The Arts

Year 9 Dance    (9 DNC)

The Year 9 Dance option involves the teaching of both the practical and theoretical mechanics or aspects of dance.  It is suitable for a wide range of students of all abilities with the course including individual, paired and group activities and assessments designed to encourage the students’ enthusiasm for dance and with a view to increase their knowledge, ability and appreciation of this aspect of ‘The Arts’.

Year 10 Dance    (10 DNC)

Students study the topics below in year 10.  These are assessed through tests, assignments and two sets of exams. 

• Choreography
• Dance history
• Genre awareness and technique
• Performance
• Written reflection

Year 11 Dance    (11DNC)

Students study fourtopics (standards) that count for 20 credits towards Level 1 NCEA.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 90858  Compose dance sequences  (6 credits)
• 90002  Perform dance sequences  (6 credits)
• 90859  Demonstrate ensemble skills in a dance  (4 credits)

External Standards (Exams)

• 90005  Demonstrate knowledge of a dance genre or style  (4 credits)

Year 12 Dance    (12DNC)

Students study five topics (standards) that count for 22 credits towards Level 2 NCEA.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 91205  Choreograph a group dance  (4 credits)
• 91206  Choreograph a solo dance  (4 credits)
• 91208  Perform a theatre dance  (4 credits)
• 91209  Perform a repertoire of dance  (6 credits)

External Standards (Exams)

• 91211  Provide an interpretation of a dance performance with supporting evidence  (4 credits)

Year 13 Dance    (13DNC)

Students study five topics (standards) that count for 22 credits towards Level 3 NCEA.  Note: Scholarship students also do an extra standard (91593) listed below, resulting in them doing 26 credits.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 91592  Perform a repertoire of contrasting dances  (6 credits)
• 91589  Choreograph a dance to develop and resolve ideas  (4 credits)
• 91588  Produce a dance to realise a concept  (8 credits)
• 91590  Perform a solo or duet dance  (4 credits)
• 91593  Demonstrate understanding of dance performance practices  (4 credits)

The following internal may be offered to suitable students:

• 91591  Perform a group dance (optional)  (4 credits) 

External Standards (Exams)

• 91594  Analyse a dance performance  (4 credits)

Drama expresses human experience through a focus on role, action, and tension, played out in time and space. In drama education, students learn to structure these elements and to use dramatic conventions, techniques, and technologies to create imagined worlds. Through purposeful play, both individual and collaborative, they discover how to link imagination, thoughts, and feelings.

As students work with drama techniques, they learn to use spoken and written language with increasing control and confidence and to communicate effectively using body language, movement, and space. As they perform, analyse, and respond to different forms of drama and theatre, they gain a deeper appreciation of their rich cultural heritage and language and new power to examine attitudes, behaviours, and values.

By means of the drama that they create and perform, students reflect and enrich the cultural life of their schools, whānau, and communities.

Year 9 Drama    (9DRA)

This course is designed to teach drama techniques; improvisation, devising new works, theatre studies and theatre technologies; and develop students’ appreciation of and enthusiasm for Drama and The Arts. Students will work individually and in group situations and will be assessed through performance. It is suitable for a wide range of students of all abilities. 

• 9.1  Techniques = Improvisation- 3 different pieces to get consistency of grade       
• 9.2/3  Elements and Conventions = Devised drama including use of technology
• 9.4  Theatre Studies = Greek theatre
• 9.5  Journal - teacher assessment - graded and comment

Year 10 Drama    (10DRA)

• 10.1  Drama techniques = Voice, body, movement and space
• 10.2  Demonstrate understanding of the features of drama form - Shakespeare
• 10.3  Devise and perform drama
• 10.4  Perform an acting role
• 10.5  Drama Studies – Students choose a form, period or style

Year 11 Drama    (11DRA)

The Achievement Standards offered for assessment are:

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• AS90006  Apply drama techniques in a dramatic context (4 credits)
• AS90997  Devise and perform a drama (5 credits)
• AS90998  Demonstrate understanding of the features of a drama/theatre form (4 credits)
• AS90009  Perform an acting role in a scripted production (5 credits)

External Standards (Exams)

• AS90999  Select and use features of a drama/theatre form in a performance (4 credits)
• AS90011  Demonstrate understanding of the use of drama aspects within live performance (4 credits)

Year 12 Drama    (12DRA)

The Achievement Standards offered for assessment are:

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 2.4  AS91216  Perform features of a complex theatre form (4 credits)
• 2.2  AS91214  Devise and perform a drama to realize an intention (5 credits)
• 2.6  AS91218  Perform a substantial acting or production role (5 credits)
• AS91217  Examine the work of a playwright (Optional extra)

External Standards (Exams)

• 2.3  AS91215  Discuss a drama or theatre form or period with reference to a text (4 credits)
• 2.6  AS90304  Discuss drama elements, techniques, conventions and technologies within a production (4 credits)

Note: Students may choose not to do both externals

Year 13 Drama    (13DRA)

All the Achievement Standards offered are:

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 3.2  91513  Devise and perform a drama to realize an concept (5 credits)
• 3.4  91515  Select and use complex performance skills associated with a drama form or period (4 credits) 
  OR
• 3.1  91512  Interpret scripted text to integrate drama techniques in performance  (4 credits)
• 3.6  91517  Perform a substantial acting role in a significant production (5 credits)

External Standards (Exams)

• 3.3  91514  Interpret a prescribed text to demonstrate knowledge of a theatre form or period (4 credits)
• 3.7  91518  Demonstrate understanding of live drama performance (4 credits)

Note: Students may choose not to do both externals

Contact Details:

Mrs C Stone
HOD Drama

Tel:  (09) 575 9128 ext 148
Email: sto@gdc.school.nz

Miss C Thomson
Drama

Tel:  (09) 575 9128 ext 148
Email:  thm@gdc.school.nz

Year 9 Music   (9MUS)

Year 9 Music is designed to be relevant to beginners and more experienced players alike. It is based around practical activities for the whole class, groups and individuals, aiming to engage students at all levels. Classes will be selected according to students’ experience. Students will learn basics of reading music, and will be encouraged to perform and compose music themselves, using both instruments and software. Those taking music in Year 9 have priority in instrument/voice lessons. 

Year 10 Music   (10MUS)

This programme is developed as preparation for Level 1 Music and much of the material and assessment is derived from the Level 1 course structure. In some cases, students may be accelerated to Level 1 performance assessment.  They are assessed through a material test (theory), aural test, solo and group performance, group composition and a music works assignment.

• Performance - playing in a small group and as a featured soloist. All musical genres are suitable.
• Composition - writing songs and/or short pieces
• Materials – gaining literacy in musical language
• Understanding how music contributes to and reflects society through a range of musical styles. e.g. New Zealand Contemporary, Rock, Jazz, Reggae, Classical
• Listening skills
• Projects on music software

Year 11 Music    (11MUS)

The objective of the year 11 course is to reflect and respond to the interests and needs of music students.  It is a practically-based course with an emphasis on performance and composition, but covering a broad range of musical knowledge and skills including Music Technology for Contemporary Music Students:

Specifically:

• Developing practical knowledge in music
• Composing music
• Solo and group performance
• Understanding music in context.

The course covers:

• Performance – solo and ensemble on an instrument of student’s choice including voice.  Opportunities for instrument /voice lessons are offered.
• Listening to music and learning to write it down.
• Composition using music software :  Sibelius”, “Guitar Pro” or other tools.
• Materials - reading and writing music and applying skills to music scores.
• Studying 2 music works of different musical periods.
• Music Technology for students wishing to follow a Contemporary Music Course in Year 12.

Students study seven topics (standards) that count for a minimum of 24 credits towards Level 1 NCEA.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• AS91090 (C)  Perform two pieces of music as a featured soloist  (6 credits)
• AS91091 (C)  Demonstrate ensemble skills through performing a piece of music as a member of a group  (4 credits)
• AS91095  Demonstrate knowledge of two music works from contrasting contexts  (6 credits)
• US 26685  Demonstrate and apply knowledge of sound technology for a performance context  (4 credits)

External Standards (Exams)

• AS91092 (C)  Compose two original pieces of music  (6 credits)
• AS91093  Demonstrate aural and theoretical skills through notation  (4 credits)
• AS91094  Demonstrate knowledge of conventions used in music scores  (4 credits)

Year 12 Music    (12MUS)

The year 12 music course is a practically-based course with an emphasis on composition and performance, but covering a broad range of musical knowledge and skills.

A Contemporary course is also offered for non- music readers with an interest in Rock/Pop genres. Relevant standards are marked C on the grid below.

This course is designed to lead on to either Level 3 Music Studies, Practical Music or Contemporary Music.

The year 12 course content covers:

•  Performance – instrumental / voice – solo and ensemble
•  Listening skills
•  Composition and Instrumentation
•  Materials of music, study of music works including research.

Students study six topics (standards) that count for 24 or more credits towards Level 2 NCEA.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• AS91270 (C)  Perform two substantial pieces of music as a featured soloist  (6 credits)
• AS91272 (C)  Demonstrate ensemble skills by performing a substantial piece of music as a member of a group  (4 credits)
• AS91272 (C)  Compose two substantial pieces of music  (6 credits)
• AS91273  *Create an instrumentation  (4 credits)
• AS91274 (C)  *Perform two substantial pieces of music as a featured soloist on a second instrument  (6 credits)
• US27658 (C)  Demonstrate and apply knowledge of electronic music production and music notation application(s)  (4 credits)

External Standards (Exams)

• AS91275  *Demonstrate aural skill through written representation  (4 credits)
• AS91276  Demonstrate knowledge of conventions in a range of  music scores  (4 credits)
• AS91277  Demonstrate understanding of  two substantial contrasting music works  (4 credits)

Standards marked * may be selected by students in addition to compulsory standards.  Standards marked (C) are for Contemporary Music Course Students.

Year 13 Music Studies    (13MUS)

This course is designed for students who are not performers or composers but who have an interest in music history, music in the community, and/or the contemporary music scene.  It is not necessary to be a musician to succeed in this course.  The course is a suitable choice for students who have a desire to learn more about music in a contemporary context and who enjoy listening to music and researching topics.  Some Music Technology standards may be available.

Students study five topics (standards) that count for 22 credits towards Level 3 NCEA.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 91423  Examine the influence of context on a substantial music work  (optional)  (4 credits)
• 91425  Research a music topic  (6 credits)
• 91424  Create two arrangements for an ensemble (optional)  (4 credits)

External Standards (Exams)

• 91422  Analyse a substantial music work  (4 credits)
• 91421  Demonstrate an understanding of harmonic and tonal conventions in a range of music scores (optional)  (4 credits)

Year 13 Music (Practical)    (13MUS)

This is a practically-based course with an emphasis on composition and performance.  The course is designed to allow students to develop their musical strengths and interests.  A Contemporary Music course can be taken using the performance and composition standards in conjunction with a research standard.    

Students study four topics (standards) that count for 24 credits towards Level 3 NCEA.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 91416  Perform two programmes of music as a feature soloist  (8 credits)
• 91417  Perform a  programme of music as a feature soloist on a second instrument  (4 credits)
• 91418  Demonstrate ensemble skills by performing two substantial pieces of music as a member of a group  (4 credits)
• 91419  Communicate musical intention by composing three original pieces of music  (8 credits)

It is possible to select a course which combines Achievement Standards from both Music Studies and Practical Music.  In doing this, you can select a course which reflects your strengths.

Year 9 Art    (9ART)

The course is designed for all abilities to develop skill, creativity and an independent work ethic.  The programme focuses on drawing, painting and print making techniques as well as giving students an understanding of established art practice.  Students complete a programme of observational and creative drawing/painting to build knowledge of colour theory, line, tone, form and texture.  Practical and contextual knowledge is further developed through design and print making.

Year 10 Art    (10ART)

The course is linked to the requirements for NCEA in Visual Art and is a necessary preparation for NCEA Level 1 in year 11 when students will be given the option of either Art/Painting or Art/Photography.  The course focuses on drawing, painting, printmaking and photography.  Students complete 4 units of work over 4 terms. Units one and two are designed to build upon basic art skills learned in year 9 whilst units three and four are designed to promote an ability to develop ideas in mixed media and photography.  Artists from both European and New Zealand contexts may be studied as part of the practical process.

Each unit is assessed summatively and formatively.  Students are also given verbal feedback and guidance whilst work is in progress.  Each assessment is based on an NCEA achievement standard to prepare students for Art at Level 1.

Year 11 Art - Art - Painting   (11ART)

A course in painting develops observational and creative skills in drawing, painting, mixed media and printmaking using a theme of portraits and the figure.

Students study three topics (standards) that count for 22 credits towards Level 1 NCEA.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 1.2 (90914)  Use drawing methods for recording information using wet and dry media  (4 credits)
• 1.3 (90915)  Use drawing conventions to develop work in more than one field of practice  (6 credits)

External Standards (Exams)

• 1.4 (90916)  Produce a body of work informed by established practice, which develops ideas, using a range of media  (12 credits)

Year 12 Art - Painting    (12PAI)

Three units of work/achievement standards are united by a common theme. There is a specific focus on the development of skills in drawing, painting, printmaking and mixed media.  The two internally assessed assignments are designed to inform work for the externally assessed assignment (two folio boards).

Students study three topics (standards) that count for 20 credits towards Level 2 NCEA.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 2.2/91311  Use drawing methods to apply knowledge of conventions appropriate to painting  (4 credits)
• 2.3/91316  Develop ideas in a related series of drawings appropriate to established painting practice  (4 credits)

External Standards (Exams)

• 2.4/91321  Produce a systematic body of work that shows understanding of art making conventions and ideas within painting  (12 credits)

Year 13 Art - Painting    (13PAI)

The course is designed to build upon and develop each student’s theoretical and practical knowledge of established painting practice. The internal assessments (3.2, 3.3) are integrated to create a body of work from which students can develop their own ideas and interests to produce the externally assessed part of the course (3.4/folio boards). 

Students study three topics (standards) that count for 22 credits towards Level 3 NCEA.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• AS 3.2/91446  Use drawing to demonstrate understanding of conventions appropriate to painting  (4 credits)
• AS 3.3/91451  Systematically clarify ideas using drawing informed by established painting practice  (4 credits)

External Standards (Exams)

• AS 3.4/91456  Produce a systematic body of work that integrates conventions and regenerates ideas within painting practice  (14 credits)

Year 11 Art - Photography    (11APH)

The year 11 course objective is to enable students to learn technical skills and creative expression in photography and to develop an understanding and appreciation of photography both historically and aesthetically.

Students will be taught how to:

• Use a Digital Pinhole camera
• Use a 35mm DSLR camera
• Expose correctly using manual settings
• Understand aperture and shutter speed
• Digital printing and file management

Students study four topics (standards) that count for 18 credits towards Level 1 NCEA.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 90915 (1.3)  Use drawing conventions to develop work in more than one field of practice  (6 credits)
• 90917 (1.5)  Produce a finished work that demonstrates skills appropriate to cultural conventions  (4 credits)
• 91312 (2.2)  Use drawing methods to apply knowledge of conventions appropriate to photography  (4 credits)
• 91317 (2.3)  Develop ideas in a related series of drawings appropriate to established photography practice  (4 credits)

Year 12 Art - Photography    (12APH)

The two internals involve students researching and then planning and producing images based on their own research.  The external involves the production of a two panel folio board of photographs based upon a theme developed in internal 2.3.

Students study three topics (standards) that count for 20 credits towards Level 2 NCEA.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 91325 (2.5)  Produce a resolved work that demonstrates control of skills appropriate to cultural conventions  (4 credits)
• 91447 (3.2)  Use drawing to demonstrate understanding of conventions appropriate to photography  (4 credits)

External Standards (Exams)

• 91322 (2.4)  Produce a systematic body of work that shows understanding of art making conventions and ideas within photography  (12 credits)

Year 13 Art - Photography    (13APH)

The course is designed to build upon and develop each student’s theoretical and practical knowledge of established photography practice.  The internal assessments (3.2 and 3.3) are integrated to create a body of work from which students can develop their own ideas and interests to produce the externally assessed part of the course (folio boards). 

Students study three topics (standards) that count for 22 credits towards Level 3 NCEA.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 91460  (3.5)  Produce a resolved work that demonstrates purposeful control of skills appropriate to a visual arts cultural convention  (4 credits)
• 91452  (3.3)  Systematically clarify ideas using drawing informed by established photography practice  (4 credits)

External Standards (Exams)

• 91457  (3.4)  Produce a systematic body of work that integrates conventions and regenerates ideas within photography practice  (14 credits)

Year 12 Art History    (12ARH)

The course is entitled ‘Towards Modernism’ and involves the study of nineteenth and early twentieth century  art, sculpture and architecture (mainly French). The following art movements are studied:

• Neoclassicism
• Romanticism
• Realism
• Impressionism
• Post Impressionism
• Art Nouveau

The course content is extensive and covers a lot of factual information.  Students who have a love of art and history will enjoy this course.  External examination questions require a long answer response not essays.  However, it is necessary for students to have a competent level of English so that they can cope with the analytical aspect of the course.

Students study five topics (standards) that count for 20 credits towards Level 2 NCEA.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 2.4/91183  Examine how media are used to create effects in art works  (4 credits)
• 2.5/91184  Communicate an understanding of an art history topic  (4 credits)
• 2.6/91185  Communicate a personal response to art works  (4 credits)

External Standards (Exams)

• 2.1/91180  Examine the effects of formal elements of art works  (4 credits)
• 2.3/91182  Examine the influence of context(s) on art works  (4 credits)              

Year 13 Art History    (13ARH)

For the two external standards (3.1, 3.3) and internals 3.5 and 3.7 students study art from mid-to-late fifteenth-century Italy through the works of Bellini and Mantegna in Venice and Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci in Florence.  This provides a background to the development of the High Renaissance in Rome.  All aspects of Michelangelo’s work (sculpture, painting and architecture) are studied.  Mannerism is studied in the work of Pontormo, Bronzino and the late works of Raphael and Michelangelo.  Titian provides the Venetian counterpart to the High Renaissance and Mannerist styles.

For internal 3.6 students study the value placed upon selected Renaissance works alongside modern art works of their choice.  A trip to an art auction provides students with an understanding of the monetary value placed on art works.  External examination questions require a long answer response NOT an essay format.  However, a competent level of English is required for students to cope with the analytical aspect of the course.  This is a factually rich subject that requires students to have an interest in both Art and History.

Students study five topics (standards) that count for 20 credits towards Level 3 NCEA.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• 3.5/91486  Construct an argument based on interpretation of research in Art History  (4 credits)
• 3.6/91487  Examine the different values placed on art works  (4 credits)
• 3.7/91488  Examine the relationships between a theory and art works  (4 credits)

External Standards (Exams)

• 3.1/91482  Demonstrate understanding of style in art works  (4 credits)
• 3.3/91484  Examine the relationship(s) between art and context  (4 credits)