Opportunities
Selwyn House gives you great opportunities, take advantage of them all!
Frankie
Peer Year 2023
At Selwyn House, the wide range of opportunities available across all year levels inspires girls to discover their passions, explore new possibilities, and grow with confidence.
We believe in nurturing every student’s unique interests and talents through a diverse range of opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom. From leadership to the arts, sport to science, our students are empowered to Thrive Today, Change Tomorrow.
Leadership
Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders
Leadership at Selwyn House is about action, character, and meaningful contribution. It begins early, with students encouraged to take initiative and be role models throughout their school journey.
Leadership occurs at every stage. Students are given age-appropriate responsibilities and are supported to grow in confidence and capability.
Year 8 Leadership Programme
The Selwyn House Year 8 Leadership Programme is a cornerstone of our commitment to developing confident, capable, and compassionate young leaders. Each student has the opportunity to hold two different designated leadership roles, providing authentic opportunities to lead in areas that reflect her passions and strengths.
Leadership positions span a wide range of areas, including Sports, STEAM, Library, Music & Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Enviro, PYP & Wellbeing, Language & Culture, House Leadership, Student Ambassadorship, and Communications. These roles are not symbolic, they are purposeful and empowering. From leading assemblies and organising major school events to mentoring younger students and promoting wellbeing, our leaders are actively involved in shaping daily school life. These experiences foster initiative, collaboration, and responsibility, while developing practical skills in communication, organisation, and empathy.
Our Year 8 Leadership Programme cultivates a culture of inclusion, service, and school spirit. Beyond Selwyn House, our students frequently go on to hold leadership roles in secondary school, clear evidence of the strength, authenticity, and impact of our inclusive approach to leadership.
Houses and Buddies
The House and Buddy Programme at Selwyn House School fosters a strong sense of belonging, school pride and connection across all year levels.
Through the House System, students are grouped into houses that come together for fun activities and themed events, which encourages teamwork and leadership.
The Buddy Programme pairs older and younger students to promote friendship and a sense of ‘big sister’ support. These relationships extend beyond planned activities, with buddies often spending time together during breaks and in the playground.
Whether it’s sharing a book or cheering each other on at House events, the Buddy and House programmes help create a caring and inclusive environment where every student feels seen, supported and valued.
STEAM
Students have the opportunity to utilise the practical technology skills they have acquired to design and build their own projects.
Curiosity and innovation are nurtured through a diverse range of hands-on STEAM opportunities and clubs. STEAM, encompassing Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics, which encourages girls to think critically, solve problems creatively, and collaborate across disciplines.
Opportunities & Clubs
- Cantamaths
- Code Club
- Junior Mechatronics
- Ngā Huarahi Pūtaiao – The Science Pathways
- Senior Mechatronics Clubs
- Science Club
- Science Fair
- Stop Motion Club
- The Action Laboratory
Visual Arts
Creative expression is explored and celebrated through a variety of visual arts opportunities.
Opportunities & Clubs
- Art Show
- Digital Art Club
- Junior Art Club
- Senior Art Club
- Junior Drawing & Sketching Club
- Senior Drawing & Sketching Club
Performing Arts
Confidence and creativity shine on stage through our performing arts opportunities and clubs.
Opportunities & Clubs
- Glee Club
- Speech & Drama
- Year 1–2 Annual Production
- Year 3–4 Biennial Production
- Year 7–8 Biennial Production
Music
Music extends beyond the classroom through ensembles, performance opportunities, clubs, and specialist instrumental lessons with Itinerant teachers.
Ensembles, Opportunities & Clubs
- Christchurch Schools Music Festival
- Class Choirs
- Djembe Drumming
- Jazz Band
- Junior Chamber Choirs
- Orchestra
- Recorder Ensemble
- Senior Chamber Choirs
- Strike, Strum & Blow
- String Ensemble & Training Strings
- Ukulele Club
Itinerant Lessons Available On-Site:
Cello, Clarinet, Flute, French Horn, Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Recorder, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Violin, Voice
Sport
With a strong emphasis on both participation and competition, sport is an integral part of life at Selwyn House.
From school events, weekly sport teams and additional opportunities to represent the school at Zones and the regional level, students are encouraged to be active, engaged, and proud of their efforts.
School Events:
- Athletics Day
- Cross Country
- Swimming
- Sport Exchanges
Winter Sport (Terms 2 & 3):
- Basketball
- Duathlon
- Fencing
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Hockey
- Netball
- Skiing
Summer Sport (Terms 1 & 4):
- Cricket
- Fencing
- Futsal
- Hockey
- Tennis
- Touch
- Triathlon
- Volleyball
- Water Polo
Camps & Experiences
Our camps and other immersive experiences are designed to foster independence, resilience, and real-world learning beyond the classroom.
School Events:
- Year 4 Camp
- Year 5 Camp
- Year 6 Camp
- Year 7 Camp
- Year 8 Camp
- Space Week
More to Discover
Selwyn House School is proud to offer a wide range of opportunities and clubs that further support students to explore their interests and build skills beyond the classroom.
- Chess Club
- Creative Writing
- Community Problem Solving
- Drawing & Sketching Club
- Envirogroup
- Future Problem Solving
- International Day
- In-school Problem Solving
- Jump Jam
- Kapa Haka
- Kapa Haka Performance Group (Te Roopu Kapa Haka Mana)
- Literature Competitions
- UNESCO Group
Learning
Education & Curriculum
At Selwyn House School, small class sizes allow for personalised support, fostering a nurturing environment where each student can thrive both personally and academically. Our scaffolded learning approach builds skills and confidence progressively, supporting every stage of development from Pre-school to Year 8.
Begin the Journey