part of a worldwide network of schools committed to an approach to education built around six IDEALS of learning – Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service. Round Square gives us a framework for excellence and continuous improvement, as well as opportunities to collaborate and share experiences with schools around the world. Our students attend regional and international Round Square conferences, and we are active participants in a number of educational research projects driven by Round Square. Such experiences are both invaluable and extraordinary, helping our students see the world in a new way and engage across cultures to promote meaningful connections and mutual tolerance and respect.
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Christ’s College – Each boy at his best
A stimulating classroom environment
Our core business is education and we are proud of our reputation for academic excellence and our students’ outstanding results. College follows the internationally recognised New Zealand Curriculum and designs and delivers high quality learning programmes that feature the latest curriculum developments and best teaching pedagogy. Small class sizes, excellent facilities and exceptional specialist subject teachers combine to create a motivational, inspirational and personalised learning journey for our boys. A College education caters for a range of abilities and we want to see every boy realise his full academic potential. There can be many different reasons why some boys have difficulty with learning and need extra help. Our Learning Centre provides a safe environment where every boy who needs support is given the opportunity to achieve at his best. In addition, College offers numerous extension and enrichment opportunities for our more capable students, as well as a comprehensive study and careers advice service for all boys. Every year, a number of our students choose to go on to tertiary study overseas.
College has high expectations of good behaviour and expects all boys to treat their teachers and fellow students with respect.
Centre for Teaching Excellence & Research
We are always looking to do better and our Centre for Teaching Excellence & Research promotes continuous improvement in teaching and learning. Through coaching and mentoring, and by focusing on best practice in education, the Centre supports and empowers our teaching staff to enhance their teaching practice and deliver inspirational and meaningful learning programmes.
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Christ’s College – Each boy at his best
All the world’s a stage At College, we nurture creative talent, imaginative flair and a love for the performing arts. With access to outstanding facilities and equipment, our young thespians and passionate musicians develop their skills guided by specialist teachers and technicians in an environment where the arts can thrive. Drama A large number of boys take part in drama each year, both onstage and behind the scenes, and through speech and drama classes. Performance and production opportunities include House plays, Theatresports, the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival and various filmmaking projects, as well as major musical and dramatic productions produced in collaboration with leading Christchurch girls’ schools.
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Christ’s College – Each boy at his best
Music
College’s dedicated Music School aims to provide all boys with an opportunity to excel in music. The school offers a rich and vibrant music programme, with numerous performance opportunities – including big band, rock and pop, chamber music, brass band and orchestra – at musical competitions and events, as well as individual tuition on a range of instruments, including voice. Choir As an Anglican school, College has a long and proud choral tradition. Boys who wish to focus on choral singing can audition for a place in our Chapel Choir and specialist choir Schola Cantorum, which focuses on a cappella and more demanding part work. The choirs have extensive repertoires of traditional choral and contemporary pieces and sing in Chapel, at other College events, and in performances both in New Zealand and overseas.
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Christ’s College – Each boy at his best
The competitive edge Sport is awesome. There are many great reasons to get involved in sport, in particular its considerable health, social and emotional benefits. Sport is a hugely important aspect of College life and an integral part of our commitment to a holistic education. All boys are expected to participate in both summer and winter sport and there are many different options on offer, from traditional team sports to more recreation-based activities. College is well known for its competitiveness in a broad range of sports, and our top teams and individuals compete and win at the highest level at national and international meets. Excellent facilities, specialist coaches and support staff, regular training sessions, and strength and conditioning programmes are all in place to help our sportsmen develop skills and excel in their chosen field. In addition, House sport competitions give everyone the opportunity to have a go at different activities and help foster House and school spirit.
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Christ’s College – Each boy at his best
So much to do There’s always something happening at College and we encourage all students to get involved in some kind of activity outside the classroom.
College offers many co-curricular committees and activities. To mention but a few, our students can:
• Discover the art of diplomacy through the Model United Nations • Tackle the challenges of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award • Focus on strategic thinking by playing chess • Learn how to develop reasoned arguments in debating • Experience the world by going on an exchange • Enjoy the thrill of skiing and exploring the great outdoors A number of these committees and activities are entirely student-driven and we always endeavour to support boys who come up with new ideas and initiatives they wish to explore.
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Christ’s College – Each boy at his best
Everyone’s welcome
Come and discover what College can offer your son.
We host a range of events and tours for prospective students and their families. Please contact our Admissions Registrar for more information
03 366 8705 registrar@christscollege.com
Christ’s College Rolleston Avenue, Private Bag 4900 Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
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