This year has seen our scholars in the Advanced Learning Programme continue to work to the best of their ability, experience success in different domains, participate in especially organised events, and contribute positively back to the school community.

Earlier in the year we welcomed our Year 9 students and their families with an information evening. This provided an overview of the Advanced Learning Programme and what they could expect over the next five years. Staff and current students were available to answer questions and discuss the pathways in each curriculum area. The evening proved to be highly informative and successful.

In Term 1 we recognised our top scholars for 2021. These students achieved an Excellence endorsement for their NCEA Level 2 qualification. Their achievements were honoured at a formal full school assembly.

In further recognition of their achievements, we hosted a Scholars Evening with Dr Tim Smithells as the guest speaker. This provided an opportunity for our future leaders to gain insight into the changing landscape of our workplaces and the qualifications and personal attributes that may be required to best meet future needs. It also highlighted the wealth of knowledge and information that exists in our Careers Department that is so readily available to all our students and their families.

In a year that has posed many challenges, the Academic Committee (admirably led by Travis Palmer) has been active throughout. The willingness of the eight members of this committee to give back to the school community in their final year was evidenced through the enthusiasm with which events were organised and actioned. These included two very successful quiz nights, study workshops in the library, mentoring and tutoring in the Multicultural Manaaki Centre, a school-wide quiz to highlight Gifted and Talented Week and the annual general knowledge quiz for the all-important school House Competition. The committee’s ability to adapt to on-line schooling was seen during the first lockdown. Unable to run the planned workshops for examination preparation, they prepared slideshows which the students could access online instead. I congratulate this group of fine young men for the outstanding work they have done for our school.

Some of the activities organised by the committee have enabled Year 13 Academic Honours students to become involved in academically focused service programmes. They have run the twice weekly study workshop sessions, where they have been at hand to help any student with questions regarding their studies. Many of the Year 12 Academic Excellence students have also helped to tutor and mentor others on a weekly basis at the Multicultural Manaaki Centre. Three of these students have been chosen to take more of an organisational role next year assisting Ms Shah which is testament to the unconditional service and skills that these students have provided. The school thanks all these young men for the many hours committed to the various academic service programmes. The time they have selflessly given has aided other students immeasurably.

As we approach the end of the year, students in the Year 10 ALP classes are undertaking NCEA Level 1 in specific subject areas. These students will go on to study for the prestigious Cambridge International Examinations in both Years 11 and 12, alongside NCEA Level 2.

Our senior ALP students have been busy this year, studying for both Cambridge examinations and their NCEA qualifications. Our top Year 13 students have been further challenged academically as they prepare to sit both their NCEA Level 3 examinations and New Zealand Scholarship Examinations. Last year, Hamilton Boys’ High School gained 49 Scholarships - the highest number of any school in the Waikato - and our aim is to repeat this achievement. This year, 90 students have enrolled for at least one Scholarship examination.

To bring the year to a close, our Year 9 ALP students were also all invited to take part in ‘The Night of the Notables’. In this activity, students research the life and achievements of a notable person in history and present this person to an audience of parents and peers. At the time of writing, this event was yet to take place, but it will certainly be both educational and entertaining. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, parents will not have been able to attend this year.

We look forward to a more settled year in 2022 where our top scholars continue to carve their futures through the Advanced Learning Programme.