Otago Boys' High School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Otago Boys' High School |
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| Address | |
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2 Arthur Street
9016
New Zealand
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| Coordinates | 45°52′18″S 170°29′42″E / 45.871597°S 170.495051°E |
| Information | |
| Type | State secondary, day and boarding |
| Motto | Latin: Recti Cultus Pectora Roborant ("The ‘right’ learning builds a heart of oak") |
| Established | 3 August 1863 |
| Sister school | Otago Girls' High School |
| Ministry of Education Institution no. | 377 |
| Rector | Richard Hall |
| Gender | Boys |
| School roll | 875 (February 2024) |
| Houses | Aspinall McIndoe Park Saxton |
| Socio-economic decile | 9Q |
| School Song | Follow Up Otago High |
 Central block |
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Otago Boys' High School (often called OBHS) is a secondary school for boys in Dunedin, New Zealand. It is one of the oldest boys' secondary schools in the country. The school started on 3 August 1863. It was first known as Dunedin High School.
In 1885, the school moved to its current location. The main building was designed by Robert Lawson. It is known for its beautiful old-style architecture. The school sits high above central Dunedin, offering great views of the city. It is a well-known landmark.
Otago Girls' High School is the sister school to Otago Boys'. It is located on the original school site in Tennyson Street. The school also owns a lodge in Mount Aspiring National Park. Students often go on exciting field trips there.
Contents
A Look at the School's History
The school officially opened at its current site on Arthur Street in 1885. The Main Tower Block was designed by Robert Lawson. It was built using local blue stone and other strong materials. This building is considered a very important historic place in New Zealand.
The first headmaster, Thomas Campbell, was chosen to lead the school. Sadly, he and his family were lost in a boating accident in 1863. This happened just before the school was set to open. Despite this tragedy, the school opened as planned on 3 August 1863. It started with 80 students.
Two other teachers, George P. Abram and Daniel Brent, helped get the school running. Mr. Abram acted as the principal for a short time. In May 1864, Reverend F. C. Simmons arrived to become the new headmaster.
As more students joined, new buildings were needed. The Shand Building opened in 1914. It was designed by Edmund Anscombe. He also designed the headmaster's house. A special archway was built at the school entrance in 1923. It was a memorial to those who served.
Later, the Fulton Building added more classrooms in 1920. This building was later replaced by a modern gym and swimming pool complex. This big project was designed by E.J. Ted McCoy.
In 1961, the Morrell teaching block was added. It was named after a former headmaster, Mr. W.J. Morrell. A grandstand was also built for sports events. In 1967, new science labs were constructed. They were named after Sir Archibald McIndoe, a famous former student.
A major update of the school buildings happened in 1983. This included fixing up the Main Tower Block. A new theatre, the Maurice Joel Theatre, was also created. Several large new buildings were added, forming a new quadrangle. This big expansion was also designed by E.J. Ted McCoy.
The new buildings blend well with the old ones. The original tower block looks like an old castle. The newer buildings use similar materials. They also have a strong, modern design. This project won an award for its design. It shows how old and new styles can work together.
School Houses and Competitions
In 2012, Otago Boys' High School started a house system. Students are divided into four houses. These houses compete in different events throughout the year. The goal is to win the annual House Competition.
Some of the main events include:
- Athletics (track and field sports)
- Cross country running
- The haka competition (a traditional Māori dance)
- A school song competition
Smaller events also happen, like a food drive. Each house is named after a notable former student.
- Aspinall (Yellow) – Named after John Aspinall. He was a former student who donated the Aspinall lodge. This lodge is used for school camps.
- McIndoe (Red) – Named after Sir Archibald McIndoe. He was a surgeon who helped injured pilots during World War II.
- Park (Blue) – Named after Sir Keith Park. He was an officer in the Royal Air Force. He played a key role in winning the Battle of Britain.
- Saxton (White) – Named after Charlie Saxton. He was a very talented sportsman from the school.
Famous Former Students
See also
- List of schools in New Zealand
