Additional opportunities
Beyond the classroom, Wellesley offers rich opportunities for boys to explore talents, build friendships and discover new passions.
Music programmes
Music fills our halls with energy and purpose. Whether your son dreams of playing violin, joining a rock band, or singing with mates, we have got pathways to nurture every musical journey. Our programmes build confidence alongside capability.
Available music opportunities
Boys can access one-on-one lessons during school hours with our talented itinerant music teachers. Piano and violin lessons welcome all boys from Years 1-8, while other instruments — including guitar, drums, woodwind, brass and vocal tuition — open up for Years 5-8. Daily practice at home is essential for progress, and we encourage boys to share their developing skills at assemblies and concerts when they are ready. It is about finding the right instrument at the right time, with expert guidance every step of the way.
There is something powerful about boys’ voices raised together in song. Our Bay Boys School Choir is open to boys in Years 6 to 8 boys, who audition to be part of the ensemble. They perform at many school and community events, enjoy choir exchanges and go on tour every second year. Singing a wide range of repertoire, the choir gives boys the chance to develop their musical skills while building confidence, teamwork and the joy of sharing music with others.
Our Year 4-6 choir, the Kōtare Voices, requires no auditions and a great place for students to develop a sense of performance and singing as a group.
Singing is serious business at Wellesley. These groups tackle diverse repertoires and perform at school and community events. The biennial Bay Boys choir tour is a highlight that combines musical growth with unforgettable adventures.
Nothing quite captures the energy of youth like a rock band in full flight. Our Year 5-6 and Year 7-8 bands channel that enthusiasm into real musical skills. Boys have the chance to feel like rock stars while developing timing, teamwork, and stage presence.
Art Extension
Creative expression takes many forms at Wellesley. Our lunchtime Drawing Club welcomes artists across all year levels who want to explore their visual creativity in a relaxed setting.
For our Year 8 boys seeking deeper artistic development, Art Extension classes run before and after school, providing dedicated time to refine techniques, experiment with new media, and develop personal artistic style. These sessions, guided by our specialist art teacher, offer the perfect balance of structure and creative freedom.
Chess
Under the expert guidance of Mark van de Hoorn, a former New Zealand Major Open Champion, boys from Years 4 to 8 have the opportunity to receive chess tuition. Junior and middle school students enjoy lunchtime sessions, while senior boys attend after-school lessons. Chess is a popular activity among the students, and the highlight of the year is the prestigious Taylor-Hall Chess Tournament, where players compete for the coveted title of Wellesley Chess Champion. These sessions not only foster strategic thinking and concentration but also build camaraderie and a love for the game
Clubs
Our clubs programme lets boys dive deep into their interests. Each provides a space where passionate learners connect with like-minded mates. New clubs often emerge from student interests, with boys taking leadership in creating opportunities for others. It is about finding your tribe and exploring what fascinates you.
Leadership
Leadership is a key focus in the Senior School, helping boys build, confidence, empathy and integrity. In Year 7, students develop leadership through mentoring, school events, and attending the NZ National Young Leaders Day. By Year 8, they take on roles such as House Captains, Sports Captains, STEM Leaders, and Library Monitors. House Captains lead portfolios in Culture, Arts, Community, or Sport, each organising a major school event. Leadership is also part of daily life through event hosting, school service, and the Tuakana Teina peer system, fostering connection and responsibility.
Non-core sport programmes
Sport at Wellesley extends well beyond PE and inter-school fixtures. Our extra-curricular programme offers year-round and seasonal options that challenge boys to push their limits while having fun. These activities complement our core sports programme, providing additional pathways for boys to develop skills, fitness and friendships.
All programmes may involve additional costs and often need parent support for coaching and transport. Information about sign-ups and fees comes through the newsletter at the start of each season.
Available sports
Fencing (Years 5-8)
After-school sessions in the hall where strategy meets athleticism.
Underwater Hockey (Years 7-8)
Saturday tournaments that combine swimming skills with tactical play.
Waterpolo (Years 7-8)
Wednesday afternoons at Huia Pool, building endurance and teamwork.
Badminton (Years 5 – 8)
Competitive play at Naenae Hall, with Years 7-8 on Thursdays and Years 5-6 on Tuesdays.
Basketball (Years 5 – 8)
Winter competition in Hutt and City leagues, with teams of 8-9 players.
Table Tennis (Years 5 – 8)
Lunchtime championships leading to Term 3’s external top-12 tournament.
Waterpolo (Years 7 & 8)
Waterpolo is offered during the winter terms and coached in a combination of staff and an external provider. We do require parental help with transport on a Wednesday morning after training at Huia pool.
All students compete in the Wellesley House Competitions of these three codes. From these events, students qualify for zones. Zones is where students compete against schools in the Hutt Valley. From here, they can qualify for regionals
Senior triathlon event runs in Term Four. Students compete in teams of three. The triathlon consists of swimming (in the ocean), running and biking. Students can choose to sign up for competitive and non-competitive events.
- Weetbix Triathlon: A fun community event, led by our parents, where boys swim, bike, and run alongside thousands of others, proudly representing Wellesley.
- Mudrun: A challenging off-site adventure that tests endurance and teamwork as boys race through mud, obstacles, and laughter.
Wellesley United football academy
Our football academy runs during school hours, transforming passionate young footballers through focused technical development.
Our philosophy is simple: boys who are more technically able enjoy the game more because they can make more of an impact on the game. When you are comfortable with the ball at your feet, when your first touch sets you up perfectly, when you can execute what you have imagined — that is when football becomes pure joy. That is what we are building.
Our approach
Training replicates match conditions — same speed, same pressure, same decision-making. Opposed situations teach the boys how to think quickly: when space closes, what is your option? When it opens, can you exploit it? This builds “football intelligence”, the ability to read the game, anticipate what is next, and make the right choice under pressure.
Unlike team training focused on formations, we develop each boy’s personal technical journey. Boys keep playing for their local clubs on weekends. We provide technical excellence during the week; they apply it on Saturday.
Most importantly, that technical ability builds confidence. Confident players get more involved, attempt more and enjoy the game more.
Getting involved
Boys apply through expression of interest at Term 1’s end, with limited places ensuring focused attention. Training runs Terms 2-3 during school hours, across three groups:
- Junior — Little Ballers (Years 1-4)
- Middle — Apprentice Group (Years 5-6)
- Senior — Pro Group (Years 7-8)