At Tauranga Boys' College, Speech & Writing Arts provide a dynamic platform for students to extend their enjoyment of languages beyond the classroom. Whether it's crafting compelling arguments in debating, expressing ideas through creative writing, or developing confidence in public speaking, our programmes foster critical thinking, creativity, and communication.
CREATIVE WRITING
Creative writing is a powerful way for students to express themselves and develop their unique voice—there’s no better time to get involved. The ‘Competitions’ page is updated regularly to include writing of all types. There are national writing competitions for lyrics, poetry, short stories, and microfiction. Prizewinners receive a variety of rewards, including cash, laptops, and publication.
DEBATING
Tauranga Boys’ College has both junior and senior debating teams, with groups typically meeting weekly to prepare for competitions throughout the year. These include exchanges with local schools and several major tournaments such as the NZDC regional and national competitions, the Waikato University Mooting Competition, the Super 8 Arts & Cultural Festival, and the NZDC British Parliamentary events. TBC also takes part in an annual Shield Challenge with TGC and an exchange with St Paul’s College. Our debating teams have achieved fantastic results in recent years, and TBC continues to uphold a strong, competitive presence on the national debating circuit.
ORATORY
Throughout the year, students take part in a range of speech competitions, including Race Unity, Lions, the Shakespearean Monologue, and the Super 8 Speech Competition. The year culminates in the annual Tauranga Boys’ College Speech Competition, held in Term 4. These events give students the opportunity to develop their oratory skills and represent the school both in the community and at national level. There’s plenty of pride—and sometimes prize money—on the line, making these competitions a rewarding and exciting part of the TBC cultural calendar.
