King’s High School - Building Character | Otago Daily Times Online News

The development of our young men both at school and beyond is built on some fundamental principles; the key elements of which form the fabric and foundation of King's.

Our ultimate goal is "Building Men For Life", men who will be leaders in our school, in our families, our communities and, ultimately, even our country.

To facilitate this development of leadership and good character in our young men, the school uses many mechanisms. However, two programmes that play a major role are the Oestreicher Leadership Programme and the King's Men Society, In the Oestreicher Leadership Programme, students are taught and practise effective leadership and have the opportunity to earn gold, silver or bronze awards.

The King's Men Society focuses on the development of character. We recognise that good character is learned and endeavour to complement and reinforce the values and expectations that are taught in the home.

The King's Men Society is designed to teach young men what it means to be a man in today's society. The course includes students learning a diverse set of skills and taking part in a wide range of learning, with the aim of empowering them to leave King's as young men able to succeed in the world academically, socially and culturally.

King's Men Society

Below is a table outlining the King's Men Society Programme.

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Years 12 & 13

An Educated Man
Recognising the importance of
education to our past, present and
future.

A Giving Man
Appreciating the benefits of giving and
learning how to avoid debt, build wealth
and philanthropy.

A Strong Man
Being emotionally strong and resilient.
Dealing with conflict, self-control and
emotions.

A Healthy Man
Understanding the value of being and
how to be physically healthy. Focusing
on exercise, diet and hygiene.

A Domestic Man
Gaining an awareness of and learning
how to complete domestic tasks around
the house.

A Gentleman
How to show respect to others. Illustrating
the way good men talk and act.

A Worldly Man
Understand New Zealand's place in
the world, our historical impact and
the importance of other countries and
cultures.

A Safe Man
Educating students how to safely
enjoy and use New Zealand's natural
resources.

A Sophisticated Man
Introduction to social norms and
expectations, beginning with the basic
rules of formal dining.

A Working Man
Preparing students to enter the
workforce; interview skills and CV
preparation. This module involves
a speaker presentation and mock
interview sessions.

A Community Man
Educating students on the importance
and rewards of giving back to the
community.

A Healthy Man
Understanding the issues around
male health in New Zealand. This will
include an information evening with
practical demonstrations from health
professionals.

A Strong Man
Exploring issues around male mental
health, with guest speakers and
organisations in attendance.

An Articulate Man
Developing confidence in
public speaking. Preparing and
performing a speech.

A Sophisticated Man
Appreciating the value of
presentation. What to wear for every
occasion. DOs and DON'Ts of fashion.
Dancing lessons.

An Independent Man
Being ready to live independently.
Flatting advice – rights and
responsibilities. Meal ideas –
preparing and cooking meals for
four or more people.