The Arts at Columba

All students are encouraged to be involved in the arts and cultural activities, to develop their creativity and to enhance their learning and social development through participation.

Students have many opportunities to perform and compete at school, and also regionally and nationally. A wide selection of cultural clubs and activities is also on offer to enable all students to discover strengths and interests and to experience enjoyment through the arts.

Arts Blues are awarded annually to students showing excellence and consistent participation in College cultural activities. The disciplines covered by the award of an Arts Blue include Dance, Debating, Drama, Kapa Haka, Languages, Music, Performing Arts, Public Speaking, Speech and Drama, Visual Arts and Writing.

The annual Creative Writing Competition is named after two Old Girls: The Elspeth Sandys Creative Writing Award for Prose and The Cilla McQueen Creative Writing Award for Poetry. Both are noted New Zealand writers.

Artist in Residence Programme

The Artist in Residence programme is generously funded by the Parents’ Association and has been an excellent addition to the cultural enrichment offered to students.

Private Music Tuition

The College offers an extensive range of music-making opportunities through Music as a curriculum subject and through co-curricular activities and groups which include choirs, orchestras, chamber groups and performances on school occasions and in the wider community.
In addition, a number of private Music Tutors offer private instrumental tuition on campus.

Speech and Drama Tuition

We believe the ability to communicate effectively is an essential skill at school, in the community and in students’ future careers.
Students have many opportunities to become confident speakers in public through introducing guest presenters and proposing votes of thanks, participating in drama performances, giving speeches in assembly, or doing presentations and learning discussion skills in classes.
Formal Speech and Drama tuition is available through a private Tutor on campus.