The dynamic Arts curriculum at A.B. Paterson College is based on developing the character of students through an enduring appreciation of the intrinsic and instrumental value of the Arts.  Teachers are focused on delivering excellence through commitment to, and appreciation of, the Arts in a classroom learning environment that facilitates individual artistic expression.  Staff strongly believe in the ability of all students to communicate their interpretation of the world around them and, hence, this is fostered  through an inclusive Arts curriculum that values the methods and media through which individual students are able to articulate their understanding.  Teachers are passionate about delivering a high quality, engaging and challenging curriculum that develops an enduring love of the Arts for all of the students in their care.

Arts subjects provide a learning environment that promotes imagination, critical thinking, cultural engagement, communication, creativity and problem-solving.  Students in the Junior School study Music, Dance and Drama under the guidance of specialist Arts teachers, who develop sequential programs aimed at developing singing, instrumental music, movement, acting and analytical skills.

In Performing Arts, students in Prep to Year 3 partake in weekly choir lessons as part of their academic program.  These choral groups participate in a variety of performances, including Gold Coast Eisteddfod and a variety of College functions throughout the year.  Year 4 students begin their band music program with free weekly tuition from specialist brass, wind, percussion and strings teachers, who teach them in a combination of tutorial and band rehearsal modes.

Learning in the Arts in the Junior School is focused on developing knowledge and skills, whilst also acquiring an appreciation of all art forms. Students are encouraged to experiment with a variety of media as they interpret and make sense of their world.  Arts tasks are reflective of the topics being studied in the academic classroom, and provide the opportunity for students to pursue diverse and exciting methods of creating and expressing thematic ideas.