Medbury has a wide range of extra curricular activities. Read more in the Extra Curricular brochure here.
At Medbury School, our extracurricular programme is designed to complement academic growth and enhance each boy’s unique talents.
We believe that engaging in these activities helps build essential skills, confidence, and friendships, which is why we encourage every student to join at least one activity each term.
Our diverse options include the Chess Club for strategic thinkers, the Drama Troupe for budding performers, and Hip Hop for dance enthusiasts. The RoboProgers club offers hands-on experience with robotics and coding, while Spanish and Mandarin lessons provide early language acquisition. Other activities include Speech and Drama lessons, Kapa Haka performances, and creative pursuits in the Models Club and Gardening Club. Boys interested in engineering and problem-solving can participate in the EPro8 Challenge and Robocup competitions.
With such a broad range of extracurricular opportunities, Medbury ensures that every boy can discover new interests, develop valuable skills, and enjoy a well-rounded education beyond the classroom.
On the sports field
Sport is a vital part of life at Medbury School, where boys are encouraged to participate at a level that fosters both enjoyment and competition.
We believe that sport plays a crucial role in shaping the overall well-being of our students, aligning with the holistic values of the Medbury Graduate. Through sport, boys not only develop physical strength but also gain essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence.
Our approach to sport is guided by the concept of Hauora, a Maori philosophy that emphasizes the interconnected dimensions of well-being: Taha Tinana (physical), Taha Hinengaro (mental and emotional), Taha Whanau (family and social), and Taha Wairua (spiritual). By engaging in sports, our students build positive relationships, manage stress, and develop a positive self-image, all while learning to navigate both success and failure with grace.
Under the leadership of our Director of Sport, Medbury offers a wide range of sports, both traditional and modern, including specialist training through Sports Academies in Cricket, Hockey, Football, Rugby, and Tennis, where professional coaches provide age-specific guidance.
Additional extra-curricular options such as Basketball, Fencing, Karate, Cycling, Polo, Touch Rugby, and Water Polo allow boys to explore various interests while developing their skills. Over 90% of boys from Years 3 to 8 participate in Saturday sports, contributing to our strong sporting reputation. Medbury boys often receive regional and national recognition in various sports, and our history of inter-school exchanges with other independent schools in New Zealand and Australia provides further opportunities for growth and leadership.
As we continue to support our boys’ development, we prioritize their enjoyment and long-term love of physical activity. Our focus is on fostering an environment where learning, development, and enjoyment take precedence over the pressure to win. By encouraging a balanced approach to sport, we ensure that our boys are well-prepared to thrive in all aspects of life, both on and off the field.
Read more from the Director of Sport here.
The Arts at Medbury School
At Medbury School, the Arts play a central role in shaping well-rounded students, with a strong emphasis on Music, Visual Arts, and Drama. Our programmes inspire creativity, foster individual expression, and build confidence within a supportive environment.
Music Programme
Medbury has an outstanding reputation for its comprehensive music programme, which includes choral and instrumental training. Led by our Director of Music and a team of highly qualified tutors, the programme provides every boy with a rich musical experience. From Year 4, boys can access instrumental tuition, with younger students considered on a case-by-case basis. Our purpose-built music facilities in The Medbury Centre include soundproofed rooms, a keyboard laboratory, and a performance auditorium.
Performance is key, with boys participating in choirs, orchestras, and ensembles. Our three choirs perform at school events, festivals, and competitions. Instrumental groups, including the Medbury Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Rock Bands, and Jazz Band, provide additional opportunities for boys to showcase their talents. Instrumental tuition covers a wide range of instruments, including Bagpipes, Cello, Clarinet, Drums, Flute, French Horn, Guitar, Piano, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Violin, and Vocal training.
Read more from the Director of Music here.
Centre of Excellence for Music
Medbury’s partnership with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO) through the Centre of Excellence for Music enhances the programme, allowing boys to refine their skills under world-class musicians and participate in interactive workshops. Leadership opportunities are available through roles such as CSO Ambassadors and the NXT Gen Think Tank. Read more about our Centre of Excellence for Music here, a collaboration with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
Visual Arts
Art education at Medbury nurtures creativity and individual expression across all year levels. Boys receive regular art instruction, with boys enjoying classes in a dedicated Art Room. They explore various media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and design. Medbury students regularly exhibit their work both within the school and in wider community exhibitions and competitions. Visits to Christchurch Art Galleries and studies of New Zealand and international artists are integral to the programme.
Drama
Medbury has a strong tradition in drama, offering boys opportunities to explore creativity through play, movement, and performance. Regular dance and drama lessons, led by our Head of Drama, are integrated into the curriculum, building confidence in expression and teamwork. Class performances are a highlight, and the Year 8 Production combines music and drama in an exciting showcase. Boys can also join Theatresports teams, where they develop improvisation skills in a fun, competitive environment. Additionally, they can opt for extra speech and drama lessons, covering public speaking, storytelling, and poetry, preparing them for Trinity-Guildhall and Speech NZ exams.
Medbury’s links with amateur and professional theatres further enrich boys’ experiences in the dramatic arts.
This Arts programme is part of Medbury’s commitment to offering a holistic education, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts, and nurturing the next generation of creative thinkers and performers.
