They are given plenty of hands-on experiences working with tactile materials such as using the etching press, firing a ceramic piece in the kiln and using paint in unexpected ways. Visual Art students learn from looking at how other contemporary artists use visual language to communicate ideas and interpret the world around them.

From Year 7 they are encouraged to problem solve and think critically when making original art of their own that reflects the set learning tasks. As students get older they can specialise in areas of interest to them and by Year 13 they are working in an individualised learning plan, totally unique to them.

All of our students enjoy finding out about new ways of developing ideas in a positive, supportive environment. The Year 7-13 art programmes are taught by experienced specialist teachers who are both exhibiting artists themselves.

In a society that is rapidly changing, the Department is adapting to meet the needs of our learners by ensuring the learning reflects current art practice in the wider world. This is often interdisciplinary and involves digital, spatial and sculptural, photographic and moving image artwork as well as traditional modes such as painting and printmaking.

Our NCEA students consistently achieve very well with over 50% gaining Merit or Excellence course endorsements. A recent Printmaking student was included in the NZQA Top Art Folio exhibition that travelled the country.

In the last decade many students have been accepted into Fine Arts, Design and Architecture schools around the country with all others leaving with an appreciation of how to use visual language to communicate ideas.