Term One Group visits. Term One was packed with group visits from Korea, Thailand and France. Each group had a different focus so it was a very busy and exciting time as we learnt about different cultures, made new friends and contacts both in and out of the classroom.

Vajiravudh College from Thailand visited us for the first time this year.  Vajiravudh College is an all-boys boarding school in Bangkok,  that was founded by King Rama VI who is also known as King Vajiravudh.  Following his accession to the throne, the King, who was educated at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Oxford University,  established the Royal Pages College which was subsequently renamed Vajiravudh College by King Rama VII to honour his brother.

https://www.vajiravudhcollege.com/home-home.page

The College has and excellent academic programme and and very strong sporting programme. Rugby is played across all year levels and is one of the things Vajiravudh is reknown for.

A group of 21 students and three staff members came to SBHS for three weeks. They took part in a programme that had a strong sporting focus with some English Language lessons and various excursions.

The students took part in special PE classes with a Rugby focus run by Mr. Nick Rapana. The SBHS PE Department welcomed the lads and made facilities available to them.  While here,they participated in rugby training, used our weights room and took part in target shooting, mountain biking, and  a high ropes course.

Their school excursions included Willowbank, the Antarctic Centre, Clip 'N Climb, Jet Boating, a visit to the Margaret Mahy playground and a Super Rugby game. Weekends were spent with their wonderful hosts who showed them around Christchurch and the environs. Thank you to our wonderful hosts!

A highlight for the boys and staff was the opportunity to see the Crusaders train. A huge thank you to the Crusader management and the players for letting us come along. The boys were thrilled when Scott "Razor" Robertson took the chance to personally say hello to the group and  at the end to have the opprtunity to meet Ryan Crotty, a SBHS Old Boy and George Whitelock. 

We received great feedback on the programme. We look forward to  welcoming the group back next year.