Arts

Faculty of Arts - Kaipara College

Drama | Music | Performing Arts Technology (PAT) | Performing Arts | Design | Painting | Photography | Printmaking


What Are the Arts at Kaipara College?

The Arts at Kaipara College offer a vibrant and dynamic space for students to explore their creative potential, develop their unique voice, and engage with the world in powerful, expressive ways. Our Arts Faculty includes a wide range of subjects designed to nurture artistic talent and inspire innovation:

  • Drama: Unleash your creativity through performance and storytelling.
  • Music: Explore sound, rhythm, and composition.
  • Visual Art: Develop skills in painting, photography, printmaking, and design.
  • Performing Arts Technology (PAT): Dive into the technical aspects of lighting, sound, and staging for live performances.


Why Study the Arts?

The arts are much more than just subjects - they are pathways to understanding and expressing the rich cultural and social fabric of Aotearoa New Zealand. By studying the arts, you engage with bicultural and multicultural perspectives, learning to appreciate the diverse ways in which people create, communicate, and connect. At Kaipara College, the arts help you:

  • Express yourself and your identity – The arts offer you a platform to explore who you are and how you relate to the world around you.
  • Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills – By working on creative projects, you’ll learn to think outside the box, approach challenges from multiple angles, and find innovative solutions.
  • Gain confidence and resilience – The arts encourage you to take risks, explore new ideas, and develop the confidence to present your work to others.
  • Enhance well-being – Engaging in artistic activities stimulates the mind, body, and emotions, fostering a sense of well-being and personal growth.
  • Contribute to society and culture – The arts allow you to be an active participant in shaping the cultural landscape of New Zealand, whether through performance, visual works, or behind-the-scenes production.


Who Should Study the Arts?

At Kaipara College, arts education is for everyone - whether you’re a seasoned performer, a passionate painter, or someone curious about exploring your creative side. The arts are for students who:

  • Love expressing themselves through creativity. If you enjoy using drama, music, or visual art to share your ideas and emotions, the arts are the perfect outlet for you.
  • Want to explore new perspectives. The arts challenge you to look at the world from different viewpoints, helping you build empathy, understanding, and cultural awareness.
  • Are considering a future in creative industries. Many of our students go on to pursue careers in design, music, theatre, film, photography, and other creative fields. The skills you learn in the arts will be invaluable for these pathways.
  • Enjoy working both independently and collaboratively. Whether you're working on personal projects or part of a larger performance or exhibition, you’ll develop the ability to work on your own ideas and contribute to a team.


The Value of Arts Education

Learning in and through the arts connects your thinking, imagination, senses, and feelings. At Kaipara College, we believe in the transformative power of the arts to enrich lives and communities. By participating in the arts, you will:

  • Develop artistic literacy – Whether as a creator, performer, presenter, viewer, or listener, you’ll gain the tools to participate in and enjoy the arts throughout your life.
  • Build transferable skills – Creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking are all highly valued in today’s world, and these are the skills you will develop through your arts education.
  • Celebrate toi Māori – You’ll engage with both customary and contemporary Māori arts practices, gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of the arts in Aotearoa.


The Arts at Kaipara College: Your Pathway to Creative Growth

Choosing to study the arts at Kaipara College means choosing to be part of a supportive, creative community where your individuality is celebrated. Whether your future lies in the creative industries or you simply want to develop your creative thinking, the arts provide you with the tools, skills, and confidence to succeed. Our expert teachers are here to guide you as you discover your creative potential and contribute to the vibrant cultural life of our school and beyond.

For more information on arts subjects at Kaipara College, or if you have any questions, please contact teachers in the Arts Faculty or Jo Mears, Head of Faculty - Arts at [email protected]