Māori Performing Arts
MPA910 Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Ms M. Donaldson.
Nau mai, haere mai! Welcome to our Junior Māori Performing Arts Programme, where you’ll dive into the dynamic world of Māori culture and performance in a safe and supportive learning environment where the Māori value of ‘manaakitanga’ (showing support and guidance towards each other) is one of the main cultural values encouraged at all times.
This is an introductory level course which will offer you an exciting basic introduction to the world of Māori performing arts. You will get a taste for various aspects of kapa haka, including mōteatea (traditional chants), waiata (songs), poi, haka, and waiata ā-ringa (action songs). Through these activities, you will learn about the history and cultural significance of Māori performing arts, developing basic performance skills and an understanding of Māori culture.
If you’re feeling a bit shy about joining Māori performing arts, don’t worry! You can start by participating informally, just for fun. It’s a great way to build confidence, connect with friends, and enjoy the rich traditions of Māori culture in a relaxed and supportive environment. Give it a try—you might discover a new passion! Students are also welcome to be part of the well established wider school Kapa Haka performance group which is an optional extra curricular activity. Plus, if you continue with Māori Performing Arts (MPA) into senior school, you’ll get the chance to join a North Island trip to Waitangi Bay of Islands.
Course Overview
Term 1
Throughout the year you will participate in engaging activities which may include:
Hakatorial: Learn the historical significance and application of haka in Aotearoa including learning movements, chants and meanings behind different haka. Have a go at creating a short haka or supporting the strengthening of the school haka
Cultural Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops where you’ll learn about taonga pūoro (traditional Māori instruments)
Storytelling Sessions: Dive into the world of Pūrākau Māori (ancient stories) about the ātua (deities) of performance and recreate these stories to share in groups or with the class.
Performance Projects: Work on exciting group project to put together a short performance for a class or community audience.
Trip preparations: Keep up your passion for Māori performing arts beyond year 10, help to plan and prepare for a north island trip.
Term 2
Throughout the year you will participate in engaging activities which may include:
Hakatorial: Learn the historical significance and application of haka in Aotearoa including learning movements, chants and meanings behind different haka. Have a go at creating a short haka or supporting the strengthening of the school haka
Cultural Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops where you’ll learn about taonga pūoro (traditional Māori instruments)
Storytelling Sessions: Dive into the world of Pūrākau Māori (ancient stories) about the ātua (deities) of performance and recreate these stories to share in groups or with the class.
Performance Projects: Work on exciting group project to put together a short performance for a class or community audience.
Trip preparations: Keep up your passion for Māori performing arts beyond year 10, help to plan and prepare for a north island trip.
Term 3
Throughout the year you will participate in engaging activities which may include:
Hakatorial: Learn the historical significance and application of haka in Aotearoa including learning movements, chants and meanings behind different haka. Have a go at creating a short haka or supporting the strengthening of the school haka
Cultural Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops where you’ll learn about taonga pūoro (traditional Māori instruments)
Storytelling Sessions: Dive into the world of Pūrākau Māori (ancient stories) about the ātua (deities) of performance and recreate these stories to share in groups or with the class.
Performance Projects: Work on exciting group project to put together a short performance for a class or community audience.
Trip preparations: Keep up your passion for Māori performing arts beyond year 10, help to plan and prepare for a north island trip.
Term 4
Throughout the year you will participate in engaging activities which may include:
Hakatorial: Learn the historical significance and application of haka in Aotearoa including learning movements, chants and meanings behind different haka. Have a go at creating a short haka or supporting the strengthening of the school haka
Cultural Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops where you’ll learn about taonga pūoro (traditional Māori instruments)
Storytelling Sessions: Dive into the world of Pūrākau Māori (ancient stories) about the ātua (deities) of performance and recreate these stories to share in groups or with the class.
Performance Projects: Work on exciting group project to put together a short performance for a class or community audience.
Trip preparations: Keep up your passion for Māori performing arts beyond year 10, help to plan and prepare for a north island trip.
2025 Semester 1 - Junior Options 1
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