Unlocking Potential Through 90+ Enriching Opportunities

At ACG Parnell, we encourage students across all year levels to participate in our comprehensive extracurricular programme, designed to complement academic studies and foster personal growth. With the region’s widest range of clubs, arts, sports, and leadership opportunities—led by expert teachers and coaches—students can pursue their passions, discover new interests, develop real-life skills, nurture talents, and build confidence.

Our students excel across disciplines. Our talented musicians recently performed at the Australian International Music Festival in Sydney, showcasing the school’s strong music programme on an international stage. The fencing team won the Northern Secondary School Girls Foil Championship, while swimmers and table tennis players have represented New Zealand at national levels. Additionally, our Young Enterprise teams regularly advance to regional finals, demonstrating strong entrepreneurial skills.

These rich experiences contribute to a fulfilling, well-rounded education—helping students step beyond their comfort zones and prepare for lifelong success.

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Clubs & Activities for Every Interest

Our diverse clubs offer something for everyone—from academic challenges and creative expression to sports and cultural pursuits.

Students passionate about STEM engage in the Coding Club, Science Club, Cyber Security, and VEX Robotics, competing and collaborating on dynamic projects. Those drawn to debate, public speaking, and diplomacy thrive in the Debating Club and Model United Nations. Creative learners develop unique talents in the Art Club, Drama Club, Photography Club, and Short Film Club, while book clubs unite avid readers. Special interest groups include the Environmental Club, History Club, Indian Club, Maths Problem Solving Club, and Christian Union. Gaming enthusiasts can join the Bridge Club, Dungeons & Dragons, and more. Finally, peer support options such as the Study Techniques Club provide both academic and social guidance.

Club availability may vary each year based on student interest and staff expertise.

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Arts & Music Programmes

Our creative and performing arts programme offers outstanding opportunities for creative expression and skill development. Students can take part in our yearly musical production, join various singing groups including Choir, Glee Choir and Jazz Combo, or play in our Concert Band, Big Band, Chamber Orchestra or Symphony Orchestra.

Learn more about our unique arts programme here

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Sports Programme

Our wide-ranging sports programme caters to all abilities and interests, from individual pursuits to team competitions. Students can participate in athletics, swimming, gymnastics, tennis, badminton, squash and cycling, or join team sports including football, basketball, netball, hockey, volleyball and rugby.

Specialised activities include archery, sailing, rowing, or mountain biking, while fitness enthusiasts can engage in weightlifting, triathlon training and more. 

Learn more about our sports programme here

Auckland New Zealand High Schools

Leadership Opportunities

The school’s dedication to leadership and community involvement was recently highlighted at the Young Sportsperson of the Year Awards, where 17 students were recognised for their coaching and support roles, including two finalists for Student Coach of the Year. This commitment is also evident across a broad range of student roles and activities, helping students develop essential leadership skills—such as initiative, responsibility, and effective communication—from an early age.

Students in Years 12 and 13 can apply for Head Prefect and Prefect positions through a competitive selection process, while younger students elect representatives to the Student Council. Additional leadership opportunities include Library Monitor roles and participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award. Students are also encouraged to lead peer mentoring, buddy reading, and extracurricular groups. Optional leadership camps and service projects further build character, resilience, and confidence.

Competitions & Real-World Readiness

ACG Parnell students are encouraged to extend their learning and challenge themselves through participation in prestigious local and international competitions. These experiences deepen subject knowledge, sharpen problem-solving skills, and build confidence in applying learning to real-world contexts.

Academic Competitions

The International Young Physicists Tournament, Biology Olympiad, Chemistry Olympiad, Engineering Science Competition, and CERN Masterclass allow high-achieving students to engage with advanced material and collaborate with like-minded peers.

STEM-focused Events

The Brain Bee, Science Bowl Interschool Quiz, and Metagenomics Day at Massey University promote collaboration, scientific inquiry, and analytical thinking under pressure. 

Economics, Finance, and Business

Students interested in economics and finance gain valuable experience through the Monetary Policy Challenge and the University of Auckland Economics Competition, developing data literacy and economic reasoning essential for future study and careers.

The Young Enterprise programme offers hands-on experience in business strategy and product development, equipping students with entrepreneurial skills highly regarded by universities and employers alike.

Discover Our Full List of Activities*

  • Art Club
  • Drama Club
  • Choirs (Glee Choir, Big Sing)
  • Jazz Band & Combo
  • Concert Band
  • Symphony & Chamber Orchestra
  • Photography Club
  • Kapa Haka
  • Manu Tioriori
  • Annual Musical Production
  • Open Mic Night
  • Theatresports
  • Short Film Club
  • Christian Union
  • Christian Worship Band
  • Book Clubs (Junior and Senior)
  • Craft Club
  • Spanish Club
  • Indian Club
  • Tabletop Gaming Club
  • Teams Chess
  • Dungeons & Dragons Club
  • Calligraphy & Bullet Journaling Club
  • Cyber Security Club
  • Typing Club 
  • Human Benchmark Club
  • Chinese Club
  • Chinese News Club
  • Eat the World Club 
  • Archery
  • Athletics
  • Badminton
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Cricket
  • Cross Country
  • Cycling
  • Duathlon
  • Football
  • Futsal
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Handball
  • Hockey
  • Kung Fu
  • Mountain Biking
  • Netball
  • Orienteering
  • Rowing
  • Running
  • Sailing
  • Snow Sports
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Table Tennis
  • Tennis
  • Touch Rugby
  • Triathlon
  • Volleyball
  • Weightlifting
  • Year 7/8 Eastern Zone Tournaments
  • Science Club
  • Maths Problem Solving Club
  • Maths Olympiad
  • Coding Club
  • Design Technology Club
  • Chess Club
  • Bridge Club
  • VEX Robotics Club
  • General Robotics
  • Biology Olympiad
  • Chemistry Olympiad
  • Engineering Science Competition
  • CERN Masterclass
  • Brain Bee
  • Science Bowl Interschool Quiz
  • Metagenomics Day (Massey University)
  • Monetary Policy Challenge
  • University of Auckland Economics Competition
  • Young Enterprise
  • Debating Club
  • Model United Nations
  • History Club
  • Head Prefects & Prefects
  • Student Council
  • Library Monitors
  • Peer Tutoring
  • Buddy Reading
  • Camps & Service Activities
  • Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Awards

*Club availability may vary each year

Contact Us Today

Discover how our unrivalled extracurricular programme can transform your child’s school experience and set them on the path to lifelong success.

Enquire Now