These ‘immersion’ students, from schools in the United Kingdom, South Africa, the United States and Canada, are on the reciprocal end of the Beyond Queenslea Drive Immersion programme offered to Year 10 students. In 2008, 14 Christ Church boys were given an opportunity to go beyond Queenslea Drive and immerse themselves in school environments in other parts of the world.

Headmaster Garth Wynne said the programme had grown out of a strategic consultation with parents in 2005. “They wanted their sons to get out of this beautiful part of the world and experience other countries and cultures,” he said. Selected students may attend schools from between four weeks to a full term in the first half of Year 10.

Since its introduction in 2006, the number of reciprocal schools has increased with the possibility of immersing with schools in New Zealand and South-East Asia in 2009. Immersion schools in 2008 include Wellington College, King’s College, Tonbridge School, Brighton College and Dean Close School in the UK; Kearnsey College and Michaelhouse in South Africa; St Christopher’s School in the US; and St Andrew’s College in Canada.

Applications for 2009 are closing soon. Interested families are asked to return their application forms to the Headmaster’s Secretary as soon as possible. If you require further information, please contact Immersion Programme Co-ordinator Edward Pietrucha on 9442 1555.