Active As is a programme that runs during Ako time on a Wednesday period one and holds a range of events throughout the school year. Active As is designed to run a range of low-impact activities within school, and connect students to community groups within the wider Mid-Canterbury region to increase the fun and physical activity levels for high-school aged rangatahi. The programme, initially created by Sport New Zealand, has been running at Ashburton College since 2023.
The programme’s aims are centred around the Mana Taiohi values, with students at the centre of creating, delivering, and leading each event. Students of all abilities, year levels, and backgrounds are encouraged to join the Active As Student Leaders group to help co-design and facilitate the programme each year. The year is structured around each term’s ako plan and includes one or two Active As events for each year level, with a final full-school event in Term Three. Each event has a specific focus aiming to build stronger relationships between students, teachers, and increase house pride.
