Rector's Message

Otago Boys’ High School is ‘Best for Boys through the right learning’.

Best for boys through the right learning begins with our academic culture – we promote and support an environment that challenges every boy to reach his potential. Dedicated and well-qualified teachers, use a range of teaching techniques that engage boys in the classroom. We specialize in teaching all boys.

Every boy is given the best opportunity to thrive.  It starts in the junior school with deliberately smaller class sizes, compared to many New Zealand secondary schools.  Why, because the connection between teacher and student is a key determinate of success.

As a teaching staff we continue to develop the balance between traditional learning and modern learning opportunities. We are a school that believes boys need to know ‘stuff’, not just how to find ‘stuff’. Our development of quality teaching practice, positive teacher student relationships and a culture of learning matters. Academic achievement is the priority.

Outside of the classroom, on the stage and on sports fields boys are encouraged to compete and develop skills and life experiences. The culture of our co-curricular teams support the culture of our school. Many of our students yearly will represent the region and nation on the international stages and sports fields. The high performance programmes here develop fine athletes.

As a school we have high standards and expectations for all. We sweat the small stuff. We believe in our values of Perseverance, Excellence, Courage, Honour and Respect. We expect staff and students to live these every day. Before young men can lead others, they must lead themselves.

We celebrate all success, that aim of every student is to cross the stage at assembly, and there is no greater recognition for us than to cross the stage. We celebrate tall poppies.

Our fine tradition of excellence with 160 years of achievement in boys’ education allows us to be innovative and forward thinking.

Dunedin as a city, Otago as a community and New Zealand as a nation benefits from the first class education our Otago Boys’ High School provides.

Recti Cultus Pectora Roborant.

Richard Hall
Rector