FROM THE HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
The role of the Arts
“ While it must be remembered that the most important role the Arts play in enhancing learning is in enabling enjoyment and fostering imagination and creative activities through participating in arts programs and processes , it is also true that by engaging in the Arts we become more cognisant of the broad spectrum of human experience . Learning horizons and life trajectories are enhanced . The role that the Arts collectively can play in transforming students ’ learning more broadly , should also be realised and celebrated .” ( Ewing 2010 )
Mr Brad Evans
One of the major assets of our School ’ s co-curricular and academic programs is its commitment to a broad-based range of opportunities to allow students to participate in artistic endeavours . One of the best features of our Arts program within the School is that it is multi-layered , providing a range of opportunities for engagement which allow students to not only participate on a performance or academic basis , but also to appreciate as observers and celebrate . The treasure of artistic pursuits is the duality of enjoyment that exists for not only the performer or producer of artistic works , but also what is gained by the audience as they appreciate and are exposed to any artistic endeavour .
Our most talented and confident students have a wide array of opportunities to
demonstrate their artistic abilities in high profile and professional public performances such as our Junior and Senior School productions , choral exhibitions - not only in our beautiful chapel but many around the State including our city ’ s Cathedral - the wide variety of musical performances held across the year , and the ability to exhibit at one of Perth ’ s finest community art exhibitions .
For those students still embracing their talents , or just seeking to test their engagement and capability in artistic pursuits before tackling the big stage , our hotly contested House Cultural Competition is an ideal testing ground . The Centenary Cup allows our students to participate in drama , public speaking and music in a light-hearted , enjoyable and secure setting . This not only earns points for their House but is an experience outside their comfort zone , and a chance to share camaraderie with their House mates .
Finally , and most impressively , is the range of academic options that now exist to grant students a forum to not only express their artistic ability , but more importantly to learn
Senior Drama Production of ‘ Amadeus ’.
the history , skills and techniques to further enhance their future performance in artistic pursuits . The recent growth and outstanding reputation the School has built for producing high quality media projects which have been awarded on a national scale , is only one part of a comprehensive academic program which also includes visual arts , drama and music at an ATAR level , design courses and a number of electives for our junior secondary students .
Ewing ’ s ( 2010 , p .) report The Arts and Australian Education : Realising Potential highlights a number of reasons why the inclusion of artistic experiences at a curriculum and co-curricular level are so beneficial for our students as they :
• facilitate students ’ active involvement in learning , helping them make links with their own knowledge and experiences
• enable a range of possible meanings to be explored and represented
• challenge stereotypical assumptions
• encourage creativity , flexibility and tolerance of ambiguity
• provide opportunities for students to reflect and dialogue collaboratively
• encourage students to take risks and try again when something is unsuccessful – understand that getting things wrong is part of effective learning
• help students apply understandings to their own personal context or other contexts
For the reasons outlined above , as well as many others , there will always be a fundamental place in our School ’ s life where participation in the arts is not only encouraged but always treasured , valued and celebrated .
Mr Brad Evans Head Of Senior School
References Ewing , R . ( 2010 ). The Arts and Australian Education : Realising Potential . Australian Council for Educational Research .
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