Performing and Visual Arts
All students will complete two semesters of Creative Arts in Years 7 and 8. In Years 9 and 10, students choose the subjects they wish to study.
Years 7 and 8
Students study units that will give them opportunities to explore the diversity of the creative arts and develop basic skills in Art, Dance, Drama and Music.
Art
Concepts and elements of art are explored through various techniques in drawing, painting, ceramics, and print making.
Dance
Students study the basic elements of dance composition and techniques. The use of choreography exercises and improvisation will be used to develop a repertoire of skills. The unit will culminate in a short performance based on choreography developed throughout the term. Students will also be required to study the place of performance dance in Australia and complete an ongoing journal of responses to work learnt during classes.
Drama
The focus of this drama unit is to assist students in developing confidence, building relationship skills and performing for an audience of their peers.
Music
The elements of music are introduced through developing skills on keyboard, guitar and group percussion performance. All students will work at their own pace and with repertoire that is appropriate for their prior musical experience.
Instrumental Music
This is a semester course for Year 7 students who would like to begin to learn a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument. Students are able to hire instruments ($65 per semester) and learn to play together in a class situation. While no prior musical experience is necessary, a willingness to practise regularly at home and have private lessons from the visiting instrumental teachers will ensure steady progress.
Instrumental Lessons
Private lessons on woodwind instruments are available from highly qualified visiting teachers. Lessons are given in the Music Teaching Room on the second floor. Payment for lessons is a private arrangement between the teacher and the student.
Years 9 and 10
Music
The Music course is open to students who have an interest in developing their music performance skills and may be already involved in one of the extra-curricular performance groups at Melrose High School or a community band or orchestra. While students are required to play an instrument, there is flexibility in the range of repertoire expected and the emphasis is on a self-paced performance repertoire at an appropriate level for each student. No prior experience in music is expected to complete the areas of performance, creative writing, listening and general knowledge.
Dance
These are structured dance classes which aim to increase students’ understanding of dance skills, techniques and choreography. Each unit is independent and students can elect to join the course at the beginning of any semester in Years 9 or 10, eg students may select to do just one unit throughout the two years or complete a two year course in dance.
Each unit will have a particular focus and will increase the understanding and practice of dance technique skills relevant to that unit. Performance, choreography and planning skills are developed through dance production and choreographic exercises and improvisation. Students will create group and individual dance works and will perform dance pieces at a variety of school events. Depending on class interest students may also perform at the secondary Wakakkirri competion in Term 3.
The units include some theoretical learning within the context of the practical classes to enable students to gain a contextual and aesthetic understanding of dance; to use appropriate language to describe, respond to, and reflect on dance works; as well as gain an articulated knowledge of safe dance practices and techniques. The completion of a dance journal which records skills, processes and techniques learnt, an analysis of individual and other people’s dance works and other discussion related to the individual unit, such as dance alignment or dance film study, are essential parts of each unit. Each semester will also include a more comprehensive research project.
One unit will be offered each semester and will be selected through negotiation between staff and students. Units may include: Dance Elements, Dance and Media, Dance and other Art Forms, Dance in Australia, Dance Production and Staging, Dance Styles.
Drama
Drama aims to provide students with experiences in which the intellect, the emotions, the imagination and the body are all involved and developed through expression, performance, observation and reflection. The courses are designed to introduce students to the concepts of moving, concentrating and talking in a dramatic context. Students are encouraged to develop confidence in their own abilities, cooperate with others, and respect all cultural differences. Theory is incidental in Years 7 and 8 but increases in importance in Years 9 and 10. Units on script writing and analysis, characterisation, articulation and speech, abstraction, comedy and mask work are all examples of work, which takes place over three years.
Through these units students have the chance to build skills in teamwork, leadership, body language, communicating confidently to an audience, listening, social awareness, self-discipline, creative analysis and focusing.
Units include: theatre skills, exercises and activities which develop confidence and acceptance, dramatic awareness and presentation awareness, improvisation techniques, mime, evaluation and analysis, vocal control and articulation, basic presentation work to outside audiences, script work, freeze work, mime, basic characterisation.
Suitable excursions to identified major productions are organised and there will be some costs associated with these. Costs are kept to a minimum.
ACE Performance Drama
ACE performance drama is a gifted and talented course for year 10 students to develop high level performance skills and understanding of high quality performance texts.Entry to this course is gained by audition only. Students in the ACE performance drama class have the opportunity to take part in a major drama production. Previous ACE performance drama productions have included 'A Midsomers Nights Dream', 'Romeo and Juliet', 'The Crucible' and 'MacBeth'.
Visual Art
The units offered aim to develop students' skills and techniques, extend their ability and confidence to communicate visually their ideas and feelings and enrich their understanding of the cultural and historical contexts of Art related to each unit.
Years 9 and 10 Units
- Art (Units 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Individualised Art Pre-requisite: Previous Study of Art
- Graphic Design (Units 1 and 2) Pre-requisite: must study Unit 1 to do Unit 2
- Backstage Basics / Backstage Productions Pre-requisite: Entry by Application
- Performance Drama (Units 1 and 2) Pre-requisite: Entry by Audition
- General Music (Units 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Music (Units 1 and 2) Pre-requisite: Some previous instrumental music experience
- Music (Units 3 and 4) Pre-requisite: Previous instrumental music experience
Entertainment Night
The creative arts faculty at Melrose High School has a strong educational philosophy and commitment to performing arts showcases. At the end of Semester One each year, all students in dance, drama and music present a high quality theatre show at Erindale Theatre for the Melrose community to enjoy. Entertainment Night is sold out every year due to the professionalism and entertainment value of this high quality variety show, showcasing the outstanding level of performance skills and educational outcomes achieved by senior performing arts students in Dance, Music, Drama and Backstage Productions courses at Melrose High School.
Assessment
In Year 9, presentation, theory participation and group work are assessed. Year 10 work is assessed on performance and presentation, and the class work criteria of participation and cooperation.