Sports & Cultural Activities

Sport

Scots College sport openly encourages healthy competition so students can learn much more than simply ‘winning and losing’. We provide a comprehensive programme which caters for all interests and abilities, while ensuring the Scots College community is represented with pride. All Middle School students are expected to take part in sporting activities.

The College offers an extremely wide range of sporting activities and our students can discover their potential, explore their interests and develop their sportsmanship, teamwork and fair play in a competitive setting. There is a broad range of both summer and winter sporting options. These can be viewed in our sports centre

As part of the school day Years 7 & 8 spend Thursday afternoons either taking part in fixtures or participating in basic sport skills practices. During Terms 1 and 4 we have summer fixtures against other independent schools across the north island in cricket, softball and tennis. During Terms 2 and 3 we have winter fixtures in rugby, football and hockey. Each year we tour to the Hawkes’ Bay and biennially our top teams tour to play against the best independent schools in Auckland. Our coaching programmes are run by club coaches and teachers for all six sports. The focus is on improving individual performance with a strong and positive team culture. Often there will be a further training session either before or after school to best prepare our young athletes for the challenging and fun fixtures throughout the year.

Those that opt out of competitive sport will play a multitude of small skilled games, learn to swim/dive, develop basketball skills and use our cycle track amongst many other fundamental skill development activities. We cater for all levels of ability from the mighty 4th XI to the competitive 1st teams to ensure an opportunity for all to strive and improve their personal best.

Year 9 and 10 students are involved in the College Sport Wellington (CSW) competition where they compete against other secondary schools after school or on the weekends in a number of sports.

Year 7 and 8 students continue to play for their club teams on Saturday and are eligible for selection to represent the College in our traditional fixtures, currently against Hereworth, Huntley, St George’s, Wellesley and Lindisfarne in Cricket, Tennis, Softball, Rugby, Hockey, and Football. Trials will be held prior to the commencement of the fixtures. These fixtures are generally played on Thursdays during school hours. In some cases billeting is involved.

Year 7 and 8 students are selected to enter Primary Sport Wellington events (PSW). These include: Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming. Selection is based on their school placing in these events. Selected students will represent the College at the Eastern Zone competition. Should they do well at this event event then they go through to the Wellington Interzone competition to represent the Eastern Zone schools. This can also lead to Regional competitions.

Other local based competitions available for Year 7 and 8 students include Water Polo, Touch Rugby, Cycling, Underwater Hockey and Basketball.

Culture

Scots College strongly encourages our Middle School students to explore and develop skills and talents in cultural activities, including performing arts as part of their all-round education.

The Creative and Performing Arts Centre provides our students with a world-class creative facility in which to develop their individual skills, interests and imagination.

A wide range of activities is available and each student participates according to interests and abilities.

Art and Design

The ability to think creatively and laterally is a key success factor in today’s competitive environment. Whether it be design, creative technologies, photography, fine arts, graphics or media studies which interests our students, we provide courses of study that enable our students to build careers out of their artistic pursuits.

Our programmes are flexible and are designed to assist students gain an understanding and appreciation of art and creative thinking. They explore how different media influence the communication of ideas and examine the purpose of images and objects and the contexts in which they were made.

Music

Music also plays an important role in the day to day life of Scots College. It encourages independence, poise and self-esteem as well as confidence and provides opportunities for risk taking.

Students are offered a wide range of instruments as options for tuition as well as various ensemble groups (choir, chamber, orchestral and jazz) and the pipe band. These ensembles enjoy an excellent reputation nationally.

The College operates a visiting Music Tutor Scheme that includes many outstanding performers of international and national reputation.

The House Music Competition is a highlight of our annual House competition programme and, throughout the year, instrumental competitions gain parental and student support.

Our Choirs draw from all student age groups in their provision of choral support for Chapel services on weekdays and Sundays. Students can attend a variety of music concerts throughout the year.