Prize Winners Year 9 Prize for Drama Conor Ruane Year 10 Prize for Drama Alex Johnstone Seddon-Smith Prize for Newcomer in Theatre Arts Charlie Sara Year 11 Prize for Drama James Melhuish Year 12 Prize for Drama Angus Vincent Year 13 Prize for Drama Josh Durant Cup for Best Senior Actor Nick Sharr Best Theatre Director James Burt Best Theatre Production Hugo Sudell Stage Door Cup for Service to Drama Blake McCarthy
A class trip to BDL, a company known for its high-end 3D printing technology, provided further insight into advanced printing methods and real-world applications. This visit broadened the students’ understanding of industry standards and exposed them to professional- grade equipment, inspiring them in their own projects. Overall, this Industrial Design course offered Year 11 students valuable skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and prototyping, preparing them with foundational knowledge and experience for future studies in design and technology.
Boys English Conference, but also revealed in the growth in participation in our annual English & Media Studies Soirée. As our Grammar for Writing initiative entered its second year, we were also able to observe its success, both in the form of outstanding student performance in the national literacy standards, and in their writing itself, which was frequently nothing less than a thing of beauty. It is a joy to welcome a former student into the English faculty. In 2024, Chris Nye joined our team, taking up a temporary position focusing on junior English. As an Old Boy, Chris not only has been able to adapt our learning programmes with an acute awareness of what it is to be a College English scholar, but he has acted as a wonderful model of what a College student can become. His early life was characterised by geographical change. He had lived in 12 different homes by the time he was 12 years old. He recognised this as an underpinning force in his life that led to his wanting ‘a rock’, which came to him in the form of moral philosophy and his Christian faith. Chris has a great appreciation of what College is – he sees that Christ’s College does not put boys into boxes. “You can be you, and all things.” Religion is his rock and to him our College
Chapel became an extension of this. He takes the greatest joy in seeing boys developing the ability to reason. In the light of this, his own qualifications came as no surprise to us: University of Canterbury BA in Philosophy and English, minor Psychology. NZGSE Dip Tch Sec. We were delighted and grateful to share the teaching year with Chris. Our Christ’s College implementation of Grammar for Writing is embedded across all years. We can proudly guarantee that boys in English will be explicitly instructed on the grammar conventions required effectively to write 18 different text types by the end of Year 12. The upsurge in students opting for Year 13 English in their 2025 course selections is everything we have dreamed of. We’ve made English harder, more rigorous, more precise, and the boys are flocking into our classrooms. Dare we say it: “If you build it, they will come.” The department has established a comprehensive journalism strand that extends from Year 9 through to Year 13. Students passionate about journalistic culture, ethics, and skills can pursue their English & Media Studies learning through this specialised lens. A highlight of this programme is our court reporting project for Years 10–11 students. After visiting the Christchurch District Court, students write detailed reports on the cases they observe. This experience often proves transformative, as boys witness the mechanisms of civil society in action and grasp the real-world importance of the moral principles emphasised in their College education. Many students report that seeing justice administered firsthand reinforces the value of maintaining ethical standards in their own lives. The third edition of our English & Media Studies Soiree celebrated the creativity and inspiration of exponents of literary and media engagement. This year we were supported by the Parents’ Association and just as well, as the number of attendees quadrupled
Monique Ellis-Martin HoD Design & Visual Communication
Participation in Drama teaches critical life skills that students carry beyond the theatre or classroom. In rehearsals, students learn the importance of communication, both in expressing their ideas and in listening to the ideas of others. Working together on a production reinforces teamwork, problem- solving, and adaptability – skills that will serve them well in any career or life path they choose. Drama also builds resilience. Theatre work is not always easy. Learning lines, managing nerves, and coping with the demands of a performance can be challenging. Students learn to persevere, manage their time effectively, and adapt when things do not go as planned. The applause at the end of each show is a well- deserved reward for the hours of hard work and dedication. Beyond skill-building, Drama creates a sense of community and belonging. In our department, students and staff come together with a shared purpose. The friendships forged in rehearsals and backstage are often some of the strongest, and we constantly see cast and crew members cheering each other on, celebrating successes, and lifting each other up. This sense of community is invaluable, especially during these teenage years when friendships and social support are so important.
Our year in the Drama classroom has reminded us of the power of creative expression and how essential it is for young people. Through Drama, students find their voices and use them to tell stories that matter – stories that reflect their lives, their struggles, and their hopes. Drama empowers young people to share perspectives, tackle important themes, and make audiences feel and think deeply. As the curtains close on the year, we look back with pride at all we have accomplished. We have grown as individuals and as a team, and we have proven that Drama is not only an art form but a powerful tool for personal and social growth. For our students, 2024 has offered the following opportunities: • Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Regional Festival • Sheilah Winn Shakespeare National Festival in Wellington • Anything Goes – Senior Production with Rangi Ruru Girls’ School • REACTION House Plays Festival • Theatre Festival NZ (regional) • Senior Theatresports competition • Speech and Drama examinations • Puffs – Junior Production with St Margaret’s College • Junior Theatresports competition • Backstage Club • Assessment performance evenings
DRAMA This year has been an unforgettable journey for the Drama Department, filled with growth, creativity, and countless memorable moments. We embarked on a wide range of productions, from classic musical theatre to plays that are new to New Zealand. Each production was a true team effort, showcasing the dedication, passion, and talent of everyone involved – from the actors on stage to the crew members working behind the scenes. Our journey this year not only entertained our school community but also served as a reminder of why Drama is so vital for young people. Drama is so much more than performing on a stage. It is about building confidence, learning empathy, and fostering creativity. Secondary school is a time when many young people are searching for an outlet to express themselves and explore their identities. Drama provides that outlet in a supportive and collaborative environment, encouraging students to step out of their comfort zones, try new things, and discover who they are. Through each character they portray, they can experience different perspectives and cultivate a deeper understanding of others.
Hannah Clarkson Director of Drama
ENGLISH & MEDIA STUDIES Our year in English & Media Studies was characterised by an effort to engage with the wider educational community. This was manifest in convening the inaugural Teaching
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