Cantabrians are justifiably proud of their pioneering heritage, which lives on today in rural and urban settings. Undoubtedly, one of the most enduring elements of Canterbury?s history is Christ?s College. Founded in 1850, College has had more experience than most schools about educating boys for the general duties of life.

In 2002, some traditions of old continue to be well maintained, particularly on the sporting field and in academic achievement. College also has a proud architectural tradition, and one of the finest collections of heritage buildings that exists anywhere in New Zealand. That is a claim made by architect Sir Miles Warren, who it is true has a bias in making it, given that he has designed a number of those buildings and is also an Old Boy of the school. It is nevertheless a fair description, and Headmaster Mr Robert Zordan is keen to ensure that Cantabrians can see that for themselves.

On Tuesday, 22 October, from 4pm-6pm, the new building and other school facilities will be opened up to Christchurch and Canterbury with a special event to celebrate the latest addition to Christ?s College?s facilities.

Spectators of the school may not have even noticed the new four-level structure, sited as it is in an unobtrusive way in a corner of the famed College quadrangle. Though it rises above neighbouring structures - the Chapel, Selwyn and the library - the new building blends in.

Sir Miles, who designed the building in conjunction with Alec Bruce, of Wilkie Bruce Architects, says that protecting the visual appeal of the Quadrangle was a priority for the school. ?It was an interesting challenge to design a building that related to the historic structures around it. That has been achieved with the sharply pitched roofs, and use of stonework, which links it so well.

?At the same time, we have met today's much more sophisticated teaching requirements - and it is about as boy-proof as we could make it!?

The sophistication Sir Miles speaks of has much to do with the installation of the latest Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) within the new building. Christ?s College is at the leading edge in its use of ICT to enhance learning. This means that students enjoy the use of a variety of computer and multimedia based learning resources. Through ICT, they can access the College community and its resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Mr Zordan says there are compelling reasons for investing in ICT to the benefit of boys? education.

?The anecdotal evidence is obvious: for boys, ICT encourages learning. It allows them to experiment with literacy because they can edit so readily. It is tactile, and boys love that. The bottomline is, if they enjoy it, the education outcomes are greatly improved.?

The new building is by no means just about the wired world. Traditional technology and art are practised to a high level in the purpose-built facilities. Visit any secondary school in Australasia, and it is doubtful you?ll see the same degree of functionality in an education facility, believes Mr Tony Holland, who heads the Graphics and Technology Department at Christ?s College. Mr Holland, along with the Headmaster and some members of the Board of Governors, researched facilities at a number of schools in New Zealand and Australia prior to the building?s construction. ?We got a clear idea of what was needed,? he says. ?In the materials technology (woodwork and metalwork) rooms, for instance, we have designed the areas in compartments, with separate rooms for process tasks such as welding, grinding and finishing (painting). It really creates a logical and efficient way to work.?

For the Art Department situated on the top floor of the building, there are three, large light-filled rooms providing a vista out over the Botanical Gardens. Across an impressive four-level atrium are two more rooms, and a balcony work area. These are used for sculpture, and to house an artist-in-residence. The art facilities also include a photography darkroom, and a room for art history. All of this is designed to give students the space they need to create works of art.

As the head of the College's Art Department, Mr Darryn George, explains: ?We have the space now to create different works, and on a much larger scale. We can make eight-foot high sculptures if we wish to. We can use the computer technology to help us plan, and the industrial machinery provided for materials technology to help us build.

?To create works of art, we are reliant on collaborating with other departments in the school, and this facility makes that so much easier to achieve.?

Christ?s College welcomes visitors to the Arts and Technology Building Open Day, 22 October 2002, from 4pm-6pm. It is an opportunity to see learning innovations in action, and also tour through some of New Zealand?s finest education buildings.