Performing Arts Dept

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Drama

The drama explores who we are, where we have come from, and where we could go.

The drama draws on the richness of diverse cultures to create new dramatic works.

In drama, learners can make connections between the real world and imagined worlds. Creating characters and situations grows learners’ ability to comment on, challenge, and ultimately transform society. They can use online platforms to explore their ideas and access worldwide audiences.

Drama students demonstrate high engagement, empathy, and courage in their learning because it allows them to have fun while taking creative risks within a safe environment. They quickly learn that they are responsible for themselves and for others.

The collaborative, creative process of drama develops learners’ skills in giving and receiving constructive feedback. Drama students learn to share, develop, and extend ideas to realise a shared goal and serve the intention of the drama.

The drama examines and challenges established ideas and prejudices. It encourages critical and creative thinking and innovation. It generates new ideas and reflects on trends in society.

Through participating in and responding to drama, learners develop confidence in expressing their ideas as they seek to communicate with a variety of audiences and thereby influence society.

Music:

Studying Music at the secondary level provides ākonga with a broad range of skills that offer progression for specialisation. Students also develop widely-transferrable capabilities and knowledge such as self-management, collaboration, and articulating creative concepts.
 
Progression within the music sphere may lead ākonga towards music composition, musicology, and performance. The broad foundation of music and sound theory allows students to engage with this Learning Area in conjunction with many other spheres of knowledge. This overlap may present unique opportunities for ingenuity in cross-disciplinary industries.
 
Ākonga may be intrigued by original composition and performance due to their favourite musicians, film scores, video game soundtracks, or cultural performance groups. Others may want to understand how music evokes an emotional reaction. Ceremonial practices involving sounds, such as battle drums or wedding themes, may intrigue ākonga studying music.
 
Listening to, composing, and performing music may allow ākonga to build a sense of connection with a community. Original performance allows students to cultivate ways of expressing ideas and gain confidence. Ākonga with performance backgrounds may be well-suited to high-visibility or people-centric occupations.

The Junior Curriculum:  

All Year nine juniors have one term studying a module related to Performing Arts. This is a taste tester to see if students would like to study further in year ten.

Students that may already be interested in studying music/playing an instrument can approach Rona Halsall and register their interest.

The Senior Curriculum:

There are two programs running in this department. Senior Music and senior Drama. Both programs run through all levels and students will progress while studying a combination of NCEA and Trinity College music
curriculums in Music and NCEA for Drama.

 Courses flow chart

List of Department Staff:

Gavin Haussmann – HOD Gavin.haussmann@buller.ac.nz