Performing arts
Every student participates in our annual House Music contest, where each House creates a large-scale production based on a specific theme. This event features singing, dancing, and live instruments, making it one of the highlights of our musical calendar.
We have several junior and senior rock bands, and we encourage any student interested in participating to join one or more of them. Our rock bands perform at both school and external events, and they have the opportunity to enter the Smokefree Rockquest competition.
We have a team of highly qualified, friendly and approachable music tutors who specialise in teaching various instruments, including trumpet, saxophone, voice, clarinet, piano, strings, drums, guitar, and bass. Our tutors prepare students for performance in our term concerts as well as for examinations with NZMEB, Trinity, and the Associated Board.
We take great pride in our Choir, which performs anthems during our weekly Chapel services and at special events, including Collegiate Weekends and our Christmas Carol Service. The choir has also participated in the Big Sing and has been honoured to lead Evensong at Wellington Cathedral.
We welcome all students to join the Choir, regardless of prior experience. Participants will have the opportunity to develop their skills while being part of this enriching musical community.
In addition to the Choir, we offer several other singing ensembles. Our female vocal group, ‘Appassionata’ and our Boys Vocal Group showcase diverse talents. Additionally, we have a mixed Performance Choir which has participated in the prestigious World Choir Games. For special occasions, we often combine all our groups to create a unique musical experience.
Each year, we organise several chamber groups to participate in the NZ Schools Chamber Music Contest. The district round of the competition takes place at Whanganui Collegiate School, where our groups compete against other local schools. The winners advance to the regional final in Wellington.
C.N. Maclean, a former Housemaster, generously bequeathed funds to establish cash prizes and a scholarship for the winners of our annual music contest for solo performers.
Whanganui Collegiate School offers a dynamic Drama curriculum, starting with a Year 9 taster course and continuing through IGCSE in Years 10 and 11, and NCEA Drama Levels 2 and 3. Students explore the art of acting, theatre design, and directing, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the theatrical process.
Every two years, Senior Drama students showcase their talent during Whanganui Collegiate’s Cultural Weekend with a full-scale production. Previous performances have included Noises Off, Lord of the Flies, and Noughts and Crosses. Other students are also invited to get involved as part of the cast, supporting roles, or crew.
Whanganui Collegiate School holds a Whole School Production every two years, with past shows including Jesus Christ Superstar, Oliver!, Grease, Bugsy Malone, Cabaret, and Footloose. All students are welcome to participate in various roles, including cast, band, and crew. Principal roles are selected through an audition process.
Debating has always been held in high regard at Whanganui Collegiate School encouraging analytical thinking, critical argument, public speaking and listening skills.
There are many opportunities for students to be involved in debating including the Inter-House Competitions held throughout Term Two and Three at Junior, Intermediate, and Senior levels and at events throughout the region.
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