About the School Founded in 1891, Wanganui Girls’ College has been devoted to the education of young women for over one hundred years. Recognising the challenges awaiting young women in the 21st century, the school develops the skills they need to build the businesses, careers and communities of the future. The school provides a physical, social and intellectual environment which promotes achievement and personal growth. The Motto ‘Ad Astra Hostel’ and ‘Poutamatia’ are words of encouragement to all girls to ‘aim high’ and to strive for excellence in everything they do. Our excellent facilities and spacious grounds are in a tranquil suburb of the city bordering on the river. Our facilities include a gymnasium, Performing Arts Centre, swimming pool, tennis courts and a technology facility with state of the art equipment. We are at the cutting edge of the delivery of the Technology curriculum.

The Hostel Colourful flower gardens and lawns surround Ad Astra Hostel. The comfortable boarding facilities are next to the school and within easy walking distance of Kowhai Park, the city and the art gallery, museum, library and sporting facilities. The beautiful physical setting of the city, with its outlook to the sea, river and mountains, combines with a mild climate to encourage year-round outdoor activities and a closeness to the natural world that is sometimes hard to find in big cities.

Academic Programme We provide a wide range of learning opportunities to extend the horizons of students to a broad range of subjects before senior level specialisation. Senior students can choose studies at various levels in everything from tourism to mathematics and psychology to information technology. Courses as diverse as dance, drama, fashion textile design, food & hospitality, painting, photography, print making and sculpture are also offered to extend the interests of students. Our students also benefit from the willing help of senior students in peer tutoring and peer reading programmes. The school’s top academic achievers are acknowledged by being made members of the Academic League. Students are encouraged to make the most of their abilities and of the opportunities available to them through career and academic counselling.

Cultural Opportunities All girls are encouraged to take part in drama, debating, dance, speech-making, choir and orchestra. Speech lessons can be arranged with the school. Group and individual tuition is also available for a range of musical instruments. Individual music lessons are offered at all levels in voice and a range of instruments. Our girls excel in their cultural endeavours. Stage Challenge sees our girls represent the school at the regional competitions. Poutamatia Our Kapa Haka group (Poutamatia) operates in the college enabling students to experience the living Maori culture through waiata (song) and waiata a ringa (movements). All students are eligible to join.

Sporting Life The playing fields and splendid sporting facilities at the college offer wonderful opportunities for recreation and for the development of sporting skills. Fair play, team spirit, a high standard of fitness, confidence, well-being and friendships are encouraged through participation in sport.

A large number of sports are offered and the school has affiliations with sports clubs if the sport is not offered at school. The school has excelled in many sports in local and national competition particularly in rugby, basketball, rowing, netball, volleyball and softball. A large number of students are chosen in their respective representative sides to compete both regionally and nationally. Students are actively encouraged to participate in or try new sports regardless of their ability, skill level or experience.

Student Life Providing young women with opportunities to achieve everything of which they are capable is one of the strengths of Wanganui Girls’ College. Girls from all backgrounds are encouraged to strive for success, whether it is in sports, culture or academic studies. Senior students are confident in public speaking – managing Assemblies or speaking to community groups as representatives of the school. They also provide quiet support as peer mentors or tutors, act as ‘big sisters’ to younger students in their vertical form classes and through the Student Council contribute to the management of the school. Our Senior Uniform is able to be worn by students in Years 12 and 13. Year 13 students say farewell to secondary school at a special graduation ceremony at the end of the year. Year 10 students visit the South Island as part of their Outdoor Education at the end of the year.

Houses The house system is a long established tradition at WGC and students take a real pride in participating in activities to represent their house. The school is divided into six houses named for the counties in England where early staff and students originated from. All students and staff belong to a house. The responsibilities which students learn to take on as part of the house system develops leadership skills and allow the students to make lasting friendships with girls of different ages.

On enrolment students may choose to enter a particular house if there is a family affiliation. Each house has its own mascot and banner and students proudly wear colours on appropriate occasions.

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