Clubs
The clubs at Wellington College are a great way for students to spend time doing things they enjoy, meet fellow students with similar interests, and learn new skills.
At the start of each school year we hold a Clubs Day so students can learn about them and sign up.
Most clubs meet at lunchtime on a day and in a classroom. Some clubs are run by staff while others are dependent on student leadership. If students have ideas for a new club we are always interested in hearing from them – email m.ashton@wc.school.nz.
All clubs incur a charge of $15 annually for membership, charged to the school portal. Some clubs incur additional costs, particularly when involved with external competitions and events. Where possible these are detailed below.
We look forward to wide student participation in our 2025 clubs.
List of Clubs at Wellington College
This club is for anyone interested in the science and art of flight. Through discussion and with the use of simulation software members of this class developed their knowledge and understanding. In the coming year the opportunity to build a remote controlled plane is a goal for the club.
CONVENOR: Otinel Meszaros o.meszaros@wc.school.nz
Beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion primarily involving the art of mimicking drum machines, using one’s mouth, lips, tongue, and voice.
CONVENOR: Student Led, contact Mike Ashton for further information m.ashton@wc.school.nz
WC’s premiere lunchtime attraction – the board games club! All who sit in the science block on Wednesday lunchtime report hearing the shouts of enjoyment that come through the door. From classic titles like the Settlers of Catan to more niche ones like Smallworld and Ticket to Ride, BGC has it all! Anyone’s welcome, from board game newcomers to hardcore gamers. Be there or be square!
CONVENOR: Aaron Hawke a.hawke@wc.school.nz
CONVENOR: Yvette Krohn y.krohn@wc.school.nz
The Chess Club is a friendly relaxed club that welcomes players of all ability levels. Students who wish to may compete for the titles of Junior Champion, Senior Champion, and overall Wellington College Chess Champion. The school team, which comprises our top four students, competes in the regional competition. This club is for anyone interested in improving their chess skills while having fun. Club players can sign up and represent the school. WC has a very strong reputation in national competitions going back a number of years and were national champions in 2024.
CONVENOR: David Calder d.calder@wc.school.nz
Digital Club is a coding club that provides a competitive environment to senior students. Juniors that have previous knowledge are also welcome but should expect to find it challenging. If there is interest a Junior Code Club will run alongside the more senior group so no matter your level of expertise – come along and check it out.
CONVENOR: Thomas Han Stevenson t.hanstevenson@wc.school.nz
CONVENOR: Amber Bowis a.bowis@wc.school.nz
For more information about the drama clubs on offer, visit the Drama Department Website.
Junior Drama
This is a drama club for anyone interested in being involved in the traditional Junior production. There will be an audition process in term 1, and the production is cast with Junior actors and written and directed by Seniors.
CONVENOR: Monique Webster m.webster@wc.school.nz
Senior Drama
Senior Drama takes place every year and is performed in Term 3 in our school theatre. Senior Drama is written, directed and performed by Year 12-13 students.
CONVENOR: Nic Gorman/ Jessie Cooper n.gorman@wc.school.nz, j.cooper@wc.school.nz
Sheliah Winn
This is a drama club for anyone interested in preparing a Shakespeareian performance for the Sheliah Winn festival in April. Generally this is for student directed groups but staff support will be given throughout the process.
CO-CONVENORS: Jamie Cain j.cain@wc.school.nz
Theatre Sports
This is a club for anyone interested in performance improvisation. Relaxed skill building exercises and in house competitions lead on to school wide and interschool tournaments.
CONVENOR: Nic Gorman/Jessie Cooper n.gorman@wc.school.nz j.cooper@wc.school.nz
Showquest
Showquest, a student-directed nation-wide dance competition, and a musical or play. With up to 100 boys dancing and 20 backstage, Showquest is a huge production. Showquest offers students opportunities for creative leadership in performing, dancing, music, editing, filming, choreographing, story writing, lighting design, costume design and more.
Contact: Nic Gorman n.gorman@wc.school.nz
Debating teams are entered at all levels in the Wellington Regional Interschool Competition. A number of teams always reach the semi-finals and finals. In 2016 our Senior Certificate 1 team won their grade and the Senior Premier A Team won the Russell McVeagh Regional Champs. In 2017 our Prem A won the Wellington Championships and in 2018 Prem B won their grade and junior and senior teams won the regional Impromptu Champs. In 2019 Senior Certificate 1 won their grade and the Prem A team was the regional champion with 2 students selected for the Wellington team. In 2020 Prem B, Senior Cert 1, and Junior Cert 2 all won their grade 2021 saw many teams in finals with Prem B winning their grade.
Trials for the interschool teams will be held early in Term 1. Interschool debates take place in the evening or after school:
- Senior Premier A and B; Tuesday evening
- Senior Certificate; Thursday after school
- Junior Premier; Tuesday late afternoon before Senior Premier A
- Junior Certificate; Wednesday after school
In addition to the interschool competition, there is an excellent In-house competition for Years 9-13 run by senior students. Previous experience is not required for In-house debating and all interested students are placed in teams. Trials are not required. Debates take place at lunchtime.
With 150 students involved, debating is a very strong and popular Arts activity at Wellington College, and one which develops excellent skills in Public Speaking, structuring an argument, and critical thinking. The Staff vs Students Debate is always a highlight of Arts Week.
LEVELS: Years 9-13
TRIALS: Trials are held at lunchtime early in Term 1. Watch for information in the Daily Notices.
COACHING: This usually takes place at lunchtime and occasionally after school. Coaching is provided by teachers and senior students and all team members are expected to attend. Coaching for junior in-house teams is carried out by senior students.
COMPETITIONS: In-House competition: lunchtime. Interschool competition: after school or in the evenings, usually 4-5 times during Terms 1, 2, and 3.
COSTS: All students are charged the standard $15 club membership fee. Additional costs will be incurred for Interschool debaters, to a total of around $70..
CONVENOR: Ms. Cushla Thomson c.thomson@wc.school.nz
In-house Registration: Click here
Interschool Registration: Click here
This club is for anyone interested in connecting with others who enjoy tabletop role playing games. There are lots of opportunities for beginners through experienced players to join campaigns and have fun. Due to the time it takes to play, it is likely that gaming will also occur outside the lunchtimes the club meets.
CONVENOR: Liam Ford l.ford@wc.school.nz
Seniors participate for Term 1 and early Term 2 only as we prepare for a specific competition, rather than a club that runs year-round.
Juniors (Y9 & 10) participate in Term 3 and Term 4.
CONVENOR: Eliza Bartlett e.bartlett@wc.school.nz
This club will be building electric karts/bikes for the EVolocity event in October
CONVENOR: Otinel Meszaros o.meszaros@wc.school.nz
New Zealand Sign Language Club
This is a club for anyone interested in learning New Zealand Sign Language.
CONVENOR: Student Led, contact Mike Ashton for further information m.ashton@wc.school.nz
French Club LE CLUB FRANÇAIS
Students who are interested in French and French culture across the world are welcome to this club which is run and organised by Senior students studying French. French food tasting is a regular part of the meetings – the year begins with a French feast. Other activities include watching French films, listening to French music, celebrating French festivals including Fête de la Chandeleur and Poisson d’avril, playing French scrabble and other games such as Tour de France and Pétanque, If you have any problems with your French language in class, the club is the perfect place to bring it up and solve any tricky problems you may have. The club is also a place where you can prepare for DELF Scolaire, the international French-language qualification. All ideas are welcome from students.
CONVENOR: Mr. Guy Mance g.mance@wc.school.nz
COST: Any costs incurred will be added to the portal – an email will be sent home first
German Club
Are you interested in the German language and German-speaking countries? All students from Year 9 to Year 13 are welcome to this club. We begin the year with a German-style lunch that celebrates food from German-speaking countries. Students also watch German films, listen to German music, play German board games and online games/apps, and do German crafting work. All new ideas are welcome from students.
Convenor: David Russell d.russell@wc.school.nz
Hispanic Club
The Hispanic Club runs at lunchtime and is open to any student interested in learning more about Spain and Latin America. We have a range of activities, which enable students to enjoy learning about the cultural, historical, and linguistic aspects of a variety of Spanish-speaking countries. In the past, these activities have included piñata making (and breaking), film viewings, and feasting on churros and tacos.
CONVENOR: Jo Towers/Maria Villanueva j.towers@wc.school.nz m.villanueva@wc.school.nz
Japanese Club
The Japanese Club is open to all students interested in Japanese culture and language. There is a range of activities from traditional to modern and from well-known to local aspects of Japanese culture. There are perfect opportunities to learn conversational Japanese language too. This is the place where we create a positive attitude and atmosphere with Japanese culture.
CONVENOR: Mr. Shinichi Muroya s.muroya@wc.school.nz
LION DANCE GROUP
Lion Dance is a form of traditional dance in Chinese culture and other Asian countries. This will be a great cultural and sporting experience. You are going to learn lion dance skills and perform for school and community events such as opening ceremonies, Christmas parades, and Chinese New Year celebrations, etc. Join and have fun in Lion Dance Group. Everyone is welcome!
CONVENOR: Mr. Feng Yu f.yu@wc.school.nz
Magic the Gathering club provides a venue for MtG players (primarily EDH/Commander and Modern) to play. Please bring your own decks.
CONVENOR: Liz Nock l.nock@wc.school.nz
Film is a vast vault of stories stretching back one hundred years, across every continent and told in every language. It is an extraordinary cultural asset, yet New Zealand students see practically nothing of it. The theatrical releases represent a tiny and culturally skewed percentage of this archive of creative and intellectual endeavour. The WC Movie Club will offer opportunities to engage with film beyond the popcorn and soda experience.
CONVENOR: Danni Cole/Dan Slater d.cole@wc.school.nz d.slater@wc.school.nz
This is a club for anyone interested in the magical art of paper folding. If you are a novice or highly experienced, this club lets you explore origami further in a relaxing and supportive environment.
CONVENOR: Mr. James Hurring j.hurring@wc.school.nz
This is a club for preparing a performance group for the Tutagata Festival. It is open to all students.
CONVENOR: Debbie Tiatia d.tiatia@wc.school.nz
This is an arts club for anyone interested in the creative and technical aspects of great photography. Along with in-club exercises and activities it is likely members will be assigned to take photos of school events and celebrations.
CONVENOR: Stephanie O’Brien s.obrien@wc.school.nz
At Politics Club we discuss not only politics but a range of philosophical and ethical issues. Some moots have been: Violence by Black Lives Matter protestors is justified, Statues of NZ colonial figures should be removed, and NZ acted too strongly to eliminate Covid-19. Unlike debating, however, the aim of the Politics Club is not to ‘win’ the argument – instead, we listen to others, as well as express our own views, and we are willing to change our minds!
CONVENOR:Alistair Crawford a.crawford@wc.school.nz
Public Speaking is a skill that is valued and fostered at Wellington College and we have a record of success in competitions. Students are helped to prepare and deliver their speeches for a number of local and national competitions such as the United Nations Secondary Schools Speech Award, Lions Young Speechmaker Competition, and the Stockley Cup.
The Wellington College Speaking Competition takes place in Term 3. All Year 9 to Year 11 students deliver a prepared speech in their English class. For Year 12 and 13 students, entry is voluntary. Semifinalists from each class are narrowed down to three or four finalists at junior, intermediate, and senior level. Finals will take place at an evening function.
The College Unprepared Speech Competition is open to all senior students and has the advantage of not requiring preparation or study.
CONVENOR: Student led – contact Mike Ashton for further information m.ashton@wc.school.nz
This is a club for any one interested in building a strong and supportive group of WC students aligned with the wider LGBTQ+ community.
CONVENOR: James Cain/Amber Bowis j.cain@wc.school.nz a.bowis@wc.school.nz
Do you enjoy solving Rubiks Cube or a myriad of other logic puzzles, or just interested in learning how then this is the perfect club for you? With hundreds of puzzles to choose from, covering Rubik’s complete range through to metal twist puzzles and wooden dissection puzzles, there is something to challenge everyone. Get key pointers from WC’s own world-class cubers or learn to master new puzzles.
CONVENOR: Mr. James Hurring j.hurring@wc.school.nz
Te Haeata Awatea
Taiahaha! Taiahaha!
Ko te mana Māori e ngunguru nei! I au! Au! Auē hā! Hī!
Te Haeata Awatea e ngunguru nei! I au! Au! Auē hā! Hī!
Kapa Haka offers students an opportunity to be involved in Māori performing arts. They will learn a whole range of kapa haka skills, including a variety of haka & waiata, choreography, as well as mau rākau (weaponry) and taonga pūoro (musical instruments). Students will have the opportunity to perform in school-based performances and regional & national events. Wellington College combines with Wellington Girls’ College in a group called Te Haeata Awatea.
COORDINATOR: Whaea Katie Thompson k.thompson@wc.school.nz
PRACTICES: The group practices throughout the year. Combined after-school practices are held weekly, Monday after school, at either Wellington College or Wellington Girls’ College. School-based practices are held before school and during lunchtime. Noho Marae will be run in the build-up to events or competitions. Participants are expected to attend all practices, rehearsals, and noho marae.
MEMBERSHIP: Open to all Wellington College students. Parents and whānau are expected to be a part of the kapa haka support group.
COSTS: $200. Participating in fundraising is required.
Kia mau ki ngā taonga a Tāne-rore!
This club is for anyone who wants to get involved in the sound and lighting that goes on behind the scenes of the productions at Wellington College
CONVENOR: Mike Ashton m.ashton@wc.school.nz
This club has been running for many years. It is for anyone interested in being involved in the events and activities that supports and enhances Pacific culture, community and identity at WC.
CONVENOR: Debbie Tiatia, d.tiatia@wc.school.nz>
Wellington College Tramping Club is open to students from Years 10 and up. Two trips run in Term 1 and one in each of Terms 2 and 3. Trips run to a variety of National and Forest Parks in the lower North Island and upper South Island. Often, trips are split into two or three groups, with each group taking a route with different levels of difficulty.
COSTS: Any costs incurred will be added to the portal – an email will be sent home first
CONVENOR:Phil Kendon p.kendon@wc.school.nz
This club has been running for many years. It is for anyone interested in being involved in the events and activities that supports and enhances Māori culture, community and identity at WC.
CONVENOR: Whaea Katie Thompson k.thompson@wc.school.nz
If you’re new to Ultimate Frisbee, we’re thrilled to have you join our vibrant community. Whether you’re here for the competition or just for fun, Wellington’s Ultimate scene has something for everyone!
Summer Leagues: Our social-grade games kick off at 4:10 PM Monday each week at Liardet Street Park. It’s an easy 10-minute walk from the Number 1 bus stop. Arrive early for some throwing practice before the games! While the first week might be a little chaotic, we’ll dive into strategy and structure in the following weeks.
Training Opportunities:
WC Training: Wednesdays on the turf after school, 3:30–5:00 PM.
Lunchtime Throwing Sessions: Tuesdays on the first field during lunchtime.
Wellington Youth Training: Saturdays on the turf, 9:30–11:30 AM, bringing together players from various schools to improve skills and make new friends.
Ultimate is a fantastic way to stay active, meet people, and have fun—so bring a friend and give it a go. See you on the field!
CONVENOR: Mark Gunkel m.gunkel@wc.school.nz
CONVENOR: James Riach j.riach@wc.school.nz
CONVENOR: Dan Slater d.slater@wc.school.nz
This group is dependant on there being a group of keen students. All interested players welcome.
CONVENOR: Govinda Lascelles g.lascelles@wc.school.nz
Work on developing/improving the school and Community environment to make it more sustainable space
CONVENOR: Nichole Devine n.devine@wc.school.nz
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award began in the UK in the 1950s. It has grown to include countries all over the world and tens of thousands of students are involved world – wide every year. The award suits students who are already doing some extra-curricular activities. The sections include an expedition (for example a tramp), sport, skill and service.
