The Arts faculty promotes excellence in learning and performance across four areas - Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts (including Art History). Students learn to think critically and creatively, through experiencing and studying the work of other artists, peformances and composers ... which inspires their own creativity.
We embrace the principles of multiple intelligences which we consider to be essential in education.
Performance skills are a strong focus in the Arts, alongside a thorough understanding of the core elements that make up each discipline. Students learn to execute skills required to produce original work by devising a dance, drama, a piece of visual art (e.g. painting), or a musical composition.
Taking an 'Arts' course will provide you or your child with vital skills for life, plus an enjoyment of the arts that they will carry through life.
As well as the key competencies, students learn the ability to work with others (e.g. in a music group or a drama performance). The learn to communicate complex ideas with confidence and clarity through performance and visual art. And they learn initiative and the ability to approach work or challenges creatively.
At Glendowie College, the Arts develop confident young men and women who are self-motivated and positive, successful citizens.
The Year 9 Dance option is heavily practical and is suitable for a wide range of students of all abilities. The course focuses on building confidence and presentational skills. Lessons focus around group activities and assessments are designed to encourage the students’ enthusiasm for dance and with a view to increase their knowledge, ability and appreciation of dance around the world. This course is assessed against the MYP criteria:
The Year 10 Dance option is designed for students of all abilities and interests in dance. It builds choreography and performance skills and focuses on the development of confidence and presentational skills. It is assessed against the MYP criteria. There are five units of work:
The Year 11 programme is designed to introduce students to the skills required in NCEA Levels 2, 3 and Scholarship Dance. The course is entirely practical. It allows students to further develop their understanding of dance practices and techniques, and focuses on dance as a contribution to their wellbeing and confidence. A highlight of the programme is class performances in the annual GDC Dance Showcase Production and the presentation of their choreography in the term four Year 11 Arts Interdisciplinary Event.
Students study five topics (standards) that count for 22 credits towards Level 2 NCEA. Dance is a University Approved Entrance subject, and literacy credits are gained through the external examination.
Highlights of the programme include class performances in the annual YouDance Festival and GDC Whakaatu Toi, Arts Awards, and Dance Showcase productions. An international trip is also offered bi-annually to Year 12 and 13 Dance students.
Students study five topics (standards) that count for 22 credits towards Level 3 NCEA. Note: Scholarship students also do an extra standard (91593) - which brings their total credits to 26. Dance is a University Approved Entrance subject, and literacy credits are gained through the external examination.
The following internal is offered to Scholarship candidates: 91588 Produce a dance to realise a concept (8 credits)
Ms C JenningsHOD Drama and Dance
Tel: (09) 575 9128 ext 173Email: jen@gdc.school.nz
Mr O HumphriesDrama and Dance
Tel: (09) 575 9128 ext 148Email: hum@gdc.school.nz
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.
This course is designed to teach drama techniques, the development and communication of ideas, and to 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. This course is assessed against the MYP criteria:
The Year 10 Drama option builds on skills developed in Year 9. A highlight of the year is the class play in the annual Dramafest (play festival).
The course is assessed against the MYP criteria. Units explore performance, acting techniques, theatre technology, contribution to a play, devising and developing/communicating ideas, and reflecting on the processes of self and others. There are five units of work:
The Year 11 programme is designed to develop the skills required in NCEA Levels 2, 3 and Scholarship Drama. Students work to further develop their confidence and skills in acting, devising, and communication. Highlights of the calendar include the annual class production in Dramafest and the presentation of their devised works in the term four Year 11 Arts Interdisciplinary Event.
Students work individually and collaboratively to devise, perform, and communicate ideas to be assessed against four Achievement Standards in NCEA Level 2 Drama (a total of Level 2 18 - 22 credits). Drama is a University Approved Entrance subject, and literacy credits are gained through the external examination.
Highlights of the programme include class performances in the annual Dramafest and the GDC Whakaatu Toi and Arts Awards productions. An international trip is also offered bi-annually to Year 12 and 13 Drama students.
Students work individually and collaboratively to devise, perform, and communicate ideas or understanding to be assessed against four Achievement Standards in NCEA Level 3 Drama (a total of Level 2 18 - 22 credits). Dance is a University Approved Entrance subject, and literacy credits are gained through the external examination.
Ms C ThomsonDrama
Tel: (09) 575 9128 ext 148Email: thm@gdc.school.nz
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. Students will learn the 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.
This programme is developed as preparation for Level 1 Music, though it uses an inquiry-based approach to learning so students can start making music in real situations. In some cases, students may be accelerated to Year 11 performance assessment. They are assessed through a material test (theory), aural test, solo and group performance, group composition and a music works assignment.
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:
The course covers:
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:
Students study six topics (standards) that count for 24 or more credits towards Level 2 NCEA.
Standards marked * may be selected by students in addition to compulsory standards. Standards marked (C) are for Contemporary Music Course Students.
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.
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.
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.
Mr A LileHOD Music
Tel: (09) 575 9128 ext 126Email: lil@gdc.school.nz
The course is designed for all abilities to develop skill, creativity and an independent work ethic. The programme focuses on drawing, painting and printmaking techniques as well as giving students an understanding of established art practice. Students complete a programme of work to build skills and knowledge in art that will help them prepare for year 10. Work is marked using the MYP criteria.
The course is linked to the MYP requirements in Visual Arts and is a necessary preparation for students to pathway into Year 11 Art. The course focuses on drawing, painting, printmaking and some basic photography. Students complete 4 units of work over 4 terms. Units one and two are designed to build upon basic art skills learnt in Year 9 whilst units three and four are designed to promote an ability to develop ideas in mixed media. Students will develop creative thinking that encourages and promotes the generation of new ideas and solutions which take into account multiple contexts and perspectives. Art is used to build confidence and encourage thoughtful risk-taking. It leads to innovation and new ways of doing.
Assessments are marked using the MYP criteria with formative and summative assessments.
This course is linked to level 5 MYP Visual Arts. It will prepare students for the digital pathways of Photography and Design. The course focuses on 4 units of work over the four terms:
The course allows students to gain skills and knowledge within design and photography that will help them develop a range of final works. Students will show understanding and development of the technical elements of Photography and Design in the resolution of their own work.
Students will complete four units over four terms:
Assessments will be both formative and summative through the unit.
This course focuses on further developing skills in painting, printmaking and mixed media practice. Students will learn different mark marking applications and mixed media techniques to further their understanding of artists and art forms. They will develop observational and creative skills in a range of media to produce a series of work. Students will have the opportunity to take a field trip to collect photographic images for their final assessments.
Students will be taught how to:
Students will develop work using the design process towards outcomes in either graphic design or illustration. The first internal involves students planning and producing a logo and 2D outcome based on their own design project. The second internal involves students learning how to screen print and design a completed product: a t-shirt for their project. The external involves the production of a two panel folio board of design work based upon their design project.
Students study three topics (standards) that count for 20 credits towards Level 2 & 3 NCEA.
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.
The first internal involves students researching and then planning and producing an animated GIF based on their research and understanding of surrealism. The next internal forms the start of the external and involves research, planning and photographing around a theme of their choice. The external involves the production of a two panel folio board of photographs based upon a theme developed in internal 2.3.
91322 (2.4) Produce a systematic body of work that shows understanding of art making conventions and ideas within photography (12 credits)
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:
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.
The course is designed to build upon and develop each student’s theoretical and practical knowledge of established design 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.
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).
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).
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.
Ms A WhittakerHOD Art
Tel: (09) 575 9128 ext 145Email: whi@gdc.school.nz
