Christ's College, Christchurch facts for kids

Christ's College, Canterbury is an independent Anglican secondary school for boys. It is located right in the city centre of Christchurch, New Zealand. Boys can attend as day students or live at the school as boarders.

The school was started in 1850 by Reverend Henry Jacobs in Lyttelton. It was first set up for early settlers. This makes Christ's College the oldest independent school in New Zealand. Today, about 698 students from Year 9 to Year 13 go to the college.

Christ's College is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC). This group includes leaders from top independent schools in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Christ's College is one of only three schools in New Zealand that are part of HMC. It is also a member of Round Square. This is a global network of 230 schools in 50 countries. Christ's College is one of three Round Square schools in New Zealand.

History of Christ's College

Pupils of the Lower School with Schoolmaster Mr Wiggins, around 1903

Christ's College dining hall (1968)

Christ's College was founded in 1850. It was first called Christ's College Grammar School. The school was designed like famous English public schools, such as Eton College. It was probably named Christ's College by James FitzGerald. He was Canterbury's first leader. He named it after his old college in Cambridge, England.

When it first opened, the school used two rooms in the immigration barracks in Lyttelton. The main focus was on a classical education. This included subjects like Greek, Latin, and Modern languages. Students also learned Mathematics, English, History, and Geography. They were also expected to do science experiments, draw, and sing.

The school moved from Lyttelton in 1852. It went over the hill to the St Michael's church house in Oxford Terrace. There were 16 students at this new location. Henry Jacobs, the first headmaster, made sure both boarders and day students could attend.

Christ's College moved to its current location in 1856. At that time, it had 35 students and three teachers. This new spot, next to the Government Domain (now Hagley Park), gave the college space to grow. The school slowly added more buildings. The first buildings were made of wood. They provided homes for teachers and their families, and for more boarders.

By 1863, Big School was built. This was the first stone building. It was on the west side of the quadrangle. All classes were taught there. Today, it is the school's library. It is the oldest educational building still used in New Zealand. The Chapel was built next in 1867.

The school grew around this central quadrangle. Today, the 'quad' is a very special place. Students are not allowed to walk on it. Only staff members and special visitors can. The school's motto is Bene Tradita, Bene Servanda. This is Latin and means "good traditions, well maintained".

The Christ's College Quad and Dining Hall

School Campus

The original plan for central Christchurch in 1850 showed Christ's College and ChristChurch Cathedral being built next to each other in Cathedral Square. This was like Christ Church, Oxford in England. However, the area set aside for the college in Cathedral Square was too small.

In 1853, a group of people, including Henry Sewell and Henry Jacobs, visited a site meant for the Government Domain. This is now the botanical gardens. They agreed on this new site for the college. Years later, this land deal was made official. The college was given a much larger piece of land, about 10 acres.

The Christ's College grounds have many buildings from the 1800s and early 1900s. There are also newer buildings like the Old Boys Theatre. Most buildings are in the neogothic style. This was popular for important buildings in Christchurch, like the cathedral. 'Big School', built in 1863, was the first classroom building at the Christchurch site. It is one of the oldest school buildings still standing in New Zealand.

Quad and buildings

College House (University of Canterbury)

College House started as part of Christ's College in 1850. Christ's College helped to set up the University of Canterbury in the early 1870s. The part of Christ's College that taught older students became a living hall for the university. It was soon called College House. The university and secondary school parts separated in 1957. College House then became its own independent place.

Life at Christ's College

Christ's College Entrance, Administration block to the left, Old Boys' Theatre to the right and School House in the centre background

Chapel

The chapel.

The chapel is a very important part of school life. Students have compulsory religious education until Year 11. Every Wednesday, the whole school practices singing hymns and prayers for chapel. Boys must also attend chapel on Monday and Friday mornings. They usually go on some Sundays too, even if it means missing their own church service. The school chapel service is a priority. Students must attend two services each term. Families are welcome to join Sunday chapel.

Music is a big part of school life. The Christ's College Chapel Choir has about eighty boys. They sing at chapel services and other events. The choir also takes part in singing competitions. In 2007, they won second place at an international festival in Vienna.

What Students Learn

The school offers students NCEA Levels 2 and 3. These are national qualifications in New Zealand. They also offer scholarship examinations through NZQA. Since 2022, the school has stopped NCEA Level 1. Instead, they have a 'College Diploma'. This is a two-year course for Year 10 and 11 students.

Many subjects are offered at the school. These include standard subjects like English and Mathematics. Other subjects are French, drama, classical studies, physical education, art history, and various sciences. Mathematics is compulsory until Year 11. In Years 9, 10, and 11, students learn many different subjects. This helps them find out what they enjoy before choosing subjects for NCEA Level 2 in Year 12.

Extra Activities

Christ's College also strongly encourages extra-curricular activities. Throughout the year, students can join many groups. These include speech and drama, kapa haka (Māori performing arts), music, debating, and Model United Nations.

Performing arts are a big part of college life. All boys are expected to take part in at least one activity. There is a Junior and Senior play each year. These are often done with Rangi Ruru Girls' School or St Margaret's College. There is also an annual House Singing competition. The REACTION House Play festival is another event. Here, each house performs a play for a trophy. Students are encouraged to try new things, especially in these inter-house arts competitions.

Christ's College rugby team, 1940

Sports

Sport is compulsory for all boys. There is a wide choice of sports. Boys choose a summer and a winter sport each year. Besides school sports, there are ongoing inter-house sports competitions. All students are expected to take part or support their house. Extra sports activities are also available. For example, the school ski club takes students to ski fields on winter weekends.

The school has great sports facilities. These include Upper, the main playing field. There is also an all-weather facility, a 5-lane indoor heated swimming pool, a gym, and a weights room. Off-site, there is the Christ's College cricket ground. This also has football and rugby fields in South Hagley Park. The Christ's College rowing club is at Kerr's Reach on the Avon River. It has a boat house with top rowing equipment.

It is said that a form of rugby was played at the school as early as 1853. Each year, the rugby team plays against Wanganui Collegiate School, Wellington College, and Nelson College. This is part of a tournament called the "Quadrangular". Christ's College also has a long-standing rivalry with Christchurch Boys' High School. Their annual rugby match is always very competitive.

The Christ's College sports field (called Upper) at sunset

House System

Christ's College has ten Houses. This is a tradition from English public schools. These houses look after around 700 students. There are three boarding houses where boys live. The day students are divided into seven other houses. Each house has a housemaster who looks after the boys.

In the early days, Houses were for boarders. Their names changed as teachers came and went. The name Jacobs has stayed. Others were replaced by School, Richards, and Flower's. The first two day-boy Houses started in 1909. They were called 'North Town' and 'South Town'. Students were put into them based on whether their homes were north or south of Gloucester Street. In 1924, these Houses were named Harper and Julius. Condell's, Corfe, Rolleston, and Somes were added later.

Students in the Houses are encouraged to build house spirit. They compete in sports and cultural competitions. Cricket and football games started as soon as there were enough boarders to play against each other. Music and drama competitions have also been added over time.

Day Houses

• Condell's
• Corfe
• Harper
• Julius
• Rolleston
• Somes
• Jacobs (became a day house at the end of 2016)

Day houses give students a place to study and relax. They have a Common Room, showers, changing rooms, and areas to store books and sports gear. Boys meet here at the start of each day for House Assembly. They get notices and reminders from their Housemaster.

Boarding Houses

Flower's House

• Flower's
• Richards
• School

In the boarding houses, there are more facilities and support. An assistant housemaster, a matron, and two live-in tutors help the Housemaster. These tutors are also university students. Most school facilities are open to boarding boys outside school hours. This includes the library, computer room, gym, pool, music and art rooms, and the workshop. Evening activities during the week include set times for homework. But fun activities are also encouraged.

The Christ's College Boarding Programme keeps boarders busy on weekends. There are activities for each age group. These give boarders chances they might not get as day students.

School Uniform

Boys wearing the college's uniform.

The black and white striped blazers and ties worn by Christ's College boys are very well known in Christchurch. There are two types of uniform: Sports Uniform and Dress Uniform. Boys call the Dress Uniform "stripes" or "suits". During the winter terms, the dress uniform is worn on Mondays and Fridays. The sports uniform is worn on Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The dress uniform is needed for chapel services and other formal events.

A high standard of dress is always expected. Boys are disciplined for wearing the uniform incorrectly. Boys must always wear their blazers when in town, even with the summer uniform.

Each house has a different uniform for inter-house sports events. This includes a rugby jersey or singlet in the house colour. They also wear black or white shorts, depending on the house. Each sport also has its own uniform for games. A black tracksuit with the College crest is needed for travel to and from games. It is also worn for field trips where the normal uniform is not suitable.

How the School is Run

The Christ's College governing body includes a chairman, a Warden, and Fellows. The Bishop of Christchurch is automatically the Warden.

Current Leaders

• Warden: Bishop of Canterbury, Peter Carrell
• Executive Principal: Garth Wynne

Famous Former Students

Old Boys' Theatre, and Jacobs House

Former students of Christ's College are called Old Boys. They can join the school's alumni association, the Christ's College Old Boys' Association (CCOBA). Here are some notable Christ's College Old Boys:

Academia (University and Research)

• John McMillan (1951–2007), an economist and former professor at Stanford University.
• Murray C. Wells (born 1936), a retired professor at the University of Sydney.
• Robin Williams (1919–2013), a mathematician and university leader.

Business

William Pember Reeves

• Bill Hamilton (1899–1978), who invented the jet boat.
• Tim Wallis (born 1938), a pioneer in the deer industry and creator of Warbirds over Wanaka.
• Miles Warren (1929–2022), a famous architect.

Entertainment, Media and the Arts

• Denis Glover (1912–1980), a poet.
• Mark Hadlow (born 1957), an actor.
• Sam Neill (born 1947), a well-known actor.
• Teddy Tahu Rhodes (born 1966), a singer.

Military

Captain Charles Upham, VC and Bar

• Colin Falkland Gray, New Zealand’s top RAF flying ace in World War 2.
• Charles Upham (1908–1994), a war hero who won the Victoria Cross twice.

Public Service (Government and Community)

• Michael Cullen (1945–2021), a former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance.
• Sam Johnson (born 1989), who organized the Student Volunteer Army.
• Derek Quigley (born 1932), a former politician and co-founder of the ACT party.
• Andrew Tipping (born 1942), a Justice of the Supreme Court of New Zealand.

Religion

• Peter Carrell (born 1959), the current Anglican bishop of Christchurch.

Science and Medicine

• Edward Sayers (1902–1985), a doctor and former Dean of the University of Otago medical school.

Sport

• Robbie Deans (born 1959), a former All Black and rugby coach.
• Peter Fulton (born 1979), a New Zealand cricketer.
• Joe Moody (born 1988), a current All Black rugby player.
• Damian McKenzie (born 1995), an All Blacks rugby player.
• John Wright (born 1954), a former New Zealand cricket captain and coach.

See also

• Lists of schools in New Zealand
• List of boarding schools