Performing Arts

The performing arts education at Heaton offers a well-balanced and exciting arts education where abilities in this area are extended and integrated with the inquiry programme, where possible. Within this variety of themes, students explore, develop and refine ideas in dance, drama and music. The school has a purpose built performing arts centre where these programmes operate.

Engaging dance programmes allow students to discover how to integrate moving, thinking and feelings. Students use their bodies to convey emotion, explore space and time space in their choreographies.

In drama, students explore feelings through the elements of expression, voice and movement and step into various roles. When engaging in drama education, students discover how to link imagination, thoughts and feelings with drama practices, in ways that give expressions to our cultural diversity.

Students are learning to make sense of sound, appreciate and value the aesthetic qualities of music and express feelings, ideas and identities. Many students are involved in a variety of school based musical activities. These include choir, chorale, orchestra, chamber ensemble, wood windwind ensemble, brass ensemble, string orchestra, rock bands or itinerant music lessons. Specialist teachers work alongside these groups. Performances to an audience are regularly presented.

Biannually, the school engages in a production where a large number of students are involved. In 2009, the school performed "The Rocky Horror Monster Show". The performing arts area also provides students with opportunities to participate and perform in the kapa haka group, wearable arts and aerobics.