We absolutely love seeing our students express themselves creatively.
Their ability to surprise with their talent, thought, and bravery never ceases to amaze. The arts offer a creative outlet of course, but some underrated side effects include boosted confidence, and social development.
Design, art, photography, music, dance, and drama are curriculum subjects, which are both popular and academically strong.
Of course, outside of the curriculum, endless creative opportunities are provided. Excellence in the Arts is celebrated with Cultural Blues Awards.
We have an Arts Co-ordinator as well as Art Prefects who have been especially appointed to promote the arts. They also have the wholehearted support of all our staff.
The Arts
Students are encouraged to get involved in:
- Debating
- DELF
- Drama Clubs
- Hip Hop
- Ngā Manu o Hira Tapu - Kapa Haka Group
- Madrigal, Sings Hilda and the Junior Choir
- Orchestral, Chamber Music and Rock Music groups
- School Production
- Theatresports
Public Speaking
The art of public speaking is taught as part of the English curriculum, and there are plenty of opportunities for students to put what they learn into practice. From chapel services and assemblies, to occasions such as St Hilda’s Day, Carol Services, Prizegiving and more. We also encourage entry into speech competitions, and can help organise lessons with several excellent speech teachers at lunchtime or after school.
Learn an Instrument
Students have the opportunity to learn instruments either through the music programme, or if they want to take it to the next level, private tuition. We offer private tuition in strings, brass, woodwind, percussion, voice and guitar.
Celebrating the Arts
We also regularly celebrate the arts with events and occasions such as:
The Big Sing - Biennial School Musical - Blues Awards Evening - Photography Competition - Art Exhibitions - Royal New Zealand Ballet Workshops - Rockquest - Group, Individual and Kapa Haka performances at parent evenings and other school occasions - Biennial Stage Challenge - Junior Orchestra Workshop Day - Artist of the Term - Arts Assemblies - Otago University Shakespeare festival - Interschool Theatre Sports Competition - NZCAF - Otago Secondary Schools Music Festival - Polyfest.
