From Sedbergh to New Zealand: James at Christ’s College
James, in Sedgwick House, has recently completed a term at Christ’s College in Christchurch, New Zealand. It was an incredible experience and demonstrated many of the qualities Mr Pyper, Headmaster, hopes to see in every Sedbergh pupil: “someone who throws themselves wholeheartedly into every opportunity, builds strong friendships and contributes positively wherever he is.”
James’s visit ended with his Housemaster asking him to step outside, where the boys of his House were waiting for him…
“I had no idea what was happening. Then they performed a farewell haka for me. That was really special.”
James’s trip to New Zealand started with a fairly simple question: if pupils can travel from all over the world to come to Sedbergh, why couldn’t he do the same in reverse?
Why not me?
James has been part of the Sedbergh community since the age of seven and is now a member of Sedgwick House.
Over the years, he has watched pupils arrive at Sedbergh from Germany, China, South Africa, Spain and many other parts of the world. Some stayed for a short period; others completed their education here.
“I’ve seen lots of pupils come to Sedbergh from overseas and I started wondering whether I could do what they had done. I wanted a change of scenery and I wanted to see more of the world.”
With Sedbergh’s support, James’s family began looking at possibilities. Several countries were considered before James narrowed the search to three schools in New Zealand, eventually choosing Christ’s College in Christchurch.
Starting again
There were things about Christ’s College that immediately felt familiar: historic buildings, strong traditions, House life and a significant sporting culture.
Other things took some getting used to.
“The hardest thing was getting used to the different routine during the day and evenings. But once that new routine became a habit, it was much easier, and getting to know my peers really helped.”
Being the new pupil also gave James the chance to experience something he had previously watched other pupils do at Sedbergh: arrive without an established group of friends and work out where he fitted.
He says he was struck by how quickly people made him feel welcome.
One of the biggest differences was the visibility of Māori language and culture throughout everyday school life.
“NZ people are really passionate about it and it is a part of everyday life in assemblies and in sports and teams. I enjoyed that very much. I like being part of a team.”
A different rugby challenge
Rugby provided another way into that community — although it came with its own adjustment.
“The hardest thing was playing with much bigger players and learning how to compensate for that.”
So, it was a huge achievement when James was made captain. “Making Captain was brilliant. I was chuffed with that because all my team-mates were chuffed too.”
Bringing Sedbergh with him
Before leaving Christ’s College, as thanks for the opportunity to become part of the School, James presented the Headmaster with a Sedbergh rugby shirt and a Sedbergh rugby ball.
Over many years at Sedbergh, James has developed many qualities that helped him settle in so quickly at Christ’s College: the confidence to step into an unfamiliar environment, the resilience to adapt, the willingness to contribute and the humility to become part of somebody else’s community rather than expecting that community to adapt to him.
The Ballad of James
A friend’s mother forwarded this ballad to James’s family as he began his journey home.
The Ballad of James
Young James H. came over the sea,
To Christchurch College on rugby decree.
From England he travelled, adventurous and keen,
A finer young fellow you’ve rarely seen.
With boots on his feet and a ball in his hand,
He charged through defenders all over the land.
Quick as the wind, strong as an ox,
Leaving would-be tacklers checking their clocks.
His great mate Seb was never far away,
The pair shared laughs nearly every day.
Through training and matches, sunshine and rain,
They made memories certain to remain.
Now James has one passion that none can deny,
A perfectly cooked steak piled mountain-high.
Whether beef on the barbecue, roast from the pan,
Meat has always been the fuel of the man.
He walks his own path and follows his way,
Never chasing the crowd from day to day.
Confident, thoughtful, steady and true,
The sort of young bloke you’d back to come through.
His journey now takes him through Chile’s embrace,
Before England once more sees his smiling face.
Across mountains and oceans he’ll wander awhile,
Collecting more stories mile after mile.
Though heading for Cheshire and home once again,
The friendships he made here will always remain.
For we loved having James as part of the team,
Sharing the adventure and living the dream.
So here’s to young H, a lad with great heart,
Whose future looks bright as he makes his next start.
A fantastic rugby player, a teenager rare,
With talent, humility and plenty of flair.
May the road rise to meet him wherever he goes,
Through triumphs, challenges, highs and lows.
One thing is certain, and all who know him agree:
James H. will go far — just wait and see.