God is the creator of all things. All people have been created in God’s own image which means we have been created with the ability to express ourselves by creating and recreating through many art forms. We all have these abilities, to a greater or lesser degree. Discovering these may be a life long journey. By participating in the arts we reflect the very nature of God within us. At Aidanfield Christian School, expressions in the Arts is an expression of praise back to God.

The Aidanfield Christian School Arts programme is designed to be a reflection of biblical practise. As stated in the New Zealand curriculum, studying the Arts explores, challenges, affirms and celebrates unique artistic expressions of self, community and culture. The Arts can create emotions within us and this enhances our capacity to think, feel and love. We are able to appreciate the work of others in various forms. At Aidanfield Christian School, we celebrate different artistic forms while taking all expression captive to the authority of scripture. We encourage artistic discernment based on our scriptural foundations and this should be seen as liberating rather than restrictive.

The Arts encourages and allows those who struggle with formal structures of expression to articulate themselves through artistic form. The Arts are a means for some pupils to discover alternative ways to express themselves, their thoughts, talents, feelings, and responses to God and the world. Appreciating and reflecting on other peoples’ art can be a form of worship. As an example, listening to God-honouring music allows one to enter into an aspect of worship as much as singing the song. The same can be said for dance, visual arts and drama.

Talents in the Arts often rest dormant in individuals and grow in a person at different points in their lives. At Aidanfield Christian School we want to see these seeds watered over time. While pupils grow through different periods in their life, the expression through the Arts is a means of expressing to God and others these differing feelings, frustrations and joys.

Participation in the arts exposes us to a variety of disciplines and commitments over a long period of time. This teaches self-discipline and both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

For every discipline there needs to be an intentional and authentic learning opportunity.