The Arts
Valueing The Arts at Te Kura o Tihiōtonga
At Otonga School, we believe that the arts are essential to a rich, balanced, and meaningful education. Through music, visual art, dance, and drama, our tamariki explore creativity, express their identity, build confidence, and connect with others in powerful ways.
The Arts:
Encourage self-expression, confidence and emotional wellbeing
Promote critical thinking, curiosity, and problem-solving
Foster collaboration, empathy, and cultural understanding
Help students see the world through different lenses and tell their own stories
We are proud to provide diverse opportunities for students to participate in school productions, kapa haka, music lessons, visual art projects, and classroom performances. These experiences are not “extras”- they are central to growing capable, creative, and confident learners and integrated into our daily programs.
At school, the arts are a celebration of who we are and what we can become.
Music
The specialist Music Program at Te Kura o Tihiōtonga draws from several teaching pedagogies. We use resources from the Orff Method which is based on the idea that movement is an essential part of learning to play music. We also draw from the Kodaly Method which is a progress-based approach to teaching music. Many of the exercises and activities we use are from the Kodaly Song Books. Our ultimate goal is to develop life-long learners of music. By the time our Year 6 students graduate we aim to have them skilled in a range of instruments, to have experienced music composition, and to have a foundational knowledge of music theory. Underlying all of this is the school’s pedagogy of Learning Through Play. In Music, we strive to set a structure within which students have room to be creative and express themselves.
For the students who want to showcase their talents, we have a school singing group and rock band.
Drama
The specialist Drama Program at Te Kura o Tihiōtonga is grounded in creating a safe, playful, and supportive environment where students are encouraged to explore the world of performance. Drawing on a range of drama pedagogies and conventions, our program helps students build confidence through improvisation, imagination, collaboration, and creative risk-taking.
Drama also supports the development of strong oral language skills. Our sessions embed speaking, listening, and presenting opportunities that help students’ express ideas clearly, respond to others, and develop presence and purpose when communicating.
Students learn to use both voice and body to bring characters, ideas, and moments to life, while working together to build teamwork and performance awareness. Underpinning our approach is a belief that drama should be fun, expressive, and inclusive.
By the time our Year 6 students graduate, we aim for them to be confident communicators, familiar with key drama conventions, and excited to share their creative voice.
For those who wish to extend their skills, there are opportunities to be involved in school productions and showcase their talents to the wider community.
