Specialist Curriculums
Expressive Arts
“The arts” is the collective term for four disciplines; music, dance, visual arts, and drama. For tamariki and rangatahi of all ages, the arts play a very important role in communication and the expression of ideas. In fact, it is often said that the arts are the first literacies for tamariki. This is because each of these disciplines involves the use of symbols (expression, movement, gesture, image, and sound) to convey meaning. The arts is the optimum way for our tamariki and rangatahi with unique learning needs to engage in complex modes of thinking and abstract ideas. (adapted from Te Whāriki Online)
“Even before we start to walk, we dance. We sing even as we attempt to talk. The first sounds we make are shaped into words through playful repetition, and all the world is a drum for us to hear the rhythm of the planet. We clumsily hold a crayon and scrawl our personal mark on time. We walk around in our mother’s slippers so we might better understand her and our relationship. The beginning of empathy and compassion is forged in the pretend social play of childhood. Play is the precursor and defining feature of all art-making. Every human is an arts maker. We are all born as creatives so we can begin to understand and then shape the world in which we live. Our connection to the arts sits at the heart of our shared humanity. We all know instinctively that when the world is in a mess, the arts are there for us. When we were very little we used them to learn, to develop relationships, to begin defining who we are and who we might become. It is no wonder then that as schools reopen we should turn to the arts to nourish ourselves.” Professor Peter O’Connor, University of Auckland
Dance
Dance is a vital and integral part of life. Through dance, students gain opportunities to develop their creative potential through physical, non-verbal expression and communication. Students will have opportunities to work in groups, engage in warm-ups, learn breathing and dance techniques, relaxation, stretching, use a variety of props, music and technology, and will learn and teach choreography.
Physical Education
Expressive Arts Therapy
Arts Therapy enables the students to express themselves creatively through visual art-making, drama, and movement. The arts therapist does this within a therapeutic relationship to improve and inform physical, mental and emotional well being. Through its integrative methods, arts therapy engages the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation alone and enhances the students’ overall functioning and well being. The holism of arts therapy means it aligns well with Māori models of health and well being such as ‘Te Whare Tapa Whā’.
Rhythm to Recovery
A flexible model of using rhythmic music, movement and voice where facilitators allow and foster experiential group music making, using drums and percussion instruments. The sessions also allow cognitive reflection through discussions for some of our students, but there is often a greater focus on the musical activities for others.
The benefits include an improved mood, a strong sense of belonging, creativity and a grounding experience which can reduce hyper-vigilance & anxiety.
The overall focus is mainly on improvisation, finding your own rhythm, connecting with others and having fun!
Music Therapy
Music Therapy is the creative, planned use of music to help our students achieve non-musical goals related to their wellbeing, communication, social and personal learning. In Music Therapy, we have a familiar structure, including a greeting song, a “warm-up” or movement activity, instrument playing, singing, and relaxation. Within this structure, students have many opportunities for creative expression, taking turns, making choices and building their confidence. Research shows that participating in live music-making such as singing or playing an instrument is excellent for wellbeing and for learning in general.