Prospectus by medburypreparatoryschool

Growing

boys to learn, lead and succeed.

P rospectus

From the Headmaster

Welcome to Medbury School – A Place for Boys to Learn, Lead, and Succeed

At the heart of everything we do is a simple yet profound purpose: to nurture boys who are academically successful and future leaders with a sense of service, empathy, and responsibility.

This vision is woven into every aspect of school life. From our leadership and service programs, which instil the concept of leadership as service to others, to our partnership with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, creating a Centre of Excellence for Music, Medbury continues to build on a foundation of strength and innovation. The introduction of our pioneering M-IGNITE program, alongside our consistently highachieving academic, arts, and sports programs, showcases our holistic approach to education.

We are dedicated to providing a personalised learning experience tailored to every boy, ensuring that their talents and interests are nurtured within a dynamic and academically challenging curriculum. They will discover

their strengths, develop their confidence, and gain a deep understanding of their capabilities.

Together with our superb teaching and support team, we build upon the values and skills you've instilled at home, fostering boys who are not only successful in academics but also hardworking, empathetic, and responsible citizens.

Medbury's commitment to boys' education extends beyond the classroom in its broadest sense. Our boys benefit from a vast array of co-curricular activities, including sports, clubs, and excursions, ensuring their school experience is rich and varied.

I warmly invite you to visit us and experience the Medbury difference firsthand. It would be my pleasure to meet with you personally to discuss your aspirations for your son's future.

Dave Scott Headmaster

The Medbury Difference

Learn

We personalise learning for all boys, and offer a leading edge curriculum to nurture and challenge.

Lead

We provide an environment where all boys understand that leadership is service to others.

Succeed

We offer a holistic education with a wide range of programmes where every boy can find their passion and experience success.

In a recent survey, parents highlighted their key reasons for choosing Medbury.

These included the quality of teachers and staff, their son’s personal development, the School’s safe, caring, and supportive environment, high academic standards, the sense of community, the School’s culture and values, the friendships their sons form, and the fact that their sons enjoy going to school.

Small class sizes also rated highly, along with School pride and reputation, the opportunities provided including sports and extracurricular, and the balanced, well-rounded education provided.

Strategic Intent Why Choose Medbury?

Medbury School is dedicated to helping boys learn, lead, and succeed, guided by our core values: Excellence (Kairangi), Integrity (Tapatahi), Empathy (Ngakau Aroha), and Respect (Ngakau Whakamiha).

Our Strategic Intent outlines goals for providing a personalized, holistic education that fosters character development and prepares boys for future challenges. It focuses on five key pillars:

Enhanced Learning Culture

Community Wellbeing

Student Success and Leadership

Strong Community Relationships

Resource Allocation and Sustainability

Our Vision for Learning emphasizes classroom-level change and high expectations for boys' learning and achievement. Continuous improvement for staff and students remains central to our mission as a leading preparatory school for boys improvement.

"We chose Medbury for the quality teachers who engage with the boys academically and in extra-curriculars."

The Medbury Graduate

Lifelong Learner

Ako

• Eager to grow and improve

• Open to explore new learning

• Curious and persistent with a growth mindset

Personal Direction

Ara Whaiaro

• Sets goals and has a realistic, informed pathway

• Open to learn

• Accountable for own success

Self Aware

Mohio Whaiaro

Understands own thoughts and feelings

Reflective and learns from mistakes

Strong sense of identity

Effective Communicator

He Kaiwhaka-Whitiwhiti Pai

• Articulate and confident communicator in all mediums

• Digital fluency and respectful of the use of social media

Growing boys to learn, lead and succeed.

Leader

Rangatira

Shows initiative and inspire through actions

Understands that leadership is service to others

Critical & Creative Thinker

Whakaaro Arohaehae

• Curious and asks questions to understand

• Consider all perspectives

• Confident problem solvers

Complete Wellbeing

Hauora

Mentally and physically well

Self-confident and resilient

Understands respectful relationships

Know when and how to seek support

Social and Cultural Values

Whanonga Pono

• Displays the Medbury values

• Respect for selves, others and the environment

• Open-minded

Global and Bicultural Citizen Manaakitanga

Comfortable in all cultures

Appreciation of the unique place of Maori in Aotearoa, New Zealand

Understands essential Tikanga and Te Reo

Understands NZ history and Ti Tiriti

Holistic Outlook

Tangata Taurite

• Has taken a full part in Medbury opportunities across all disciplines, school and House, academic, sports, performing arts, cultural, leadership and service, and spiritual.

Curriculum

At Medbury, we provide a dynamic and wellrounded curriculum that prepares boys for realworld challenges, equipping them with skills and knowledge that extend beyond the classroom. Our recently reviewed and updated curriculum ensures our teaching is relevant in an ever-evolving world. It integrates academic disciplines, creative arts, physical education and leadership, all designed to inspire curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.

We focus on literacy to enhance reading, writing, and communication skills, fostering comprehension, vocabulary development, and confident expression. A love of reading and effective communication are central to academic success and personal development. In numeracy, we emphasize logical reasoning and problem-solving, ensuring boys build a solid foundation in mathematics that applies to everyday scenarios.

Our science programme taps into natural curiosity with hands-on learning and practical applications in a dedicated science lab. Digital technologies are also woven throughout our curriculum, developing critical thinking and computer science skills.

In addition to core subjects, Medbury offers Outdoor Education and a rich array of art, drama, music and languages, which promote creative expression and physical wellbeing. Our philosophy lessons encourage critical thinking and ethical reasoning, further preparing boys for a complex and connected world.

For those seeking additional challenges, our Extension Programmes provide opportunities in programmes like RoboProgers, ICT Crew, RoboCup, EPro8, Scenario Writing, and Future Problem Solving, all of which push students to explore their own interests and develop specialized skills.

M-IGNITE Programme

Real world projects with practical challenges

With the introduction of M-IGNITE, we're fostering the next generation of innovative thinkers and leaders.

Medbury - Inspire, Guide, Nurture, Innovate, Think, Excel.

At the heart of M-IGNITE is our belief that education should extend beyond the traditional curriculum boundaries. We're committed to fostering creativity, curiosity, and collaboration in our boys, inspiring them to explore, question, and innovate.

Key features include real-world projects that connect classroom learning to real-world challenges, fostering problem-solving and critical thinking.

Partnerships with local businesses, and organisations such as Antarctica NZ and the University of Canterbury provide authentic experiences, and access to state-ofthe-art technology.

M-IGNITE is seamlessly integrated into the school curriculum, ensuring a wide-ranging impact, with both teachers and external mentors guiding our boys through their learning journey.

M-IGNITE also focuses on personal growth, helping boys develop resilience, confidence, and essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. We aim to turn our boys into lifelong learners, ready

to excel in the next steps of their education and future careers.

M-IGNITE is more than just a program; it's a philosophy that empowers boys to become innovative, confident, and successful individuals. By combining academic excellence with practical skills and a growth mindset, M-IGNITE prepares boys for a bright future.

Sport

Sport is a vital part of life at Medbury School, where boys are encouraged to participate at a level that fosters both enjoyment and competition.

We believe that sport plays a crucial role in shaping the overall well-being of our students, aligning with the holistic values of the Medbury Graduate. Through sport, boys not only develop physical strength but also gain essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence.

Our approach to sport is guided by the concept of Hauora, a Maori philosophy that emphasizes the interconnected dimensions of well-being: Taha Tinana (physical), Taha Hinengaro (mental and emotional), Taha Whanau (family and social), and Taha Wairua (spiritual). By engaging in sports, our students build positive relationships, manage stress, and develop a positive self-image, all while learning to navigate both success and failure with grace.

Under the leadership of our Director of Sport, Medbury offers a wide range of sports, both traditional and modern, including specialist training through Sports Academies in Cricket, Hockey, Football, Rugby, and Tennis, where professional coaches provide agespecific guidance.

Additional extra-curricular options such as Basketball, Fencing, Karate, Cycling, Polo, Touch Rugby, and Water Polo allow boys to explore various interests while developing their skills. Over 90% of boys from Years 3 to 8 participate in Saturday sports, contributing to our strong sporting reputation. Medbury boys often receive regional and national recognition in various sports, and our history of inter-school exchanges with other independent schools in New Zealand and Australia provides further opportunities for growth and leadership.

As we continue to support our boys’ development, we prioritize their enjoyment and long-term love of physical activity. Our focus is on fostering an environment where learning, development, and enjoyment take precedence over the pressure to win. By encouraging a balanced approach to sport, we ensure that our boys are well-prepared to thrive in all aspects of life, both on and off the field.

"Through sport, boys not only develop physical strength but also gain essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence."

The Arts

At Medbury School, the Arts play a central role in shaping wellrounded students, with a strong emphasis on Music, Visual Arts, and Drama. Our programmes inspire creativity, foster individual expression, and build confidence within a supportive environment.

Music Programme

Medbury has an outstanding reputation for its comprehensive music programme, which includes choral and instrumental training. Led by our Director of Music and a team of highly qualified tutors, the programme provides every boy with a rich musical experience. From Year 4, boys can access instrumental tuition, with younger students considered on a case-by-case basis. Our purpose-built music facilities in The Medbury Centre include soundproofed rooms, a keyboard laboratory, and a performance auditorium.

Performance is key, with boys participating in choirs, orchestras, and ensembles. Our three choirs perform at school events, festivals, and competitions. Instrumental groups, including the Medbury Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Rock Bands, and Jazz Band, provide additional opportunities for boys to showcase their talents. Instrumental tuition covers a wide range of instruments, including Bagpipes, Cello, Clarinet, Drums, Flute, French Horn, Guitar, Piano, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Violin, and Vocal training.

Centre of Excellence for Music

Medbury’s partnership with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO) through the Centre of Excellence for Music enhances the programme, allowing boys to refine their skills under worldclass musicians and participate in interactive workshops. Leadership opportunities are available through roles such as CSO Ambassadors and the NXT Gen Think Tank.

Visual Arts

Art education at Medbury nurtures creativity and individual expression across all year levels. Boys receive regular art instruction, with boys enjoying classes in a dedicated Art Room. They explore various media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and design. Medbury students regularly exhibit their work both within the school and in wider community exhibitions and competitions. Visits to Christchurch Art Galleries and studies of New Zealand and international artists are integral to the programme.

Drama

Medbury has a strong tradition in drama, offering boys opportunities to explore creativity through play, movement, and performance.

Regular dance and drama lessons, led by our Head of Drama, are integrated into the curriculum, building confidence in expression and teamwork. Class performances are a highlight, and the Year 8 Production combines music and drama in an exciting showcase. Boys can also join Theatresports teams, where they develop improvisation skills in a fun, competitive environment. Additionally, they can opt for extra speech and drama lessons, covering public speaking, storytelling, and poetry, preparing them for Trinity-Guildhall and Speech NZ exams.

Medbury’s links with amateur and professional theatres further enrich boys’ experiences in the dramatic arts.

This Arts programme is part of Medbury’s commitment to offering a holistic education, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts, and nurturing the next generation of creative thinkers and performers.

Leadership & Service

Medbury’s Leadership and Service Programme is designed to cultivate the character and values of our boys, emphasizing leadership as a form of service to others.

Grounded in Medbury’s core values of integrity, empathy, respect, and excellence, this programme teaches boys the importance of putting others first, giving time and effort to meet the needs of others, and always striving to do the right thing.

The programme is structured into three key components: Integrated Learning, Pillar Programmes, and Sustained Programmes. Integrated Learning ensures that leadership and service principles are woven

into every aspect of the school experience, making them an integral part of daily life for all students and staff. Pillar Programmes focus on year group-specific events, such as the Whole School Community Service Day, Year 5 Leadership Day, and the Year 6 Leadership Programme, each designed to instill a deep understanding of leadership as service.

Sustained Programmes extend throughout the year, offering longterm opportunities for boys to engage with leadership and service. These include the Community Service Award for Years 4, 5, and 6, the William Pike Challenge Award for Year 7, MED-X Talks that provide

insights into leadership from guest speakers, and the Year 8 Mentoring Programme, which supports our senior boys in building resilience and self-confidence.

Under the leadership of Richard Wilson, who brings a wealth of experience from his background in the UK armed forces, the programme equips boys with the tools and mindset necessary to become empathetic, socially conscious leaders who will positively impact their communities.

Extra-Curricular

At Medbury School, our extracurricular programme is designed to complement academic growth and enhance each boy’s unique talents.

We believe that engaging in these activities helps build essential skills, confidence, and friendships, which is why we encourage every student to join at least one activity each term.

Our diverse options include the Chess Club for strategic thinkers, the Drama Troupe for budding performers, and Hip Hop for dance enthusiasts. The RoboProgers club offers hands-on experience with robotics and coding,

while Spanish and Mandarin lessons provide early language acquisition. Other activities include Speech and Drama lessons, Kapa Haka performances, and creative pursuits in the Models Club and Gardening Club. Boys interested in engineering and problem-solving can participate in the EPro8 Challenge and Robocup competitions.

With such a broad range of extracurricular opportunities, Medbury ensures that every boy can discover new interests, develop valuable skills, and enjoy a well-rounded education beyond the classroom.

Building skills, confidence and friendships.

Wellbeing

Our approach ensures every student feels supported and valued, equipped for success both academically and personally.

Boys are placed in Houses that foster belonging and camaraderie. This system encourages older boys to mentor younger ones, promoting leadership, empathy, and responsibility, while also nurturing healthy competition and lasting connections.

Medbury’s pastoral care includes support from both teaching and non-teaching staff. Our mentoring programme links boys across year groups, offering a network of peers and adults for guidance, helping them navigate their school journey with confidence.

Our on-site School Counsellor offers confidential support through Solution-Focused Therapy, helping boys build on their strengths to set and achieve personal goals.

Our “Where We Thrive” Wellbeing Framework integrates positive relationships and emotional resilience into our vision for learning. We monitor wellbeing school-wide, ensuring every student has the resources to flourish.