In recent times the girls at King's have reached and surpassed all expectations. Here, Deputy Head Gillian Simpson gives her perspective on the girls' contribution to the college, while focusing on some extraordinary achievers.

The King's experience offers a host of opportunities for girls in their last two years of secondary schooling and once the big decision is made to change school environments at this stage they never look back.

King's girls come from all over New Zealand and overseas from a wide range of backgrounds and from country area schools, high schools and other private schools.

The girls are allocated either a day or boarding place in Middlemore Lodge and the school has 50 female boarders. Girls are also allocated an association with one of the boys' houses.

House competition is fierce at the school and the girls very quickly get swept up into it. They get fully involved in enthusiastic support of both internal and external sporting and cultural competitions and many comment on the school spirit at King's and how much they value being part of that special culture.

Several Maori and Pacific Island girls have been given their first opportunity to compete at the local Pasifika competitions and appreciate the school's positive and forward looking attitude to the multicultural future of New Zealand and the enriching experience of living in the heart of South Auckland.

Their reasons for choosing King's have a common theme and it is interesting to hear from a group of year 12 girls after their first term at King's. They say they came to King's to "broaden their horizons", "to be challenged academically," "to meet people from different backgrounds," "to be motivated and encouraged to try new things."

They all comment on the positive and caring environment where excellence in all things is promoted and that it's great to be in a place where it is "cool to succeed" both in and out of the classroom.

Although the debate over the advantages and disadvantages of co-educational senior schooling still rages the girls at King"s find the co-educational learning environment challenging and stimulating and their academic results certainly reflect this. In 2001 97% of the year 13 girls gained University entrance and the girls contributed to the total of 120 University Scholarships. We celebrate with Abbi Fox, pictured here, and her success in achieving the top award for a female student in New Zealand Bursary examinations. Abbi came to us from Corran and in 2001 she gained five subject scholarships including a highest possible score in English of 97% and a total of 465 marks. Abbi was Dux of the College in 2001 and attributes her success to hard work, fierce but friendly rivalry from her fellow male counterparts in the Scholars' common room and the motivation and support and high expectations from her teachers.

Many opportunities for leadership training and experience are available to the girls, all of whom take part in a year 12 leadership programme each September holidays at the school's outdoor education centre at Ahuroa. Girls are seen in leadership roles as school prefects, chapel sacristans, house leaders, and leaders of cultural and sporting groups where they work with all year groups of boys and girls. There is an equality of opportunity and the girls offer a depth and quality to the leadership of the College as a whole. Girls provide role models in all areas of the school and also play an important role in mentoring of junior boys.

Kate MacMorran is one of the Deputy Head Prefects of the school and part of the senior student management team. Kate comes from Pukekohe and St Cuthbert's and she is aiming for a high A Bursary this year. She is also the captain of the girls 1st XI hockey team and currently fitting Auckland U21 women's and premier club hockey into her busy schedule -maintaining she still has time for lots of fun and time with her friends.

Girls achieve at a top level in sport and King's is the only school in New Zealand that makes sports participation compulsory for senior girls. Sports teams therefore range from Auckland premier teams, which hold their own at national level to social teams where girls learn the value of team sport and personal fitness.

In 2001 the girls made the national hockey final at the Marie Fry trophy and the final of the cricket Yoplait cup.

A highlight of the girls' sport this term is the record breaking gold medal run of the 100m-relay team a double with the senior boys gold at the Auckland athletics championships.

April Brough in her last year at King's, from Cascade Christian College in Howick, is captain of King's Athletics Club. April is currently ranked 5th in the world over 200m and is turning record-breaking performances in New Zealand over 100 and 200 metres. Her balance between striving for excellence in sport and her humility and sense of fun make her an excellent role model for other students.

At the heart of King's is the chapel, which in conjunction with Life skills programmes promotes the Christian values of the College. Many of the girls are baptised and confirmed in the chapel, sing in the chapel choir or are leaders in the many services and in programmes of community service. Many return to be married and baptise their children there.

Camilla McMillan has come to King's in year 12 this year from Northland and is the first recipient of the Old Collegians' choral scholarship. Camilla is a full time boarder in the Middlemore Lodge. She is currently studying music and has a lead part in the Glee Club musical "South Pacific."