Performing Arts at Orewa College gives students many ways to grow in confidence, creativity and connection. From junior students discovering new interests to senior students performing, competing and leading, families can see a programme that is ambitious, inclusive and full of real opportunities to belong.
A rich and rewarding part of school life for students and families
For many families, a strong Performing Arts programme matters when choosing a school. At Orewa College, students build confidence, strengthen communication, and find belonging through rehearsing, performing and creating together.
Being part of a troupe, band, show or competition team supports wellbeing and friendships across year levels. Regional and national opportunities also encourage students to aim high, develop resilience, and take pride in representing their school community.
Students learn in purpose built dance and drama classrooms, music suites, tuition rooms and a recording suite, supported by experienced staff, specialist tutors, and clear pathways across the year.
Dance gives students a chance to perform, collaborate and develop movement skills in a supportive environment. The annual dance festival celebrates work created across the year, including troupe performances and senior assessment pieces, with choreography shaped by the Dance department and senior student leadership.
Drama helps students build voice, presence and creative confidence. Through classroom learning, Theatresports, drama-based performance opportunities and school shows, students learn how to communicate, collaborate and take creative risks.
Music provides a strong foundation for students who want to perform, learn an instrument or join ensemble opportunities. With specialist tutors, purpose built music spaces and opportunities to compete and perform at regional and national levels, students can develop both technical skill and a lifelong love of music.
Advanced Music Tuition offers small group lessons during school time across a wide range of instruments. This gives students access to specialist teaching while staying connected to the wider music life of the school.
Lessons are generally 30 minutes in groups of three or four students, depending on the instrument. Students who receive tuition are encouraged to show commitment to their lessons, attend consistently and be involved in an appropriate co-curricular music group or performance opportunity.
Orewa College is fortunate to have qualified specialist tutors who support students to build technique, confidence and performance readiness.
The programme currently includes: Alto Sax, Bass Guitar, Bassoon, Cello, Clarinet, Drums, Euphonium, Flute, French Horn, Guitar, Keyboard and Piano, Oboe, Tenor Sax, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Viola, Violin and Voice.
Students can choose from a broad mix of groups, competitions and performance experiences across the year. This variety means students can find the pathway that suits their interests, whether they love the stage, enjoy ensemble performance or thrive in creative competition.
Students learn to present themselves, work with others and communicate with confidence, skills that support success well beyond the stage.
Being part of a troupe, band, show or competition team gives students a strong sense of belonging and helps them build positive friendships across year levels.
Regional and national performance opportunities encourage students to aim high, develop resilience and take pride in representing their school community.
Students can join through classroom learning, department communication, co-curricular sign ups and annual registration processes for some specialist opportunities, including Advanced Music Tuition.
No. Many opportunities are designed to welcome students who are discovering Performing Arts for the first time, while also supporting students who already have experience and want to extend themselves.
Junior students can access a wide range of options, including Year 7 music pathways, dance opportunities, performance groups and Showquest experiences for Years 7 and 8.
Fundraising helps support major student opportunities such as Showquest. Talent Quest is one way the community can contribute, and every $5 ticket supports the Showquest fundraising goal.
Use SchoolBridge to stay up to date with Orewa College communications. For more information about Performing Arts subjects and opportunities, please contact:
Head of Performing Arts: Becky Hilliar, [email protected]
Head of Music: David Popper, [email protected]
Head of Drama: Geoffrey Heaney, [email protected]
