With over 150 years of proud history at Nelson College, “Preppies” are integral to the school’s culture and identity. Participation in college traditions helps boys develop a sense of pride in their school. The recent Quadrangular Tournament allowed our young students to experience the essence of belonging to something far greater than themselves. Our boys develop the same sense of pride and commitment to their school as is shown by the senior college students. Personal relationships formed at the Prep school help create a nurturing environment for young boys. Seven years in the college environment allows for the development of strong, supportive friendships forming a rich relationship base for the future.

We know that boys need firm and consistent boundaries. A caring and supportive pastoral care system is also important. We encourage boys to establish meaningful relationships with their peers and, just as importantly, with their homeroom teacher. We practice effective, open communication and encourage our parents to be actively involved in their son’s education. We recognise the positive impact of male role models in the life of boys. Our Prep students look up to senior college boys who exemplify excellence in academic, sporting and cultural activities.

We recognise that Literacy and Numeracy are a critical part of a boy’s education. The Prep timetable reflects the importance of reading, writing and maths in the students’ daily routine. A strong focus on the basics is balanced with a broad and comprehensive range of subjects. Boys are engaged and intrigued by interesting topics in Science, Social Studies and Health such as Exploration and Survival; Trench Warfare; Rockets and Shackleton. Such topics capture their imagination, engaging and motivating them not only to participate, but to achieve a high level of understanding and achievement. We are fortunate to employ specialist teachers and use facilities at Nelson College for Music, Drama, French, Japanese, Maori and Technology, providing a variety of learning opportunities over the course of their intermediate years.

It is essential that 21st century boys are confident in applying computer technology to their studies, accessing information and creatively sharing what they have found with others in digital formats. To allow our boys to develop this confidence, we have a ratio of one computer to every two boys in every classroom. As well as encouraging boys to become digitally competent, boys need to learn to become critical thinkers. Thinking skills are timetabled into the weekly programme. Prep boys are taught a range of strategies which they use to tackle problems that they may face now and in the future. We also provide the opportunity for boys to participate in the Future Problem Solving Programme, a nationally and internationally renowned programme in which Nelson College has consistently performed at a very high level.

Boys must be physically active on a regular basis. Physical Education, Sport and Outdoor Education play an important role in the daily programme. Providing opportunities to exercise regularly and to compete against each other and other schools are critically important in boys’ all round development.

Prep has a proud history of leading students into the outdoors. We believe that there is no better environment to cement relationships, both between the boys and between the teacher and their students. The year level camps are key features of the Prep School programme.  The Year 7’s travel to Nydia Bay in the Marlborough Sounds or tramp in the Abel Tasman National Park.  The Year 8’s travelled to the North Island this year to complete the Tongariro Crossing.  In addition to these trips, there are a number of one day activities such as day tramps, kayaking trips, mountain biking expeditions and skiing trips.