ALL Queenians are encouraged to enrich their lives by becoming involved in some of the wide range of activities and interests outside their normal school curriculum.
With the excellent facilities at school, the expertise and enthusiasm of the staff, and the ruggedly beautiful natural environment in the surrounding area, boys have every opportunity to experience an exciting variety of indoor, outdoor, creative, practical, service-orientated, mentally, spiritually and physically challenging pursuits. During their Grade 8 year boys are introduced to the many different cultural groups and societies that are active at the school.
Besides providing opportunities for personal growth and enjoyment, school societies also offer excellent opportunities to make like-minded friends - both at Queen's and Girls' High. Over the years some societies fade away and others may be added, as boys' interests change. Typical interest groups and clubs are: Bands, Bridge, Chess, Choir, Debating, Dramatics, Hiking, Interact (community service), Photographic Club, Queen's Quote (pupil newspaper), Students' Christian Association, Twelve Club (Top 12 academics in Grades 11 and 12) and Adventure Club.
Some of the cultural highlights of the year include joint dramatic or musical productions with Girls' High, and one-act play festivals. Queen's runs the annual eisteddfod which involves many pupils from outlying schools'.
In line with our philosophy of maintaining our best traditions and developing leadership, pride, and loyalty, the Cadet Corps forms an integral part of the educational programme at Queen's. We have the third oldest school cadet detachment in the country and we are one of the few schools who still perform the popular "Trooping the Colour" parade annually - as part of our Reunion festivities programme. Another highlight of the programme is the annual Remembrance Day parade, when we remember Old Queenians who paid the supreme sacrifice during the two World Wars. Cadets is offered as part of our Life Skills programme. The Freedom of Entry into the Municipality of Queenstown was conferred upon the Queen's College Cadet Corps in 1983 in recognition of "services rendered to the town and the country over the last 125 years."
In order to qualify for awards, all applicants should note that the Cultural Programme runs from September to September the following year. However, boys entering the school for the first time in January will be recognised. All recommendations are at the discretion of the Teacher-in-charge in consultation with the Cultural Committee and the Headmaster.
The applicant must have been a member of the particular society for at least three years before applying for Colours or Honours. Awards will be made on the recommendation of the Teacher-in charge of the society with the sanction of the Cultural Committee and the Headmaster. Half Colours is equivalent to a First Team blazer; Colours – the candidate must be of a Provincial standard; and Honours – the candidate must be of a National standard.
Points are used in certain societies as a guideline and are a pre-requisite, not an automatic qualifying factor. It should also be noted that to be awarded Honours, the applicant MUST have performed or be recognised at a National standard. At all times on the recommendation of the Colours Committee.
