About Us
What is the Positive Performing Arts Method® (PPAM) ?
The Positive Performing Arts Method® (PPAM) is a unique Performing Arts educational syllabus combined with a teaching philosophy which embraces aroha, positivity and respect as its core values.
Developed here in New Zealand by Rebekah Robertson, a fully qualified, registered and certificated teacher with extensive Performing Arts experience. Rebekah wanted to create a syllabus and school of which everyone can join, regardless of experience or talent. PPAM is designed for people who want the benefits of the Performing Arts without having to be in competitive and high pressure environments.
Mission Statement
To make it possible for everyone to enrich their lives with the Performing Arts. We welcome everyone, regardless of talent or experience. Our goal is to help every student gain confidence and develop a lifelong love of the Performing Arts.
Values
-
Positivity
-
Aroha
-
Respect
Vision
We want to change the way we teach the Performing Arts in New Zealand. We envision a future where Performing Arts education is synonymous with positivity, aroha and respect in all settings: schools, afterschool programs, community theatres, and in the professional industry. In this future, the Syllabus of the Positive Performing Arts Method® will be available for all those who want to teach and learn, alongside comprehensive teacher training in the philosophy and ethic of PPAM.
Code of Conduct
Our core values guide our classes and inspire both teachers and students to uphold high standards of behaviour.
Our core values are:
Positivity
-
Students are encouraged to have a ‘can do’ attitude which enables them to push themselves outside their comfort zone to try new things. Positivity is about finding ways to think optimistically about challenges, therefore developing resilience and perseverance. Teachers are encouraged to use positive language, positive reinforcement and genuine positive praise as teaching tools for encouraging students to achieve their best.
Aroha
-
Great importance is placed on showing kindness to others. Our classes operate as a whānau - we look after and support one another. Through encouraging an atmosphere which values aroha and kindness we are able to make our classes safe learning environments. Learning to love yourself is also an important part of PPAM. It helps us to embrace what makes us unique so you can just “be yourself!”
Respect
-
Students are expected to behave in a way which shows respect for others, respect for themselves and respect for the environment they are in. The same is required of teachers. PPAM has zero tolerance for teachers yelling at students (it’s more common than you might think.) PPAM teachers will always treat students with respect. Disrespectful behaviour is simply not tolerated at PPAM.