Co-curricular opportunities in the Arts

The co-curricular opportunities complement the academic Arts curriculum, providing students with hands-on experiences that enhance their learning, build practical skills and allow them to explore their passions beyond the classroom. 

Music Lessons

• We have more than 20 itinerant music staff who provide weekly music lessons as part of the itinerant program. 
• Music lessons are one-on-one and 30 minutes in length
• Lessons are charged to your school account
• Instruments are available for rent for $50 per term
• Students in Years 10 – 13 in 2026, who would like to sign up for itinerant lessons, should complete the Google Form here.
• Music lessons are compulsory for Year 9 students. If a Year 9 student wishes to change the instrument choice, email: h.fox@stpauls.school.nz

Band Camp: 15-17 January 2026

Band Camp will be held at school for students wishing to join the Big Band or Concert Band in 2026. This annual overnight camp kicks off rehearsals for festivals and competitions and is open to all woodwind, brass, and percussion players. Pianists, guitarists, and electric bass players are also welcome; pianists are especially encouraged, as they make great percussionists.

St Paul’s Music Groups

• All-Comers Choir: for individuals who love to sing or want to learn in a group setting. This group sings in Chapel services, assemblies and other events as well as participates in the Big Sing national competition. This largest choir group is open to everyone, and no audition is required. Choir meets on Wednesdays after school.
• Chamber Choir: an auditioned group; auditions will begin during Week 1 of Term 1. During the year, there are trips, competitions and a choir camp. Sign up for choirs here.
• Big Band: A premier jazz ensemble, performing a wide range of big band repertoire. Ideal for brass, saxophone and rhythm section players (including piano, bass, drums and guitar). Students perform at competitions and community events. Sign up for Big Band here.
• Concert Band: A large instrumental ensemble for woodwind, brass and percussion players. Open to all students who enjoy ensemble playing. The group performs at festivals, assemblies and school events. Sign up for Concert Band here.
• Rock Bands: Student-led bands supported by staff mentoring and a series of workshops run in the Term 1 Holidays. Students work on covers, original compositions and live performance skills, with performance opportunities throughout the year and the goal of competing in the Smoke Free Rockquest. Sign up for Rock Bands here.
• String Ensemble: Our String Ensemble is open to all violin, viola, cello and double bass players. The group develops ensemble skills, musicianship and confidence through a wide range of repertoire. Students perform at assemblies, concerts and community events, and are encouraged to participate regardless of experience level. Sign up for String Ensemble here.
• Chamber Music Groups: Small ensembles for students interested in exploring classical or contemporary chamber music. Groups typically consist of duos, trios or quartets and may enter regional competitions. Sign up for Chamber Music Groups here.
• Brass Groups: Specialised small ensembles for brass players, including trumpet and low brass groups. These groups develop sectional skills and often support school events. Sign up for Brass Groups here.
• Flute Choir: A dedicated ensemble for flute players. Open to all levels, the group focuses on developing ensemble playing and tone, with a special emphasis on performing at school and community events. Sign up Flute Choir here.
• Organ Scholar Programme: A selective programme for students who have achieved at least Grade 6 piano and have an interest in organ performance. Scholars receive specialist mentoring and performance opportunities. For more information, email: d.stanbridge-allen@stpauls.school.nz.

Performing Arts

• Kapa Haka: A vibrant and important part of the cultural identity at St Paul’s. Open to all students, regardless of experience. Students learn waiata, haka and performance skills, and represent the school at key events and celebrations. Sign up for Kapa Haka here.
• School Production: The annual major production brings together actors, singers, dancers, musicians and technical crew. Students can participate on stage, backstage, in costuming, props, lighting or sound. A fantastic opportunity to be part of a large-scale creative project. The 2026 St Paul’s Production is ‘Footloose’. Sign up for School Production here.
• Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival: Students perform extracts from Shakespearean plays for the regional competition. Opportunities include acting, directing, production roles and ensemble work. Sign up for Shakespeare here.
• Theatre Sports: A fun, fast-paced improvisation group that develops quick thinking, creativity and performance confidence. Students rehearse regularly and compete in the regional Theatresports Competition. Open to all students, no experience required. Sign up for Theatre Sports here.

Creative Arts

• Wearable Arts: St Paul’s offers exciting opportunities for students to enter the Waikato Toi Wearable Arts Competition. Students who would like to be involved should email Mrs Hudson. 
• Visual Arts Competitions: There is a range of regional and national visual arts competitions where students can submit their work. Mr Cameron and the wider Visual Arts Teaching Team will advertise these as they arise to art students in timetabled classes. If you are a student who is looking for an extra art challenge, please email Mr Cameron to see what opportunities are available.

Cultural Enrichment

• Debating: Teams compete in local and regional competitions, developing argumentation, critical thinking and public speaking skills. Suitable for both beginners and experienced debaters.
• Mooting: A legal-style competition where students argue cases in a simulated courtroom environment. Ideal for students interested in law, public speaking or structured reasoning.
• Model United Nations (Model UN): Students represent their countries and participate in simulated UN debates on global issues. A great option for students interested in diplomacy, politics and world events.
• Chess: In Term 1 there is a lunchtime tournament where students play against each other with resulting rankings at the end of term. In Term 2, it is a chess ladder competition with students challenging each other to a game within the rules and conditions of the chess ladder. Chess after school is subject to numbers. There is a range of competitions throughout the year that students may join, such as the Tauranga Boys’ High Exchange and Inter-school Chess Competition. Chess is held during lunchtime and after school on a Wednesday.

Sign up for debating, mooting or Model UN here.