Timaru boys’ high school

ACTING RECTOR – ROSS STEVENSON

The Arts can sometimes be a hard sell in a boys’ school. Too often the perception is that sport is the one thing that boys enjoy above everything else. At times we can be guilty of presenting this view as it’s easy to show photographs, report results, present certificates and have boys cross the stage, as there are more students regularly involved in sport.

As with life, it is important that our boys can have the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of activities. We endeavour to ensure that we recognise students in the Arts and encourage as many boys as possible to become involved.

I think it is probably harder for a student to get up in front of his peers to perform a musical item, a dramatic role or present a piece of art than it is to be in a game even with a big crowd. There are not a lot of places to hide on stage.

We want boys to recognise that the Arts are as important as any other activity at school. One special way we do this is the running of an Arts Extravaganza every two years.

The Extravaganza gives a boost to those already involved, but more importantly a chance for others to have a go at something they might not normally do. It also builds on the wide range of Arts related activities inside and outside of the classroom currently on offer.

Recently we held the Extravaganza following on from the combined production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, performed with and hosted by Timaru Girls’ High School.

Next year we will host the production, and the Arts Extravaganza returns in 2021.

We endeavour to ensure that we recognise students in the Arts and encourage as many boys as possible to become involved.