Arts & Cultural Activities
At Scots College, our goal is to develop all-round character in our students, and as part of this, we offer a rich arts and cultural programme that includes music, drama, and various other cultural opportunities.
Our Creative and Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) is a state-of-the-art creative teaching, rehearsal, and performance facility. It houses a fully equipped theatre, computer pods for animation, art spaces, a recording studio and several acoustically designed music practice rooms, a designated rehearsal studio, and facilities for film and animation production.
The arts and cultural experiences that we provide our students with not only develop artistic proficiency, but also foster skills such as self-confidence, communication, teamwork, and resilience.
Whether it is participating in a school choir or band, debating joining in a drama production, or learning an instrument, all our students have opportunities to develop a range of skills, perform on stage, and collaborate with fellow artists.
Please scroll down to read more about the full range of arts and cultural activities available at Scots College.
Open Arts and Cultural Registrations
Current students should use the button below to register for their Arts and Cultural activities. This will show all the activities which are currently open for registrations. Here you will also find details about our Arts and Cultural Achievements awards.
Itinerant Music Lessons
Scots College offers a variety of itinerant music lessons. To learn more about what we offer or to book lessons, click here.
Bands & Ensembles
We encourage all musicians to be an active member of at least one music group. It teaches musical discipline and encourages friendships alongside preparing for many high-profile events.
Contact Ivan Patterson if you are unclear which group is appropriate for you or if you want to organise rehearsals for your own group.
Kotahitanga Choirs
The Kotahitanga Choirs happen in two parts. On Wednesday is the KTV (Kotahitanga Treble Choir), who focus on singing in parts for treble voices. On Friday is KC (Kotahitanga Choir), who welcome all voices and sing higher energy songs. You may sing in one, or both.
Kotahitanga Treble Choir
This is for those who want to sing in two or more parts and extend themselves as a vocalist. The Kotahitanga Choir participate in a wide range of concerts and events including Scots Got Talent, Scots Spectacular, Kids Sing, and Firecrackers. This is a full year commitment and there will be some voice placement exercises in the first two rehearsals to ensure you are in the correct group.
Key Information:
Years 6, 7, and 8
Wednesdays 8am–8:40am
Manager: Michelle McCorkindale
Kotahitanga Choir
This is an energetic all-comers group that combines fine singing with movement. The Kotahitanga Choir participate in a wide range of concerts and events including Scots Got Talent, Scots Spectacular, Kids Sing, and Firecrackers. This is a full year commitment.
Key Information:
Years 7–8
Fridays 8am–8:40am
Manager: Michelle McCorkindale
Kairangi Chorale
The Kairangi Chorale is an auditioned Chamber choir for ambitious and committed singers wanting to develop higher level vocal skills in an environment where they tackle challenging music and performance situations. It is a full year commitment.
Key Information:
Open to ambitious and committed students – Years 11–13
Mondays 3:40pm–5pm
Strathmore Singers
In this energetic and fun choir, we tackle a wide range of music that is designed to develop voices to their potential in an enjoyable and supportive environment. It is a full-year commitment that gives many performance opportunities.
Key Information
Years 9–13
Tuesdays/Thursdays 8am–8:40am
Director: Joanna Calvert – calvertj@scotscollege.school.nz
Jazz Band
A very busy and high-energy group that tackles a wide range of music from funk to jazz. The highlight of most years is attending the National Youth Jazz Competition in Tauranga, as well as performing in a range of local concerts.
Key Information
Years 9–13
Tuesdays 3:40pm–5pm
Director: Jake Baxendale
Manager: Ivan Patterson – pattersoni@scotscollege.school.nz
Scots College Orchestra
For accomplished instrumentalists with at least three years of playing experience. The Scots Orchestra is the music ensemble for confident instrumentalists who want to develop their skills through playing a wide range of music from film themes to classical. They regularly perform at major events including the biennial Artsplash in the Michael Fowler Centre.
Key Information
Open to instrumentalists in Years 7–13 with at least three years of playing experience.
Wednesdays 3:40pm–4:50pm
Director: Ivan Patterson – pattersoni@scotscollege.school.nz
Scots Rock
The Scots Rock programme is an opportunity for rock students to learn the process of performing and creating songs in a band setting.
Key Information
Years 7–13
Fridays 3:40pm–5pm
Coordinator: Marius Nel – nelmm@scotscollege.school.nz
Twisted Notes
Twisted Notes is for instrumentalists to join after initial lessons to gain experience playing in a group. This ensemble for developing players aims to twist together the music of an orchestra and jazz band for an enjoyable mixture of styles.
Twisted Notes perform at school events throughout the year and take part in the Wellington Orchestra Festival in Term 4.
Key Information
For instrumentalists to join after initial lessons to give experience of playing in a group. Mainly for musicians from Years 7–10.
Mondays Week B/Tuesdays Week A – 1:15pm–2:30pm
Director: Carolyn Hawkes – carolyn.hawkes@scotscollege.school.nz
Chess
Chess Club
Students develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills while learning and laying chess in a friendly, supportive environment. The chess club competes throughout the year, within the College at lunchtimes, at the Wellington Regional Championships, and at the NZSS Championships.
Key Information
Years 7–13
Teacher in Charge: David Carr – david.carr@scotscollege.school.nz
Debating
Years 7–8
At the Year 7–8 level, debating is an impromptu/limited preparation club with an emphasis on fun and gaining experience and confidence.
Key Information
Terms 1–3
All teams compete fortnightly at lunchtime
Teacher in Charge: Victoria Papadopoulos – papadopoulosv@scotscollege.school.nz
Years 9–13
All teams compete in the WSU (Wellington Speaking Union) regular competition Terms 1–3. Premier and some Senior Cert teams also compete at Regionals in Term 1. There are other competitions throughout the year that individual teams can enter.
Prem A compete against Lindisfarne College in the annual winter fixture in Term 2, and against the Scots Collegians in Term 3. In 2025, our Prem A team won the prestigious Wellington Speaking Union Premier A Grade Henning Cup.
Premier and Senior Certificate teams are strictly limited in number, so in the event that more students sign up than there are places, there will need to be trials.
Junior Certificate is an open grade with no limits, and no need for experience. Anyone can sign up, as long as they can commit to the Wednesday debate and practice time. Juniors, please make sure you have no clashes with Wednesday sport before signing up.
Key Information
Terms 1–3
Prem A/B & Junior Prem: Tuesdays
Senior Cert: Thursdays
Junior Cert: Wednesdays
Teacher in Charge: Victoria Papadopoulos – papadopoulosv@scotscollege.school.nz
Drama
We offer a wide range of co-curricular opportunities for students passionate about drama, film, and storytelling. All students – regardless of experience – are encouraged to join an activity to build confidence, connect with like-minded peers, and nurture a love for the dramatic arts. For any drama-related queries, contact Paula Eastman, Head of Drama.
48Hours Film Festival
The Vista Foundation 48Hours is NZ's largest guerrilla filmmaking competition! There is nothing quite like it.
Over 500 teams of filmmakers have just 48 hours to write, shoot, and cut a film with a given genre and some random elements. Filmmakers compete for awards and the title of Grand National Champion, culminating in a grand finals event.
You can enter individually or as a team.
Check out more here.
Years 11–13
Dates: Exact dates are TBC. Scheduled over one weekend in Term 3 (August), with support from the teacher and tech team.
Teacher in Charge: Rachel More – rachel.more@scotscollege.school.nz
4.8 Film – Middle School Film Competition
4.8 Film is a condensed filmmaking challenge designed for students in Years 7–10. Teams create a short film within a 4.8-hour timeframe, offering a fun, fast-paced, creative experience.
Years 7–10
Date: Exact dates are TBC. This will take place over the same weekend as the 48Hours film festival, with support from the teacher and the tech team.
Teacher in Charge: Rachel More – rachel.more@scotscollege.school.nz
DanceNZ Made
A full-day event featuring workshops and performances, designed to foster collaboration, skill development, and inspiration among participating students. DanceNZ Made is a nationwide celebration of dance that showcases creativity and passion. Students have the opportunity to perform in a supportive, competitive environment, connect with the wider dance community, and gain valuable stage experience.
Years 7–11
Director: Paula Eastman – eastmanp@scotscollege.school.nz
Supporting Staff: Jess Paton – jess.paton@scotscollege.school.nz
Event: DanceNZ Made, Wellington Regional Competition
Dates: 19–20 August 2026
Rehearsal Plan: Frequency: Weekly, Fridays after school; Duration: 2 hours per session; Timeline: Terms 1–3.
Term 1 will focus on developing a self-choreographed piece and preparing for the SGT entry. Term 2 will focus on forming teams for the DanceNZ Made competition.
Entry by audition.
Middle and Senior School Cabaret
Each year, students come together to present a major stage production. This year’s show, Off Broadway, features a vibrant selection of songs performed in an intimate cabaret style, showcasing talent, creativity, and collaboration.
Years 7–13
Production Dates: 11–15 May 2026
Teacher in Charge: Paula Eastman – eastmanp@scotscollege.school.nz
Scots Crew
This hands-on group is perfect for students who love the behind-the-scenes world of theatre and events. The teaching team delivers block courses in lighting, sound, and backstage management, giving students practical skills. Once trained, students put their knowledge into action at real College events – such as the major production, music performances, assemblies, and prizegivings.
Whether you are passionate about tech or just keen to learn what happens behind the curtain, this is your chance to be part of the magic. No experience needed – just enthusiasm and a willingness to get hands-on!
Years 9–13
Most Mondays 3:40pm–5pm and at some events throughout the year.
Teaching Team:
Rachel More – rachel.more@scotscollege.school.nz
Luis Rodriguez
Matt Jarry
Shakespeare Globe Centre NZ Festival
Shakespeare Globe Centre NZ Festival is an annual event that involves more than half the secondary schools in the country. During the Regional Festival, students engage with Shakespeare's plays by performing 5-minute and 15-minute excerpts from them with schools in their area. Schools from each region are then selected to go on to participate in the National Festival.
The Festival scope is wide as students act, direct, serve as crew, compose music, write essays, and create costumes, posters, static images, and DVD covers for their performances.
To learn more about the competition, click here.
Term 1
Years 7–13
Director: Kath Barr – kath.barr@scotscollege.school.nz
Showquest Performance
Showquest is a nationwide performing arts competition where students create and perform original stage pieces combining dance, drama, music, and design. It is a chance to showcase creativity, teamwork, and storytelling in a vibrant, student-led event.
In 2025, Scots College placed first in the Wellington regional competition and second in the national competition.
Click here to learn more.
Terms 1–2
Years 7–8 (Junior) and Years 9–13 (Senior)
Show: Junior 24 June 2026, Senior 25 June 2026
Teachers in Charge:
Jess Paton (Junior) – jess.paton@scotscollege.school.nz
Paula Eastman (Senior) – eastmanp@scotscollege.school.nz
Showquest Toi Wearable Art
Showquest Toi is run in collaboration with World of Wearable Art (WOW) and is an opportunity for the next generation of textile artists and designers to get a taste for the WOW experience. Toi is Te Reo Māori for art, and our Toi programme challenges students to take art off the wall and put it on the human form. Students design and create original pieces that combine fashion, art, and innovation, exploring creative expression through materials and construction techniques.
Click here to learn more about Showquest Toi.
Terms 1–2
Years 7–13
Show: 24 June 2026 at St James Theatre, Wellington
Teacher in Charge: Katherine Bertram – katherine.bertram@scotscollege.school.nz
Speech & Drama
Robyn Radomski
Kia ora. My name is Robyn Radomski and I have been teaching Speech and Drama and Public Speaking for many years, and at Scots College for 4 years.
I believe that communication, in all its forms, is the most basic and essential life skill. A confident speaker can share their ideas, dreams, values, and goals, as well as instruct and impart their knowledge in all stages of life. Speech and Drama and Public Speaking classes give students the ability to express themselves with clarity, confidence, and courtesy, building resilience and self esteem.
My teaching mission is to assist students of all ages to be the best they can be in their clarity of articulation and speaking confidence. Lessons are tailored to meet the individual needs, interests, and goals of the students.
At Scots, classes are offered for individuals, pairs, and small groups for students from Year 4 to Year 13 through to diploma.
Skills covered are vocal development, drama, reading aloud, poetry speaking, extempore talks, impromptu speaking, public speaking, and improvisation.
Most students take up the option of sitting exams with either Speech NZ or Trinity College.
For more information and to register for 2026, please contact me on robyn@speakwell.co.nz or 027 2018766
Maggie Baker
Tēnā koutou katoa.
My name is Maggie Baker and I am teaching senior students privately at Scots College this year in Public Speaking. I teach from Initial grades through to Diplomas offering from two syllabi:
Trinity College of London (International examination body)
The Speech and Drama syllabus is aimed at students who are interested in building knowledge in all aspects of Drama. This includes elements of characterisation, poetry, talks, and impromptu exercises. Students build on general communicative skills while increasing their imagination and confidence in a supportive environment. Exams can be individual, pair, or group. Some of the Disciplines include Performance Arts, Musical Theatre, Public Speaking, and more.
Speech NZ
Syllabi are written and revised by New Zealanders. The content and tasks are relevant and specific to New Zealand candidates. The vision of Speech NZ is to develop confident, articulate New Zealand voices through relevant, future focused strategies that empower and strengthen individuals and their communities. Syllabi include: Oral Communication, Speech and Drama, Theatre in Action, Flexi Speaking and Performing, Communication in Leadership, and more.
To enrol and for more information, please contact me via email: maggie.education@gmail.com or mobile: 0212576198.
“These exams give you a whole foundation of confidence, progression and a sense of achievement, and the external celebration of that achievement which is really important.” (Xenia Horne, Trinity Examiner)
Kāhui Raukura
Kāhui Raukura
Kāhui Raukura is directly translated as "Young leaders of tomorrow," like Kahikatea trees needing the support of other trees around them to grow strong and straight in the native forests of Aotearoa, New Zealand. The dual meaning of Kāhui Raukura acknowledges the three Raukura feathers of Te Atiawa tribe, which are worn by Rangatira. We liken the significance of Kāhui Raukura to that of the students as they enter the College and transcend the heights of education.
As Kāhui Raukura, we provide Te Reo Māori me tikanga at Scots College (Kōtarani). This matauranga is learnt and shared in Māori classes each week. Kāhui Raukura are also students who are Māori, Tangata Moana, and Tauiwi at Scots College who are invited to perform Kapa Haka performances on a regular basis. This maybe for Pōwhirtanga, general entertainment, or EOTC Māori cultural experiences, e.g., Te Rā Haka and Poroporoake (supporting goodbyes with Kapa Haka content). Kāhui Raukura are also connected with Alo Fa’atasi, where we all support Māori and Pasifika endeavours through our Scots Hāpori (communities).
Kotahi te kohao o te ngira e kuhuna ai te miro ma, te miro pango, te miro whero – Through the eye of the needle pass the white thread, the black thread, and the red thread.
Hui a Marama: Monthly Māori Whānau Hui in N2 (varying times communicated and dependent on term Kaupapa).
Hui Ako Aronui: Academic Focus Group. Wednesdays 4–6pm in Te Ruma G16.
Wānanga Rangatahi: Weekly Tutor Hui for Years 7–13. At 2pm on Thursdays and held in Te Ruma Tauihu, N1.
Membership: Inclusive and open to all students in Years 1–13 at Scots College who are wanting to participate in Kaupapa Māori initiatives.
Great Scots: Hemi Pōtatau (1920–1922) and Kingi Smiler (1966–1970).
Pasifika Alo Fa’atasi (PAF)
Pasifika Alo Fa'atasi (PAF)
Alo Fa’atasi emphasises creating a learning environment where students celebrate Pacific languages and cultural practices. The group provides opportunities for students to express themselves through arts and performance.
Inclusive and open to all Scots College students Years 1–13. Alo Fa’atasi is an official club with a signed constitution, enabling future funding opportunities.
In Terms 1–3, the group dedicates their time to practicing for the Wellington Secondary Schools Tu Tagata Polynesian Festival. This is held each year at the TSB Arena. All Wellington Central Secondary Schools are involved in this event, and Scots College is excited to be able to participate each year. Senior students may earn NCEA and UE credits for participation.
Key Information
Years 1–13
PAF is a full-year commitment.
Practices are Sundays 4pm–6pm and Mondays 4pm–6pm
Director: Bessie Fepulea'i – bessie.fepuleai@scotscollege.school.nz
Talanoa Parents Sessions/Monthly Fono (meetings): Monthly fono on the first Monday of every month from 6pm–7:30pm, including Home-School Partnership sessions to support student learning.
Language Weeks: Each year, we concentrate on celebrating two Languages during National Language weeks in Term 2 and 3.
Literacy and Numeracy Programme: Tracking all Year 7 to Year 10 Pasifika Students with supporting Literacy and Numeracy throughout the year.
Pipe Band
Pipe Band
The Scots College Pipe Band has a history almost as long as Scots College itself. It was founded in 1925 under the direction of the then Headmaster, Mr J.H. Murdoch.
The band is a very active and integral part of the College. As well as functioning as a public relations feature of the College, it also provides students with an opportunity to learn a musical instrument, take part in a disciplined musical ensemble, and provides a much appreciated community service.
The band plays regularly at College and Community functions, as well as State and Civic parades. Members also compete as a band and as individuals, at the local and National level. More information about the history of our Pipe Band can be found here.
Key Information
Open to Years 7–13. Being a member of the Scots College Pipe Band is a major commitment year-round, for students and their parents, but most can cope with band membership and a sport and still maintain a good academic programme.
Students can choose to learn the bag pipes or drums. There are three types of drums: Snare, Tenor, and Bass drums. Students receive lessons during school time (usually Wednesday) with one of our tutors. Once students are ready for the band, they start attending band practices after school on a Wednesday.
Manager: Hazel Redpath – redpathh@scotscollege.school.nz
Honours Recognition
At Scots College, we take pride in our students' achievements, both in and out of school, and their accomplishments are acknowledged throughout the school year with a range of Awards and Colours. Our Honours Recognition celebrates those students who have achieved excellence in a competition or involvement beyond the College at a national level for secondary school competitions or above. Students with Honours Recognition are presented with an Honours Tie, certificate, and a framed photo on our Achievers Wall.
If you are a current student or parent of a current student who has achieved excellence in arts & culture at a national or regional level, please click the button to let us know.