Co-curricular

Boys at McGlashan should take up as many opportunities as possible to become involved in school life outside the classroom.

Sport

There is a wide range of sports available, including rugby, soccer, crick­et, tennis, hockey, softball, volleyball, basketball, trapshooting, yachting, skiing, badminton, golf and more. Many teachers and parents give up their own time to ensure that boys have the opportunity to learn about and take part in these sports. We aim to ensure that boys experience the success and satisfaction that comes from playing in well-organised, well- managed and well-coached teams. See also Page 19, “Sports Activities”.

Drama

We intend to present a major school production this year and, although it can be demanding and time consuming, boys usually gain consider­ably from such experiences.

Music

Many boys take up or follow musical interests while at school. Some tutoring is available at school and can be arranged through the school. We try to ensure that boys have opportunities to follow their interests and tastes. Established groups include the rock, pipe and jazz bands and the orchestra.

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

McGlashan also has a strong presence in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. It allows boys to take part in a programme of community service, adven­ture and personal development. It is always challenging and rewarding; boys grow significantly in self-respect and they develop a sense of achievement as they move through the bronze, silver and gold awards.

There are also a number of other activities on offer - ranging from pho­tography to debating to extension music classes, to mathematics and computer clubs. We welcome any new initiatives in the co-curricular field and are particularly pleased and keen to have parents involved in providing opportunities that will benefit our students.

Awards

Boys who achieve at the highest level in sports and co-curricular activi­ties may win school-wide recognition through (1) representative honours and (2) school “blues”. A blues committee ensures that winners are out­standing performers in their field and that they meet exacting criteria. Blues winners have the right to wear red braid on their blazer, and a dif­ferent ‘blues’ tie. For those who wish to take up an “extreme” challenge, the Blues Committee will consider and may approve projects which require exceptional commitment and determination. This is known as the “McGlashan Challenge”.

Inter-schools

Each year we take part in mid-week inter-school exchanges with St Andrews College, Waimate High School, Southland Boys High School (Yr 7 and 8) and Waihi (Yr 7 and 8) and, often, vis­iting Australian schools.

Trips

From time to time, McGlashan boys have the opportunity to travel on sports and band trips within New Zealand or overseas. Fundraising for these is never easy and often involves the entire school community, but the benefits are substantial. Of course many boys gain immensely from such an experience.

Ichikawa

Each year, 20 boys from Ichikawa High School in Chiba, Tokyo, visit for two weeks in late March. They are homestayed with McGlashan families and attend school every morning for English classes. In the afternoons they visit local attractions and enjoy a wide range of Dunedin experi­ences. It is a good fundraiser for the school and many long-term friend­ships are firmly established.

School-wide Activities

Each year the school holds three school-wide sports events - cross-coun­try, swimming and athletic sports. Every boy is expected to participate and parents are most welcome. Not only the high achievers, but every competitor contributes to his house’s effort in competition for the inter- house trophy, the Elvidge Cup. This is named after a distinguished old boy and All Black captain, who was Head Prefect in 1939/40.

Outdoor Education

This is a significant part of a McGlashan education. Boys at all levels have the opportunity to experience aspects of the outdoors, camping and work­ing with others in remote, challenging environments. At Year 7 the boys travel to Berwick for a three day camp and an introduction to community living. In Year 8 they undertake field studies and an historical tour of Central Otago. In Year 9 they return to Berwick for a further three days where the emphasis is on camp skills, tramping and confidence building.

During the fourth form year they set up camp at Huxley Lodge at Lake Ohau. Here, outdoor pursuits, environmental studies and lessons in a spectacular environment are key aspects of the programme - a wonder­ful introduction to the high country associated with this area.

Year 12 boys may have the opportunity (but it is not compulsory at this level) to undertake a week-long tramping expedition in the mountains. Year 13 physical education students go snow caving as an integral part of their course.

All of these activities are designed to extend boys’ horizons, to promote self-confidence and to encourage them to experience and appreciate what the natural environment has to offer.