Figure 1.--

We have noted a considerable variety of activities at different New Zealand schools. Of course not all of these facilities are offered at every school, but some are found at just about every school while others are less common. The overal list of these activities is very extensive.

Chess

Chess is not one of the most popular activities at New Zealand Schools, but there is usually a group of very eager players at most schools. For some reason most pf the interested students are boys.

Competitions

Subject based competitions provide extra motivation and incentives for students to develop academic skills and goals. Schools sponsor student participation in competitiins such as: literary competitions, mathematics competitions (Cantamaths, Westpac, and BNZ), music competitions (Westpac and Rockquest), science fairs and other competitions, social science competitiions, and many more. Many of these like Cantamaths are organized regionally or nationally while others are run by individuals or groups within individual schools for that specific school.

Culture Clubs

New Zealand is a multi-cultural country. The primary minority group is the indigenous Maori people. The Maori people live throughout New Zealand. In recent years Pacific-island people have emigrated to New Zealand. They are especially important in the north of North Island. particulsrly Auckland. These groups have organized cultural clubs at many high schools to promote their language and culture. Both students and teachers participate. Most of the participants are from the speciufic ethnic group, but Pakea students sometimes also participate.

Debate and Public Speeking

Perhaps one of the most valuable experiences for students is the opportunity to participate in debates. Debates are sometimes pursued as part of class work. Schools also sponsor debate teams to participate in sessions with other schools on a variety of interesting topics. The experience at public speaking and logically and coherently organising and presenting oned thoughts has provem envaluable for a number of students.

Fine Arts

The fine arts is traditionally the core of the non-sports activities program. While many other activities are now sponsored at New Zealand schools, the fine arts are still an important part of the overall program.

Nature

Newspaper

The school newspaper is an important institution at schools in most English-speaking country. It provides a variety of experiences to utilize accademic skills and to acquire a great deal of highly valuable practical experience.

Sports

Sports has a special place in the activities program at New Zealand schools, especially the secondary schools. Few countries put more emphasis on sports than New Zealand. The unique aspect of the program is the emphasis on providing opportunities for large numbers of pupils of widely varying athletic ability to enjoy sport. Sports as a result are dealt with in a separate section.

Student Government

The traditions and formation of the New Zealand educational system is largely British as New Zealand was a British colony. Most of the first teachers and school administrators were British. Many of New Zealands more traditional schools still have the look of a British public school. Newer schools, however, have the look of an American high school and are often called high schools. One import from America is elected student councils.

Young Enterprise

Young Enterprise is an extra-curricular program where the students plan a commercial project. The conceive a business model, manufacture a product, and market it. There is a simolar program in America, but the name of the project eludes me at this time. This is normaly a program for senior secondary students.

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