Prioritising and fostering a strong culture.

An essential component

Culture has long played a vital role in shaping the identity of Medbury School. Culture is one of the pillars that has defined us and guided us for the past 100 years. We know that boys thrive in a culture that understands, accepts and celebrates them for who they are.

First and foremost, Medbury’s values-based culture fosters an environment of excellence. Our culture emphasizes the value of academic achievement and encourages boys to strive for their best. We know that boys need teachers who have an intimate understanding of boys’ learning and this in turn helps to shape our culture. In some schools, boys are assumed to be having behavioural problems or lacking in concentration just because they are not always good at sitting still and listening. We know that boys are physical – they like to move around. They like handson learning. Boys are naturally energetic and can often be quite noisy. But that doesn’t mean they are not learning. We know that this is the way boys are, and tailor our teaching around it.

We also understand the requirement for a culture that celebrates the unique ways boys interact with one another and challenge each other and that offers activities that allow them to build a clear sense of their own capabilities and those of their peers. At its heart Medbury’s culture allows boys to simply be themselves without having to play the part they think they have to play to impress others.

We also believe that boys need to belong to a positive masculine culture to discover and gain confidence in their own unique abilities to find their individual form of success as young men. Our culture also promotes strong social and emotional development. We place a high value on the importance of positive relationships and encourage all of our boys to build positive connections with their peers, teachers and the Medbury community. This culture of inclusivity and respect creates a supportive environment that allows boys to feel safe, valued, and accepted. This, in turn, promotes a healthy sense of self-esteem and well-being, which is crucial for their academic and personal success.

Our founding Christian values, and focus on the importance of community service and seeing leadership as service to others, also set our boys apart. We instill in all of our boys the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and being accountable for their decisions. This culture of accountability promotes a sense of maturity and independence in boys, be they 5 years old or 13 years old, and allows them to take ownership of their learning and personal growth.

As we celebrate our Centenary, our culture also emphasises the importance of creativity, innovation and critical thinking.

We value diversity and the unique perspectives and talents of all of our boys and encourage them to express their creativity and ideas through our holistic educational offering. By fostering a culture of innovation and creativity we give our boys licence to think outside the box and develop skills that will prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century.

To conclude, it is crystal clear to me that culture is an essential component of Medbury’s identity. Our culture is multi-faceted and promotes academic excellence, social and emotional well-being, responsibility and accountability, creativity and innovation. These values create a supportive environment that nurtures the growth and development of our boys and prepares them for success in all aspects of life. By prioritising and fostering a strong culture, Medbury has become a leader in preparatory education, producing boys who are wellrounded, resilient and capable of making positive contributions to the world and understand the true meaning of our Play the Game ethos.

Year 6 Science and Technology Evening

We started off the Year 6 Technology evening by joining teams with friends and their parents. The technology challenge was then described to us by Mr Taylor, and the materials were handed out.

The task was to build the strongest and longest bridge out of newspaper, sellotape and string, that could support a weighted car. It seemed like a very small amount of newspaper and we were wondering how we would do it. Our group spent a while planning how we would build our creation. We then settled on a grand idea and set to building. The dads in our group were on constructing, while myself and my friends were newspaper rollers and sellotape cutters.

Near the end, our bridge was starting to look a bit like an elephant, but it was really strong. At the closing, we did our finishing touches while the judges went around and trialled the bridges and tallied everyone’s points. We were really surprised by who won, it was completely different to who we thought it would be!

It was a fun experience to have with our friends and family and we are grateful to Mr Taylor and Mr Collins for organising it.

Max Henry, 6H

A School Boy Memory?

Being in Standard 4 (Year 6) and doing a play for the school assembly. I was Jonah Lomu. My teacher always encouraged me to be myself and add humour. I loved doing plays for assembly. Most outrageous thing attempted?

While on a 20-day trip of Europe, I was brave enough to paraglide in Switzerland. It was very scary but exciting at the same time. Advice would you give to your 10-year-old self?

Try a bit harder with your handwriting, be grateful for what you have, be patient and a number 3 all over is not the best idea for a haircut.

Unique cultural experience?

While searching for our wedding venue in Cape Town, South Africa, my wife and I went on a safari. We saw the big 5 and were not disappointed. Amazing to see lions up close but extremely dangerous at the same time.

A School Boy Memory?

Being 8 years old at boarding school and being woken up by a bell, rushing up into P.E. uniform, making my bed with hospital tucks, going for a run around the field and then coming back to a cold shower, all before breakfast.

Weirdest thing you have eaten?

In 2011 I started a carnivores’ club with a group of guys I taught with in Qatar. We would have a monthly ‘meating’ where the entrée, main and desert all had to be meat dishes. Some of the more interesting ones were frogs legs, snails, ostrich and camel.

Advice would you give to your 12-year-old self?

Wear deodorant, brush your teeth after every meal, work hard and be respectful.

Unique cultural experience?

Going to the camel races in Doha, Qatar. The spectators drive the inside of the track in their own cars while watching the camels and cheering. The owners are on the outside of the track in their cars, leaning out the window while using a remote control to operate a robot jockey that is fixed to the back of the camel.

Year 5 Camp at Living Springs

We asked the Year 5 boys to share some of their ‘moment in time’ writing, using the five senses.

A Big BANG!

My heart was pounding as soon as the archery battle started. Lining up, I knew I hit the jackpot with sharpshooters; Mr Ogston, Archie, Albie, Tommy, Max, Daniel and Oscar in my team. BANG! My friends went down one by one. Suddenly I felt the arrows woosh past my face. My ears rattled from the loud music. I taste victory as I let my arrow go. BOOM! Then, silence as the target crashes to the ground. Quickly my teammates run to me and cheer. We have proudly won the battle.

Tom Bickley, 5O

Tripping onto dirt

Slowly but unsteadily I walk up the hill, feeling dazed after running for what seems like a decade!

“Rabies, rabies is coming,” Spencer shrieks. It hits me!

Now I’m running down the bumpy hill quickly but unsteadily - it’s too much for me. I have to stop. I have collected all the food and water stamps but now I am fighting to survive. Breathing heavily and trying to think to myself - I lean on a tree. Oh no, rabies is here again.

“Aaaaah” I run away and don’t see a metal wire which I instantly trip over. Crash! Bang! Oh no, I might be caught, or will I?

Dani Munns, 5O

Zipline and Monorail

Zipline: I was waiting in line and felt super scared, I had a tonne of adrenaline. Then I clipped on and heard 3…2…1! I was off. It wasn’t too bad, and I could feel wind blowing against me but at the end I flew up and went back to the middle. I could hear crickets even though they were probably 200m beneath me.

Monorail: As I tiredly climbed the hill, I could see how steep the track really was. I could feel the adrenaline rush through me while I waited in line, but I was determined to do it. I was only third in line, the first two people went and both were screaming all the way down. The cart was placed on the track, and they put the seat belt on… and I was off. The first corner, the cart jerked around then I was at the drop it felt like I was flying. Then I made it to the end with the biggest grin on my face. All I wanted to do was ride it over and over and over and over and over again. I sprinted up the hill so I could do it again.

Hunter Grieve, 5M

The Terrifying Monorail

As I climbed up the steep mountain, I saw the Monorail. When I got up, I could see the amazing view. I can smell the fresh air. I look down at the Monorail. What! That is so high! I feel my heart drop.

All I can see is fear. A few kids go on. I am not sure if I should go on. I hear that the Monorail is very fun.

As I climb on the Monorail I feel the cold handle. I can see everything from up here!

As the Monorail moves, I feel my insides shake.

I feel like I am going to fall off. I can feel the wind blast on my face. I can see the amazing ocean!

As I come to a stop, I feel terrified. It was the most terrifying experience of my life. Suddenly a big grin appears on my face.

I want to go again!

Hojun Kwon, 5M

Year 6 Camp at Wainui Heights

On 12-14 February, the Year 6 boys, teachers and parents travelled on a bus to Wainui Camp. First, we stopped at Little River for a short break. Once we arrived at Wainui, we started our rotation of activities. All boys completed a number of water and forest tasks, such as coasteering and archery. There were many other exciting games like ‘Colours’ as well. The weather held out until our final day when a cyclone arrived, and we were forced to go back to school early. It was a fun filled camp that we thoroughly enjoyed.

Alex Davison, 6H

Camp Moment in Time: Colours

“Whizz!”, the engine of the clamouring car was working disputably. Mrs Metcalfe was busily driving us to the towering, enormous rock called “Papa Bear”. Before we went to the rock, the professional instructor had taught us about the ancient volcano that had formed the monumental crater that we were about to swim in.

“Splash!” Jack jumped into the freezing subtemperature water with might. The cold, jittery water froze his nerves. I shouted “Good job!” to him as he swam up to the shore. He clapped my hand with joy.

Soon it was my turn. I was as fearful as a bee trying to sting. The coach told me not to worry and that I would not be injured. I took a deep breath….but I couldn’t do it, I froze right on the spot! What would happen next? The rock was almost three times my height. The patient, kind instructor showed all of us again how to jump in safely in and without nerves. I finally mustered up the courage and believed in myself. I closed my eyes, and my legs slowly began to move. A moment of silence calmed my whirring brain. “Splash!” I did it, I jumped off Papa Bear! The numbing water enveloped me, and the seaweed bumped against my sides.

It was a very tiring day. I was proud of myself and all the other boys. It was an amazing experience.

Matthew Li ,6H

Camp Moment in Time: Kayaking

A powerful green bomb whizzed past my eyes like a missile missing its target. As the salty substance shone like a clean sheet of glass, my kayak sliced through the dark ocean. The seagulls were an air-raid siren as they squealed in mid-air. Some seaweed floated sadly on the sea’s surface as my kayak drifted past.

Suddenly, my kayak was enraged as another kayak attempted to capsize it. The salty air grabbed at my lungs. I suddenly realised the temperature, as the clouds blackened like a frostbitten hand. Supersonic icy winds stabbed their frozen spears at me. The white clouds disappeared like phantoms at night.

Violent rain pelted down like a ferocious meteor shower. Salty water burned through my mouth. The brainwashing rhythm of the waves charging at my kayak engraved itself in my head.

I will never forget kayaking at camp and the experience of zooming through the water like a torpedo. I can’t wait to go kayaking again.

Noah Zhang, 6P

Camp Moment in Time: Kayaking

As I opened my eyes, I heard the rain drizzling on the roof. It was 5:47 a.m., and I was ready for another exciting day at YMCA camp. After everyone woke up and had breakfast, we headed straight for the kayaks. All I could think of was how cold it would be. Would it be as cold as Antarctica?

Splash, Splash. The paddles were smacking the water as we played jewellery hunt. People stole all our gems so we were defeated and excited about revenge. But time had run out.

Heading back towards the start, a huge face appeared in the rocks and was looking right at us, from its perch on a rock by the deep, damp cave. Once inside the jaws of the monster’s mouth made my buddy shiver like leaves on a winter’s day. Plunging deeper and deeper, we finally reached the end and relief flowed over me like a warm blanket.

Together we paddled to a floating platform and jumped off it excitedly and, as the icy water soaked through to our skin, we climbed back into the kayaks and returned to safety.

What an experience! This was such a moment to treasure forever.

Year 7 Camp at Hanmer Springs

Let’s ask some boys from 7M, 7B, 7W and 7O to tell us a bit about what happened on Year 7 Camp....

Day 1

On 8 May all of Year 7 hopped on to two buses and were off to Hanmer Springs for camp. The bus ride was quite long, although we had a break at Culverden. Once all of us arrived, the bags and suitcases were unpacked from under the bus. We were given a briefing, then went to our rooms. After settling into our rooms, it was time for the first activities! The range of activities included Mountain Biking, Tree Climbing, a Puzzle Hunt and Archery. Back from the fun and tiring first activities, there was now some free time. After the free time it was time for dinner. Dinner was being catered by Rusty Carrot. Finally, it was time for sleep, where many people slept less than usual!

Day 2

We woke up and had breakfast, which was nice and yummy. Then we all had to go our groups and start to do the activities. After that we had lunch then we went to the pools and hot pools, But before that, we had to walk all the way down from camp to the pools and it was a long way down. When we got there a person showed us where we were allowed to go and not allowed to go. Most boys went to the pools while others went on the water slides. We had some fun then we went back to the campgrounds and had dinner. After dinner it was really quiet for the rest of night, but some groups of people (totally not the teachers) were very loud.

Day 3

It was day 3. We had breakfast as usual. After breakfast we could play but we had to tidy our rooms and leave our bags outside. After more play time, it was time for the final activity, then it was time to go back to school.

Kingu Zeng, 7M

Tree Climbing Puzzle Hunt

In Week 3 we went to Hanmer Springs for our camp which is definitely something to look forward to when you come into Year 7, as it is some of the most fun we have ever had.

We had a long one-and-a-halfhour drive, but it was fun getting to Culverden. We got to stretch our legs at the local park and we had a fun time eating our food and exercising a bit. We had to have another ten-minute drive until we arrived at camp. We got to see our cabins and hangout with our cabin mates before we did our first activity which was tree climbing...

Eli Coles and Alexander Sutton, 7B

Freddy and Raphe’s creative writing about their experiences...

Scratch, Scratch. Fully buckled up, babbling nervously but way too excited with our pumped up friends. Grab our massive helmets, it’s on! We get into tiny groups in dignified army-like clusters. One of our good friends is up first, he looks up the towering pine tree.

He starts climbing sluggishly up the menacing tree, he is going perfectly well, but wait! He got stuck. Here comes the big boy, the instructor! Gus screams out in a worried cry, thinking he is going to fall off. This is where the instructor comes in handy. He gives the thick hard rope a big tug, Gus goes flying into the air! Phweeeeeeee and he is on the next lot of branches. A bit of tough climbing later, he makes it to the top and he feels like he is on the top of the world. We lower him down slowly.

Oh, oh, it’s my turn. Wobble wobble, knees shaking uncontrollably as I start THE TORMENTING CLIMB! Climbing up as slow as a slug, suddenly my hand slipped and I fell, or did I? I was just floating there, it was relaxing for a moment, then I realised I have to get back up. Fearing looking down as my group cheers insanely loud for me to keep climbing.

After a 10-minute drive from camp to the town, we arrived. The instructor informed us about our mission then we picked our groups and were handed all our items which consisted of an Ipad, notepad, pen and a poster with instructions.

We all raced towards the checkpoint in a rush to try to beat the other teams, ipad in hand. Some teams quickly fell behind but still sprinted to the checkpoint. When we arrived at our first checkpoint, we immediately scanned the barcode at a specific location. After that we were handed our second task. Our group was slightly in front of every other group, so we zoomed to the next checkpoint.

This continued for two more hours until we finished all our tasks

Chen