The Visual and Performing Arts are highly valued by Hamilton's Fraser High School, both as key areas of learning and as well supported co curricular activities. We have a large Arts Faculty, many of whom are practicing artists and performers. Within the classroom, students have access to up to date digital technology, allowing them to produce work to a very professional standard.

Participation in a range of dance, dramatic, and musical performances, along with commercial design and photographic projects and exhibitions allow students with an interest in the Visual and Performing Arts to apply and develop the skills they have learnt in the classroom. Involvement in these kinds of events helps students to explore possibilities for careers in these exciting fields, as well as providing them with lasting positive memories of their time at secondary school.

The school timetable has been designed to allow students to explore many Arts options. The population of our school allows us to offer a wide range of subjects within the Visual and Performing Arts at senior level, including four Visual Arts subjects to Scholarship level.

We have ten full time Visual and Performing Arts teachers who deliver the Arts curriculum in the school. In addition, over 35 staff from other departments contribute to co-curricular activities in this area of the school.

Performance

Students participate in award winning performances for Shakespeare Festival, School Productions (including recent successful seasons of Disney's High School Musical, Little Shop of Horrors and Grease), Stage Challenge, Theatre Sports, Talent Quests, and Dance. Students are encouraged to perform in dance and drama activities, plus as many again are involved in direction, design and construction of sets, costume, makeup, lighting and sound, choreography and music.

Students have the opportunity to receive an AUT Dance Scholarship. This scholarship, offered to up to 30 students, allows them to spend four weeks at the Auckland University of Technology working with professional dance tutors to gain university level credits in performance and technology.

Music

With three full time Music teachers and an itinerant Music programme, music opportunities abound at Fraser. Students have the opportunity to compose and record music on a range of up to date digital technology, including a large suite of Apple Mac computers.

Visual Arts

Students of the Visual Arts have the opportunity to participate in exhibitions, competitions and design projects at Fraser. Within the classroom students have access to up to date digital technology including Apple Mac computers and digital SLR cameras.