The Arts Faculty encompasses Visual Art, Music and Drama. The courses are intended to be enjoyable and challenging for students of all skill levels.

Arts Combo

Music,  Art, Drama Module: All Year 9 students study Art, Drama and Music or Maori Performing Arts as a half year module. Each module runs for approximately 6 weeks.

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts Department offers innovative teaching and learning programs that foster students’ creativity, independent learning and problem-solving skills. Well-equipped learning spaces include, two digital computer suites, dedicated wet media rooms and a darkroom. These support the specialist subjects of Art Painting, Art Photography and Art Design.  All subjects are NCEA University Entrance qualifications.

Junior Art

In the junior school (Years 9 and 10), students are introduced to a variety of skills using a range of media. At Year 9, Art Design is an option where students will experience the introduction of Adobe software and class-based activities. At Year 10 both Art and Art Design are options that build upon skills, working towards NCEA Level 1.

Senior Art

In the senior school (Years 11, 12 and 13), there are many choices for students to pursue their interest in the Visual Arts with courses offered across the disciplines of Art Painting, Art Photography and Art Design. Students study towards NCEA qualifications producing a folio submission. This is often student directed at the higher level.

The Visual Arts Department endeavour to instil a lifelong love of creativity and the foundation for many and varied career opportunities in the creative industries.

Head of Department: Deborah Kelly

Performing Arts

Drama

Drama is an exciting and creative course.  At the junior level, students work towards developing team work and leadership skills. Students also participate in stage combat, devised and scripted theatre.  The senior course is a co-educational course from Year Twelve onwards and students are introduced to more complex and technical forms as well as directing and abstract theatre.  Our courses have led boys to not only study the performing arts at top tertiary institutions nationally and internationally but current old boys are experiencing exciting careers in the performing arts, communications, film and media.

There are also many co-curricular opportunities at Nelson College for those students interested in the performing arts. These include the school production, the SGCNZ University of Otago Sheila Winn Shakespeare Festival and the theatre sports competitions.

Head of Department: Luke Walton

Dance

Dance is an exciting and creative subject for students who want to express themselves through performance and choreography.  Senior dance students will learn a variety of different dance forms including street dance, hip hop, contemporary, traditional and classical dance forms.  Students will develop an understanding of individual fitness and learn how to improve core strength.  They will develop leadership and team building skills.

Co-curricular dance opportunities include the Vast Dance Festival and Stage Challenge.  These opportunities are open to both senior and junior boys.

Head of Department: Luke Walton

Music

Music can be chosen as an option at all levels, Year 9 through to Year 13.  Study will include performance as a soloist and in a group, writing music, concentrated listening, reading musical symbols and studying classical, jazz and rock music written by a variety of composers.

Co-curricular music is thriving and includes jazz band, concert band, brass ensemble, choir, string group, and drumming group.  All students are welcome to be a part of music within the College.

Director of Music: Kay Mackenzie