Otago Boys' High School New Zealand

A great history, and exciting future...

Otago Boys High School was established in 1863 to provide education for students from Dunedin, Otago and Southland. This remains the central focus for the school today, although students from other parts of New Zealand and overseas are now included on our roll.

The school opened on its present site in Arthur Street in 1885. Until then it had shared a site in Dowling Street with Otago Girls High School. The Main Tower Block, designed by Mr R A Lawson, has long been regarded as one of the finest pieces of architecture in Dunedin. Increasing roll numbers from 1903 led to the opening of the Shand Building in 1914. In 1920 the Fulton Building provided six additional classrooms, but this has since been replaced with the gymnasium complex and swimming pool.

A former Rector, Mr W J Morrell, gave his name to one of the more recent teaching blocks sited on what was the old fives court. Specialist science laboratories were constructed in 1967, and were named after the world-renowned plastic surgeon Sir Archibald McIndoe, an Old Boy of the school. Mr D J MacLachlan, Rector from 1963 to 1985, worked tirelessly for the construction of the main teaching block, which now bears his name. Included in his efforts were the preservation and refurbishment of the Main Tower Block, the central feature of which is the Maurice Joel Theatre. These buildings were opened in 1983.

The new buildings blend naturally and elegantly with the architecture of the past, providing a unique environment for learning and the enjoyment of school life and activities.

Our values

The philosophy of the school is reflected in its list of core values: academic focus self--discipline mutual respect understanding and acceptance of diversity tradition of achievement tradition of participation personal integrity and honesty positive attitude cooperation and responsibility self--reliance and confidence.

Our vision

Otago Boys High School offers the very best education for boys. The school environment will promote achievement and excellence in all aspects of learning personal, social cultural, academic and sporting.

Through participation, students will grow to enjoy success and confidence in an environment which fosters leadership and a positive approach to future work in society.

Our location

Otago Boys High School is located close to the retail and commercial centre of Dunedin. It is within easy walking distance of the libraries, art galleries, museums, University of Otago, Otago Polytechnic and world-class sporting facilities.

Dunedin is New Zealand s first city, with many fine examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture and some of the most spectacular coastal wildlife of any city in the world.

Population 110,000Modern city living in a village atmosphere

Student--friendly and safe Pacific coastline and beaches

World--renowned University of Otago

Otago rugby and cricket at Carisbrook

Twelve golf courses Several art galleries and museums

Only four hours drive to Queenstown and Central Otago ski-fields

International students

The Board of Trustees sets down the limit of International Students in relation to the number of total pupils in the school.  We enrol between 40 to 45 international pupils and the school roll is around 700 pupils.

Our goals are:to develop an international education perspective for all students, staff, parents, caregivers and the wider community to establish an optimum number of International Students in relation to the school to develop appropriate staffing practices to cater for International Students.

Each International Student is supported by an E.S.O.L. programme. On arrival, an assessment of the English level of the student is made. An appropriate E.S.O.L. programme will be arranged for individual students. They will also be placed with New Zealand students for the subjects they have chosen as part of their course.

Senior students wanting to gain entrance qualifications to University may have to do a two-year course beginning at year 12 level, in order to achieve the level of English required for University courses. This applies to students from countries where education is not in English. While you may have achieved good passes in your own country, when you come to New Zealand and classes are all taught in English and the style of teaching is different, you will find you will not achieve as well as you would hope. 

CONTACT

Otago Boys' High School

2 Arthur Street, Dunedin, New Zealand

Postal address:

PO Box 11, Dunedin, New Zealand

Phone: +64 3 477 5527

Fax: +64 3 477 5468

Email: school.sec@obhs.school.nz

Web: www.obhs.school.nz