Timaru Boys’ High School

DAVID THORP, RECTOR

2022, ANOTHER COVID-19 YEAR!

However, at Timaru Boys’ High School, we aim to provide our students with the best school experiences possible in this time of disruption. Learning and academic achievement are always the main areas of focus, but high school is much, much more than that. It’s where we work and play together with a diverse bunch of people and develop the important life skills of critical thinking, self-awareness and empathy.

We believe a well-rounded education should include involvement in our massive extra-curricular programme. It doesn’t matter what our boys do – Badminton, Rugby, Choir, Kapa Haka, Tennis, Musical Productions, Basketball, Shooting, the Environmental Group, to name just a few – because the most important thing is the sense of belonging and mateship they get from being part of something bigger than themselves.

We are rightly proud of our

NCEA results in 2021. We had lifts in achievement in every NCEA level and in University Entrance. Our school curriculum is based on the needs of our students. We have the full range of academic subjects for those seeking a university pathway, and we have extensive and meaningful courses in Technology, Construction and careersbased learning for those interested in trades and other vocations. Whatever boys do, they are supported by their teachers to achieve their goals. The concept of ‘high expectations’ is still in fashion here.

When I first started at Timaru Boys’, I was struck by the strong working relationships between the teachers and the students. Educationists would call this ‘Relational Pedagogy’, but at TBHS it’s just part of what we do – know the students, find out what works with each individual and show them that you care about their success and wellbeing. This simple strategy also operates in Thomas House, the school boarding hostel. This is the students’ home and the staff go out of their way to ensure that the boys feel comfortable and valued.

Timaru Boys’ High is a school for everyone. It doesn’t matter whether they’re a boarder from up the Rangitata River, a bus boy from Makikihi or a town boy living right next door in North Street; they all become part of the Boys’ High whānau. They are valued for their unique identity but they will now share a history and an ethos that dates back to 1880. We welcome them all.

Mā te mātauranga te mana – Knowledge is power.