1985 is the final year of the University Entrance examination. It will be replaced in 1986 by Sixth Form Certificate as the sole national award for sixth form students.
A fund-raising campaign starts in an attempt to raise $110,000 to cover the swimming pool and build changing rooms.
Three long serving staff retire. Mr. Alan Page HOD English after 25 years (1961-1985); Mr. Peter Chapple HOD Science after 18 years (1968-1985), and Mr. Doug Ball HOD Mathematics & Physics after 17 years (1969-1985).
Spotswood raises $3300 for World Vision:40-hour famine.
The Interact Club was involved in several projects.
40 students leave for an OPC course at Turangi.
Graeme Staddon attends the Spirit of Adventure course.
College Maori Culture group formed.
I.S.C.F changes its name to Christians In Action (CIA) discussed many subjects during the year.
In June, two mini-buses of 7th form Geography & History students took part in a field trip to Rotorua, Kawerau, and Te Puke.
Major production:- Musical "HMS Pinafore".
Tawa won the Debating cup while Debra Wyatt won the best speaker cup.
Music:-Choir(40), Concert Band(24) and Orchestra(19) all had another eventful year.
Summer sports exchanges:- Tawa (away) for Boys' and Girls' Cricket, and mixed tennis and Freyberg (home) for Cricket and Tennis. Against Tawa Michael Howson scored 101 while Brett Coombe took 7 wickets for 69 runs. Against a very young Freyberg team, Brett Coombe took 7 wickets for 11 runs, and Shane McAuley 7 wickets for 25 runs.
Sports teams:2 Boys' & 4 Girls' Basketball; 1 Girls' & 4 Boys' Cricket; Cycling; 1 Boys' & 2 Girls' Hockey; 14 Netball (a record); 4 Rugby; 5 Boys' and our first ever Girls' Soccer team; Boys' and Girls' Volleyball; and strong Triathlon and Quadrathlon teams.
The Quadrathlon team of Murray Barrett(Swim), George Stewart(Cyclist), Craig Ashman(Canoeist) and Ross Wilson(Runner) won the NZSS Quadrathlon title held at Wanganui recording a time of 2hr 25mins 3secs.
