its type in New Zealand. Upper department (College House, University of Canterbury) College House was created as part of Christ's College in 1850. According to College House: The upper department became a residential college of the university after it was founded, and soon it was referred to as College House. The upper and lower departments (tertiary and secondary departments) separated in 1957, and College House became independent. College life Chapel The chapel is an integral part of the school with compulsory religious education being undertaken until Year 11. Every Wednesday congregational practice takes place, in which the whole school sings, and practises hymns, psalms, prayers and chapel routine. Boys are also required to attend chapel on Monday and Friday mornings and usually alternative Sundays, even if it coincides with their own church service outside the school. The school chapel service takes priority and compulsory two services each term are required. Parents and family are welcome to attend Sunday chapel. Music is an integral part of school life, the Christ's College Chapel Choir consists of approximately eighty boys though changes yearly with the incoming year 9 group and leaving year 13's. The choir sings at chapel services, public and private events and takes part in several singing competitions such as the Big Sing, and in 2007 the international Summa Cum Laude Festival in Vienna (attaining second place). Curriculum The school offers students NCEA Levels 2 and 3 and scholarship examinations through NZQA. From 2022, they have discontinued NCEA Level 1 and replaced it with 'the College Diploma', a two-year course from Year 10–11. There are many academic disciplines offered at the school as subjects, varying from the standard English and Mathematics to French, drama, classical studies, physical education, art history, sciences and many other subjects. Mathematics is compulsory up to and including year 11. Year 9, 10, and 11 classes consist of a wide array of subjects to introduce students to different subject to see what they enjoy before having to select subjects in year 12 which go towards NCEA level 2. Extra-curricular Christ's College also places a strong emphasis on extra-curricular activities. Throughout the year there are opportunities in many areas; speech and drama, kapa haka, music, debating, model United Nations and several other activities. Performing arts are a large aspect of college life, with all boys expected to participate in at least one part; there is a Junior and