The Arts

Curriculum Delivery Statement

Rationale

God is the Master Creator and He placed, within humanity, His ability to create and appreciate the process and product of that creativity.  God is also a God who throughout history has used the visuals, drama, dance and music as a means of effective communication with His creation.  Our school has a responsibility to provide for and promote experiences so students may learn about God through The Arts and to nurture in students an enjoyment and understanding of and ability to create dramatic works which will enrich the quality of their lives and the lives of others’ within a Christian framework.  The Arts is a powerful tool and students need to be aware of its use for good and be wary of its power to promote evil.

Special Character - Values

Worship:

Theory

God has given us spiritual gifts, including musical and artistic talents. We can use our abilities to worship God through music, art work, dance and drama. 

1 Corinthians 12: 6-7 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 

Practical Uses

• Listen and sing along to praise and worship songs

• Create art works, songs and creative expressions to glorify God

• Study and view art work and creative expressions to inspire worship

Perseverance:

Theory

Students find and develop their gifts through exploring different techniques, using a range of mediums and evaluating their effectiveness.  At times God calls us to step out of our comfort zones to move to a newer understanding of our abilities.  Therefore, students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of activities and events which will cultivate their experience with the Arts. 

1 Peter 4:10-11 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Corinthians 12:31 But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). AMPC

Practical Uses

• Giving the students the opportunity to explore a wide range of activities and events.

• Encouraging students to complete tasks they begin when they experience a challenge.

• Helping students uncover and develop their gifts in demonstrating different techniques.

Contribution:

Theory

As Creator, God has given us many varying talents to contribute for the pleasure of others and His glory.

Practical Uses

• Develop talents and abilities in the Arts

• Participating in Worship times

Excellence:

Theory

God's excellence is manifested through His incredible artistic display in Creation and He has given us the Arts to express the excellency of His majesty.

Matthew 6: 28-29 ... See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these.

Psalms 150: 1-6 

1 Praise the Lord.

Praise God in His sanctuary;

    praise Him in his mighty heavens.

2 Praise Him for his acts of power;

    praise Him for his surpassing greatness.

3 Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet,

    praise Him with the harp and lyre,

4 praise Him with timbrel and dancing,

    praise Him with the strings and pipe,

5 praise Him with the clash of cymbals,

    praise Him with resounding cymbals.

6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord.

Practical Uses

• All of our talents should be developed in excellence to give glory to His name

Love:

Theory

We can express our love for God and God's love for others through Visual Art, Dance, Drama, and Music. 

Ephesians 5:19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.

Galatians 6:5 Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. (MSG)

Practical Uses

• Worship God (expressing our love for Him) through singing, playing instruments, dancing, drama, and visual art

• Using our talents for the glory of God and display our love for God and others.

Courage:

Theory

It takes courage to express your thoughts and feelings through the medium of The Arts.

Nehemiah 4:14 When I saw their fear, I stood and said to the nobles and officials and the rest of the people: “Do not be afraid of them; [confidently] remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and [with courage from Him] fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and for your homes.”

Practical Uses

• Hot-seating and other drama techniques

• Expressing ideas and feelings through Art, Dance, and Music

Compassion:

Theory

Drama requires compassion when acting in role: to be able to put yourself in someone else's shoes.

Matthew 7:12 - So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Practical Uses

• Role plays to learn about emotions and kindness

• Hot-seating and other drama techniques

• Expressing ideas and feelings through Art, Dance, and Music

Integrity:

Theory

Integrity is essential in teaching The Arts, as it fosters authenticity, creativity, and respect for the creative process. By modeling Integrity, teachers encourage students to express their unique voices and create original work while honoring the contributions of others. This focus on honesty helps students develop an ethical foundation that enhances their artistic expression and promotes collaboration, ensuring a thriving community rooted in mutual respect and authenticity.

Colossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Practical Uses

• Encourage students to create their own work and emphasise the importance of personal expression, reinforcing the value of originality in all art forms.

• Have students regularly reflect on their creative processes, including challenges and decisions, to cultivate self-awareness and a commitment to integrity in their work.

• Share your own experiences with integrity in your artistic practice, including how you handle challenges and maintain authenticity in your work.

• Engage students in collaborative projects where they must communicate openly and respect each other’s contributions, reinforcing the idea of teamwork grounded in integrity.

• Help students understand inspiration versus imitation, building respect for others’ ideas.

Curriculum Content and Coverage

• The curriculum delivered is based upon the New Zealand Curriculum

• Planning should allow for the coverage of The Arts at the year level of the child

• The Arts are taught through our integrated Inquiry Curriculum which is taught over a four-year school-wide plan

Curriculum Goals - The Arts

• The Arts will increase the students’ knowledge of God, develop creativity and self esteem and enrich the life of everyone in the school

• Provide opportunities to participate in all four disciplines of The Arts:

  • • Dance

    • Drama

    • Music

    • Visual Arts

• Explore individual creativity

• Appreciate and accept the efforts of others

• Work with visiting artists / performers

• Appreciate music

• Become confident through playing a musical instrument, and through choirs and singing groups

• Appreciate art works through viewing works by visiting an art gallery or exhibition

• Use a variety of materials and techniques to create their own art works

• Explore and perform drama

• Initiate and develop dance ideas

Programme Emphasis

• Lessons will focus around a variety of experiences for students, which will be integrated across the curriculum.

• To identify the true purpose of The Arts within the Christian context.

• Examples of different forms of The Arts will be provided in the classroom and around the school so that children can gain an appreciation of The Arts including different cultures.

• Students will be given opportunities to use their senses and extend the power and endurance of their observation ability.

• Encouraging active participation and involvement in the appropriate use of The Arts.

• The use of The Arts as a tool of ministry and worship.

• Understanding the impact of The Arts, especially its ability to empower and uplift, and its ability to convey messages and values are important understandings for students to develop.

• Provision will be made for visits to local art galleries/theatres from time to time.

• Teachers will provide programmes that cater for the needs, experiences, capabilities and backgrounds of the students.

Teaching Methodology

• The Arts requires modelling, teaching time and practice.

• Time will be given to discussing and building an understanding of features and process of The Arts.

• Planning to include understandings, knowledge, ideas, practice and attitudes through student learning styles.

• Care will be taken to ensure Christian values are maintained at all times.

• Learning will involve, discussion and brainstorming, careful observation, modelling of skills and techniques, time and opportunity for exploration and experimentation

• Monitoring, assessment and evaluation will occur through observation and data collection, assessment of work against exemplars, interviews, self and peer assessment.

• Use of student’s special interests and abilities to enhance classroom learning and affirm achievement is actively encouraged.

• Celebration (Kaizen Learning) of student’s art should be a part of the classroom programme.

• Self-assessment against success criteria empowers the learner.

Characteristics of an effective Arts Lesson

• Lessons will be Christ-centred and the content will glorify God.

• Motivation is best achieved through hands on experiential learning.

• Clarity of learning is best achieved when learning outcomes, success criteria and exemplars are used to enhance self regulated learners.

• Teacher modelling provides reinforcement of success criteria.

• An effective Arts lesson should include;

  • • Co-operation & collaboration amongst learners

    • Student Choice

    • Expressive and creative content that is relevant to 21st century learners

    • Active and engaged learners

    • Reflective time to ensure learning outcomes achieved

    • Individual and collective needs will be met