The Arts at Matakana School

At Matakana School, the Arts are a vibrant and essential part of every student’s journey. We offer a rich variety of opportunities across Music, Drama, Dance, and Visual Art, going beyond the standard curriculum by weaving these disciplines into our Inquiry and Literacy programmes. This integrated approach ensures our students are constantly engaged in creative discovery and highly immersive learning.

Our curriculum is enhanced by specialist instruction in Visual Art and Drama/Music, providing students with explicit skill development in dedicated 14-week blocks. In our classrooms, a rotating art programme allows students to experiment with a wide range of techniques, including painting, printmaking, fabric art, and construction. The results are proudly shared with our community, with high-quality student work frequently curated for display in the school foyer and hallways.

Performance is at the heart of our school culture, providing every child a platform to build confidence. Key highlights of our performing arts include:

• Cultural Pride: Our Kapa Haka group features 124 students who perform regularly at community events.

• Vocal Excellence: Over 100 students participate in the school Choir, alongside a successful weekly Glee Club.

• Drama & Oral Language: Students develop public speaking skills through everything from junior puppet shows and LEGO storytelling to senior-led assemblies and scriptwriting.

• Movement: From competitive Jump Jam teams to the student-led 'Magic Mix' Radio Crew sparking spontaneous sing-alongs at playtime, movement and music are part of our daily life.

By bridging the gap between school and the wider community through initiatives like Calendar Art and the CHArt competition, we ensure that our students' artistic talents are celebrated both inside and outside the classroom.