Introduction

The Arts Strategy 2006-08 is underpinned by the objectives of the Schooling Strategy: Making a Bigger Difference for all Students (www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/schoolingstrategy). The strategy focuses n improved outcomes for teachers and students by ensuring all resources, face to face and online support networks are cohesive and effective. It will build on the focused professional development offered to teachers through School Support Services and on published materials that have supported the implementation of The Arts in the New Zealand Curriculum.

The Arts disciplines offer students unique opportunities to develop:

• creativity through imaginative and innovative thought and action;
• identity, evolving personal local and national identities through deeper understandings of cultural traditions and practices;
• emotional growth through expression, sharing and communication of ideas and feelings;
• cognitive growth through the development of creative solutions.

Such opportunities are integral to young people achieving their potential as learners and participating fully in their communities and in society as a whole.

Why do we need an arts strategy?

Increasing numbers of students are engaging in arts learning. They seek and benefit from learning contexts that have relevance to their own lives, and allow them to express their identity and their beliefs. Arts learning can meet these needs. Since the publication of The Arts in the New Zealand Curriculum, reform has been led by the Ministry of Education to meet the needs of all students through a sustainable Arts education community.

A sustainable Arts education community is achieved when, teachers, arts organisations, agencies, artists, family and whanau, tertiary and pre-service providers share responsibility and work collaboratively to achieve quality arts learning for all students.

An arts strategy is needed to:

• inform professional development for teachers:
• build on the focused professional development offered to teachers through School Support Services and on published materials that have supported the implementation of The Arts in the New Zealand Curriculum.
• embed understanding of the National Curriculum, National Exemplars, resources and learning progressions in the Arts.
• build on existing leadership development, understanding of best practice, and effective teaching in the Arts, achieved during implementation of the Arts curriculum.