Our department offers a full curriculum program from Year 9 to 13 in both Dance and Drama. Our kaiako teach these programs in 2 well resourced, purpose built studio’s. Both subjects are committed to developing the self esteem, confidence, social intelligence and creativity of our ākonga. At the Senior level we teach both Level 2 and Level 3 NCEA. Both Dance and Drama are University approved subjects which is important for ākonga who plan to go on to University. As part of our curricular program our department brings in actors, dancers and ‘creatives’ to teach and interact with our ākonga. Our department believe it is essential that our ākonga see ‘live professional performances’ as part of their arts education. All juniors and seniors will therefore be given opportunities to see shows and develop their understanding of production technologies, the theatre industry and career pathways.
Our department also creates many opportunities for our ākonga to participate in a wide range of extra curricular activities outside of class time. Dance students are given opportunities to choreograph and compete in various high school competitions. Whilst our Drama students will have the opportunity to devise and perform in our bi-annual production. Other major events on our performing arts calendar that involve many ākonga include our ‘Performing Arts Roadshow’ and ‘Arts Week’.
Our department has a very proud tradition and history in both Dance and Drama. Kaiako in our department strongly believe that Ōtāhuhu College is a performative school where the ‘Arts’ an essential learning area and a vital contributor to creating a sense of wairua and community in our kura.
The school has a proud history of cultural involvement. With our multicultural background, we provide a wide range of cultural activities and the school is an active participant in the ASB Polyfest.
There are in total six cultural groups that are entered into the Festival:
Samoan Group | Cook Islands Group |
Tongan Group | Niuean Group |
Fijian Group | Filipino Group |