"i liked that we could create art while incorporating our all different cultures"
- Adara Lunjevich (student)
ARA Journeys took 23 Year 11 students through a process of discovery and expression of cultural identity using knowledge shared by Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board where stories are passed on orally at the marae and at the pou rahui at the nearby beach.
our place
Our school culture reflects the unique history of our region, connecting the first people of our area, Patuharakeke. As a college we aspire to reflect our MANA values; Manaakitanga (hosting), Awhi (supporting each other), Ngakaunui (being curious), Aroha (working with positivity).
Students are empowered to take an active role in the life of the school and their learning. We do this through involvement in one of the student councils, our student mentors’ group and through the opportunities to engage in authentic contexts through our focus on deep learning.
We are a school that looks for constructive solutions to challenges by using Restorative Practices to support a safe and inclusive environment.
our stories
The learning began with a visit to Takahiwai, our local Marae, where Ari, Lenny, Lisa and Hollie told about the Pou at the marae and on the beach at Ruakākā that represent the various reasons why rahui were implemented.
Class discussion and research:
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rahui and respect for kaimoana and plantlife
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the cultural, spiritual and environmental significance pou
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the significance in regards to sense making and metaphor
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mana-whenua and their guardianship of stories
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the significance of the place
Pou rahui at Marsden Cove
our mahi
Over a one week workshop Whaea Tracey Scott and ARA Journeys creative Ben Kenobi, led the students through an iterative process focused on the creation of artwork responding to ideas covered in the cultural visit.
“It was really cool learning about pou and our local iwi. Even more awesome we got to design our own and see it in AR".
- Phoebe Cookson (student)
Students received hands-on experiences creating their own interactive augmented reality art. Each workshop is guided by an experienced learning designer and creative practitioner using industry best practices catered to adjust to different learner types.
Students use reference literature to generat ideas
Our process:
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using our Insta-Pou rapid prototyping techniques students made AR content that they could view live within the first few minutes of the workshop
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assumption mapping the story kaitiaki and audience
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develop ideas through iterative process
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communicate ideas through the design of in-game 3D textures and shaders
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understand how our art is used in the production pipeline and assigning visual effects
our creations
Students worked individually to create pou using mixed media 2D physical artwork scanned in to the app and texture effects.
The pou will appear as augmented reality models in the Tuwhiri app in 3 locations near Marsden Point and Ruakaka beach soon.
App available now on Google Play and iOS.
Students, staff and parents view complete work the the school showcase
