Performing arts consists of dance, drama and music. The integration of arts as a curriculum offering helps to create well-rounded, well-prepared learners and leaders. In the arts, students learn to work both independently and collaboratively to construct meanings, produce works, and respond to and value others’ contributions.
Students learn to use imagination to engage with unexpected outcomes and to explore multiple solutions. At James Cook High School all students get an opportunity to explore the arts and as they move through the school they are taught specific artistic skills and methodology. The performing arts of Music Dance and Drama are offered at all year levels.
In dance education, students integrate thinking, moving, and feeling. They explore and use dance elements, vocabularies, processes, and technologies to express personal, group, and cultural identities, to convey and interpret artistic ideas, and to strengthen social interaction. Students develop literacy in dance as they learn about, and develop skills in, performing, choreographing, and responding to a variety of genres from a range of historical and contemporary contexts.
In drama students work with drama techniques, they learn to use spoken and written language with increasing control and confidence and to communicate effectively using body language, movement, and space. As they perform, analyse, and respond to different forms of drama and theatre, they gain a deeper appreciation of their rich cultural heritage and language and new power to examine attitudes, behaviours, and values.
The journey of learning and mastering a musical instrument is a valuable and fulfilling experience. It will help develop discipline, persistence, creativity and teamwork skills in an individual. These skills are not only important to the musician in their craft, but are also desirable skills in other employment sectors.
The music department has an amazing team of professional Itinerant music teachers that will develop individual skills on a variety of instruments. Some of the options available are Guitar, Bass, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Clarinet, Piano, Drums, Vocals and more by demand.
There are exciting opportunities for students who join the department. Taking part in some of our musical groups such as the Jazz Band, Gospel Choir and smaller Contemporary Bands will put learning individual instruments into perspective. Students are encouraged to attend some of the many music competitions available such as Stand Up Stand Out, Smoke Free Rock Quest, Tangata beats and more.
We look forward to welcoming future students into the performing arts departments and are honoured to have their contribution.
