The first Friday back for term 4 saw the college hall fill up with a keen audience, there to take in a highly anticipated afternoon of pure entertainment. The event was, of course, the Nayland’s Got Talent final.

The show featured a varied programme, from big house numbers to solo stand-ups, duo song performances, dances, and acts by both the Year 13s and the teachers.

It was year 9 Aquila student Nina Grant’s first experience of NGT. “The show was really upbeat and fun, with some cool games in the transitions,” she said. “I think the acts that got the most reaction were the house acts because, a lot of teachers were getting into it and dressing up. Kids would sing and clap along to their favorite songs. Overall I really liked it.” She said her personal favourite was the comedy act by Eden because he got students to come up and help him.

For House Pegasus student Josh Carter, a highlight was Kaitlyn and Joseph singing ‘Hallelujah’, as it was a tribute to Andrea from the student centre, who is leaving Nayland. “It was sooo good and they were both amazing singers. Very touching and brought a tear to my eye."

Fellow Pegasaurian Aleisha Smith said the performance from Will and Ruby, who make up the duo Three's a Crowd, was a personal highlight. “They sang an original song and Will played the piano. Consistent with their past performances, it was a delight to watch, as their voices sound beautiful together.”

The other acts evoked strong responses from the appreciative audience too. These included Nayland’s kapa haka group, Te Whanau o Neirana, for their powerful and captivating performance, as well as the Year 13 group who finished their last NGT in style with an acting, singing, dance combo. Some of the songs had a ‘Goodbye’ theme, played as they danced off the stage waving to the audience.

The teachers’ act always provokes an enthusiastic audience response and this year it featured a mash-up of both recent and classic hits. “The highlight was Matt (cooking teacher) breakdancing for me, but there were many other teachers who we saw a different side to!” Josh said.

Aleisha enjoyed seeing the teachers and students getting into the zone together on stage, especially in the Pegasus House act. “The students and teachers alike were dressed in cowboy attire, complete with wide-brim cowboy hats, and it included songs such as 'Take Me Home, Country Roads' and the more modern 'Old Town Road'”.

All in all, it was another hugely successful NGT final. Congratulations to everyone who participated.