Foreword
The Arts in the New Zealand Curriculum is the national curriculum statement for the essential learning area of The Arts. A parallel curriculum statement for use in Māori medium education, Nga Toi i roto i te Marautanga o Aotearoa, will be published later this year.
The Arts in the New Zealand Curriculum replaces the existing syllabuses for art and music. It provides schools with guidance for planning programmes for all students in years 1–10 in the four separate arts disciplines of dance, drama, music, and the visual arts. For students in years 11–13, it complements and supports achievement standards developed for the National Certificate in Educational Achievement. The statement also builds on foundations for learning in the arts described in Te Whariki, the curriculum for early childhood.
The Arts in the New Zealand Curriculum emphasises that the arts disciplines offer students unique opportunities for imaginative and innovative thought and action, for emotional growth, and for deeper understandings of cultural traditions and practices in New Zealand and overseas. Such opportunities are integral to young people achieving their potential as learners and participating fully in their communities and in society as a whole.
The Arts in the New Zealand Curriculum also encourages students pursuing specialist studies in the arts at senior secondary level to go on to contribute their vision, abilities, and creative energies to arts initiatives and industries that help define New Zealand's national identity.
I wish to acknowledge all those who have contributed to the development of this document, including the policy advisory group and reference committee, the writing groups and their advisers, the consultation teams, and the many teachers and others who provided feedback on the draft.
Howard Fancy
Secretary for Education
