Visual Art

The visual arts are an integral part of the world in which we live. The creative industry is now one of New Zealand’s biggest exports. Understanding and interpreting the imagery of our own and other cultures (visual literacy) is essential to success in all areas of life. There are many ways to communicate visually through different media, techniques and approaches. The Kaikorai Valley College Art Department provides an introduction to these, and is also one of the few remaining schools with a working darkroom. Students develop their individual skills and ideas which encourage the creative, problem solving thought processes. For some this will result in further study at a Tertiary level and can also equip them for success within the many arts based careers available.

Junior School

Students develop practical skills in a wide range of fields. The programme explores and celebrates unique artistic expressions of self, community, and culture. It embraces te Māori, valuing the forms and practices of customary and contemporary Māori and Pacific Art.

Students investigate units in:

  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
  • Ceramics
  • Design
  • Photography 

Senior School

The focus is on building practical skills while emphasising the importance of developing creative ideas. A broad painting course in year 11 expands into the separate fields of study for years 12 and 13. Students are able to specialise in Painting, Printmaking, Photography and Design. Full NCEA courses are available in all areas and we encourage our students to enter Scholarship. One of our students Visual Arts Scholarships travelled New Zealand in 2011 as part of the National Top Art Exhibition.

Regular gallery visits and contact with artists help inspire and motivate our students. We strive to provide every opportunity to gain success in the Arts with holiday workshops to assist them out of the classroom.