COLLEGE FACULTIES

The Arts:

Arts Staff:
Mrs L Purda - B Design (Hons) Dip Tchg - TiC Visual Art
Mr D Lynch - BPR&TM, Dip Tchg - TiC Music/Arts Coordinator
Miss J Sheridan - BA, LLB, BTchg - Drama
Miss E Look - BA (Hum), Dip Tchg - Drama

At Tararua College, an education in the Arts is valued for its role in preparing students for life beyond school. Whether students wish to become effective practitioners/performers, develop literacy in the Arts so as to become appreciative members of an audience, or use their acquired skills and knowledge to gain entry to tertiary level Arts courses, the College provides a comprehensive Arts programme in 4 disciplines:

Music:
The Tararua College Music Department is a hive of industry. Over 120 students learn a musical instrument through our in-school tuition programme. Our tutors are of a very high standard enabling us to offer a wide range of choice: Tuition in 13 instruments, from drums to piccolo, is available. The College has both concert and stage bands who play at school and community occasions. There are a number of rock bands, some of who enter into national competitions. We offer vocal tuition and the opportunity to join one of our choirs.

Visual Art:
This is a popular choice at the college, with 160 students each year learning at Year 9 through to Year 13. In senior classes, students specialise in Painting, Photography or Design. Other disciplines are taught where demand is evidenced.
The Visual Art Department has a brand new studio with superb facilities, including a spacious and well-equipped darkroom and state-of-the-art computer graphics suite.

Announcing The Dream Team Inspiration Tour To Dubai & Italy:
We will be traveling in April 2011, but as we progress on our adventure we would like to share updates with you.

Drama:
A purpose-built Drama Suite was completed in 2005 to house the growing Drama curriculum taught and school productions at Tararua College. The Department was granted state-of-the-art technology with the latest sound and lighting equipment on the market today. With this equipment came the rigging needed to hold the lighting equipment and speakers. Along with a large wardrobe, rehearsal room, mobile staging and large teaching space, the Suite has a well-resourced lighting den. This lighting room stores a selection of spotlights, fresnel lighting, pendant lighting, a sound desk and lighting board. Students learn to use this equipment for productions and assessments.

Though the Drama Suite is used primarily as a teaching space, it doubles as a mini theatre. Here students can develop their skills in the technical roles of theatre as well as performance.

The Department has equipment that has already catered for three stage productions, a fashion parade and a College ball.

Senior Drama is very strong within the College, with students achieving in both performance and technical NCEA Achievement Standards. Students experience a variety of Drama forms and technologies such as make-up, lighting, improvisation, clowning and mask. Drama at Tararua College takes a process-based approach where students learn to develop their ideas in group situations.
Drama as an extra-curricular activity is also thriving with a variety of performances and trips to theatres in the area.

Kapa Haka:

Languages

Languages Staff:
Miss J Sheridan - BA, LLB, BTchg - HoD English
Miss E Look - BA (Hum), Dip Tchg
Mrs K Forrest - BA (Hons), Dip Tchg
Mrs R Vincent BA (Eng and Media), Postgrad Dip Secondary
Ms M Zambasos - BA, Dip Tchg, Postgrad Nat Cert First Time Principals
Ms K Cotter - Dip Vis Com Design, Dip Tchg Food
Miss E Prentice - B Agr, Cert Wool PG, Dip Com, Dip Tchg
Mr W Matahiki - BA (Maori), Dip Tchg

Mathematics

Mathematics Staff:
Mr D Ngatuere - BSc, TTC, Dip Tchg - HoD Mathematics
Mr A McKnight - BSc - IT Manager
Mr P Turner - M. Ed Admin (Hons), BSc, Dip Tchg
Mr R Moffitt - B.Ed, Dip Tchg, Cert TESOL
Mrs C McNaughton - BSc, Dip Tchg

Physical Education And Health

Physical Education And Health Staff:
Miss J Searle - BEd, Dip Tchg - HOD PE/Health, Sports Coordinator
Miss S Arends - BHuman Performance, DipTchg, Sports Coordinator
Mr S Bennett - BEd, Dip Tchg Sec, Postgrad Dip Counselling

Rural Studies

Rural Studies Department Staff:
Miss E Prentice - B Agr, Cert Wool PG, Dip Com, Dip Tchg - TiC Rural Studies