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

Visual Arts

Junior Art

All Year 9 students study Visual Art, Drama and Music or Maori Performing Arts as a half year module and in Year 10 students may choose Visual Art, Music or Drama subjects as options.

Senior Art

In the senior school (Years 11, 12 and 13) there are many choices for students to pursue their interest in the arts with courses offered in Design, Photography, Painting, Printmaking and Sculpture. Students study towards NCEA qualifications producing a folio of their years work. Extension programmes are encouraged, to enable the natural enthusiasm of individual students to be developed. We endeavour to instil a lifelong love of creativity and the foundation for many and varied career opportunities in this field.

Head of Department: Kevin Burgess

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