classroom tasks or NCEA assignments. The boys enjoyed this way of working and showed great independence. They could pace their learning at their own levels, and could look broadly or in depth into the areas that particularly interested them. A highlight of the year was a trip to the University of Canterbury, where the Art History department created an interesting and varied day for students from across the city. Lectures on art forgery and environmental art provided insight into areas new to most students and introduced them to university-style teaching. A tour around the School of Fine Arts, the UC art collection and the Macmillan Brown Library, a brilliant repository of New Zealand and Pacific art documentation, allowed students to see the wealth of opportunity provided in the arts. The opportunity to participate in the inaugural Open Christchurch event took place in August, when the students introduced the public to the history and architecture of College and, in particular, the Cecil Wood designed Dining Hall. A large number of people took the opportunity to visit College and the boys acquitted themselves with aplomb.
Studying art – painting, sculpture, architecture, photography and design – gives us an understanding of the world we live in now, and a means to access worlds that existed in the past. This course is intended as a base from which students can expand their knowledge and appreciation of the visual world as they move through their lives.
literature, significant events, and the art and architecture of the classical world, and students learn how the past continues to inform the present. We study the rise and fall of powerful individuals and empires, the creativity and invention of artists and engineers, and the formation
of ethical systems, including the evolution of social justice.
Throughout this, students become increasingly aware of the debt owed to and legacy of ancient Greece and Rome. I began my tenure by conducting interviews with students and staff in and outside the learning area. As I am also a trained English teacher, I put my English teacher hat on, trying to find ways to alter the course to best suit the needs and learning differences of all students. Working with staff in and outside of College has helped to refocus Classical Studies goals for the future. I have reviewed all the courses at Level 2 and Level 3 and am looking at rewriting them over the summer break, ensuring the tasks and summative assessments are accessible and achievable for all students. The new course outlines will be available on the Classical Studies curriculum page on Schoolbox in 2020. I am grateful to my Learning Support colleagues who work closely with some of my students to help them achieve. I also thank Assistant Principal – Curriculum Nicole Billante, who has aided the smooth transition of my new position. Teece Museum We are extremely lucky to be within easy walking distance of the University of Canterbury Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities, which opened in May 2017. The museum showcases the James Logie Memorial Collection, one of the most significant collections of Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern artefacts in New Zealand. At the beginning of the year, both year groups attended the exhibition
Robyn Peers TiC Art History
CLASSICS At the end of 2018 College farewelled Head of Classical Studies Chloe Harland, as she left to take maternity leave. With the birth of a beautiful baby boy, Chloe, with a heavy heart, decided to resign and begin a new chapter as a mother. I could have never imagined I would be taking the place of such an exceptional teacher, loved by staff and students alike. Being offered a permanent position at College is surreal and I am excited to see what the future holds for Classical Studies. Department vision In both Years 12 and 13, students are encouraged to make links between past and present civilisations, to imagine a possible future. We study
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