JOHN CURTIN. Learning for life. College of the Arts COLLEGE OF THE ARTS

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1 College of the Arts JOHN CURTIN COLLEGE OF THE ARTS Learning for life

2 Performing on stage and in the classroom Performing on stage and in the classroom Message from the Principal Welcome to Western Australia s premier college for gifted and talented arts students. Our students achieve their academic goals through their love of the Arts. Our students achieve their academic goals through their love of the Arts. John Curtin College of the Arts is a leader in public school education. As one of the State s first Independent Public Schools we have set the standard for academic excellence across all areas of study. Our college has an outstanding record of academic achievement. We consistently place within the top five of all public schools in Western Australia. More than half of our Year 9 students national testing results for writing are in the top 20% of Australia. All mathematics, science and society and environment testing results far exceed all national and State benchmarks. We provide children from across the State with Gifted and Talented Arts Programs and all students study a comprehensive range of academic subjects alongside their specialist course. At John Curtin, your child will participate in classes with like-minded peers who share their passion and desire to excel under the guidance of expert teachers. Our gifted arts students use their love and passion for the Arts to help them achieve their academic goals and become confident, tolerant and creative community members and leaders. Research shows that participation in the Arts enhances students academic outcomes. Immersion in their area of interest and ability contributes to their academic learning. This enables them to achieve to their full academic potential and have a range of career choices on completing their secondary schooling. Our graduates go on to university studies in courses such as law, engineering, medicine and science as well as the Arts. Our students learning occurs within a caring, supportive environment. Our dedicated and professional specialist teachers provide an academically balanced educational program with a focus on gifted and talented learning. Our college strives to provide a holistic education for all with a focus on students persuing personal excellence. The strong community and parental support at the college contributes to exemplary student achievement. An innovative, stimulating and rewarding education in a supportive learning environment awaits your child at John Curtin College of the Arts. Mitchell Mackay PRINCIPAL Research shows that participation in the Arts enriches students academic outcomes. Mika Aspiring scientist and violinist. 2 John Curtin College of the Arts John Curtin College of the Arts 3

3 Learning at John Curtin Our academic graduates Academic performance excellence With an outstanding record of achievement both academically and in the Arts, John Curtin hosts a range of exciting opportunities for your child to thrive in our unique learning environment. As Western Australia s only Selective Arts College, John Curtin College of the Arts caters for 1100 students from across the State offering gifted and talented courses in artsmedia, dance (ballet and contemporary), drama, music, music theatre and visual arts. With four decades experience in gifted and talented education, the college is renowned for delivering quality arts programs and a specialised differentiated curriculum. This provides an exciting approach to learning through specialised and innovative teaching that supports high academic performance. The college is a pioneer in specialist performing arts programs in education and was the first school in Australia to offer theatre arts and dance as specialist subjects. Programs for gifted and talented dance and drama students have been offered since 1973 and the college became fully selective in the Arts in As one of the first schools in Western Australia to become an Independent Public School, John Curtin is renowned for its innovative approaches to education and excellence in student achievement. At John Curtin, students are stimulated and challenged to reach their potential and pursue their dreams through the college s commitment to learning for life. The college has an academic balance policy which identifies how essential it is for all students to achieve to their full potential in all areas of their learning and have a variety of choices at the completion of secondary schooling. Students learn in a safe, caring and supportive environment which is responsive to their particular abilities and learning style. They enjoy learning through active engagement in the Arts. Their involvement in exhibitions and performances enhances their creativity, innovation, imagination, problem solving, collaboration and open expression of ideas in all areas. Teaching Our students are taught by highly qualified teachers who have been chosen specifically for their specialist knowledge and expertise, and dedication to teaching gifted young people. All teachers are trained to work with highly gifted, academic and artistic children and undertake ongoing professional development. Many of our teachers are also gifted academics and performers. They are well connected to industry and can access arts industry based professionals, such as tutors and artists in residence, to enrich students learning. All teachers are committed to fostering individuality, creativity and self-expression. Frank Conroy Former Chairman, St George Bank and CEO and Managing Director, Westpac Banking Corporation John Cowdell Legislative Council President Professor Stephen D Hopper FLS Chair in Biodiversity, UWA (Winthrop Professor of) Awarded Companion of the Order of Australia as global science leader Former Director, CEO and Chief Scientist Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK Guy Houston Chief of Staff, WA opposition leader Former journalist Hon Simon O Brien MLC Liberal Member for South Metropolitan Region Minister for Finance; Commerce; Small Business Dr Michael Schaper Deputy Chairman, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Adjunct Professor, Curtin Business School Dr Mike Trefry Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO Dr Lydia Warburton Graduated top of her class, UWA medicine Elizabeth Woods Deputy Chief Magistrate More than 40% of students place in the top 20% of student scores both nationally and state-wide for testing in mathematics, English, science and society and environment. Many graduates have completed tertiary studies in medicine, law, engineering and science, as well as the Arts and go on to study at top international universities such as Cambridge University in the United Kingdom and prestigious universities across Australia. 4 John Curtin College of the Arts John Curtin College of the Arts 5

4 Academic curriculum Academic Excellence Program At John Curtin, your child will partake in an exceptional and balanced academic program. compassion care For highly able and gifted students, we offer specialised academic courses in English, society and environment, mathematics and science as part of our Academic Excellence Program in lower school. The college s Academic Excellence Program places like-minded students in a challenging and rigorous environment designed to celebrate academic excellence and enable your child to reach their full academic potential. Arts students can participate in this program at the same time as their arts course. Participation is based on results of the selective entrance test taken by all young people applying for Gifted and Talented Education Programs in WA public schools. Students living in the local area for the school and those who are accepted into the Soccer Excellence Program can apply for the Academic Excellence Program by sitting the college s academic testing examination. John Curtin provides a rigorous curriculum focusing on high academic achievement in all learning areas for students across all year groups. Your child begins secondary education studying core academic subjects in Years 8 to 10 including English, mathematics, science, society and environment, technology and languages (Italian). Students study their arts course alongside these core subjects and have equal access to all academic programs at the same time as their arts program. They also have access to design, home economics, business education, computing and health and physical education programs. Gifted and talented education The college s Gifted and Talented Program delivery is based on a differentiated model which takes into account the needs and abilities of all students. To meet the educational needs of gifted and talented students, our teachers recognise ability and implement programs accordingly. The most able students need appropriately paced, rich and challenging instruction and curriculum that is varied significantly from normal classrooms. Working with like peers in a stimulating learning environment that is facilitated and taught by teachers with specialised expertise is the most significant factor in students achieving their full potential. Curriculum differentiation John Curtin follows a specialised differentiated approach to curriculum delivery which provides your child with opportunities to accelerate, extend and enrich their learning. The college acknowledges that every student is unique and our differentiated curriculum accommodates students differing educational needs. Acceleration allows your child to move through key concepts at a faster pace while fostering your child s intellectual growth and proficiency levels. Extension provides your child with open-ended activities and questions that invite curiosity, exploration and manipulation of ideas and materials at a deeper and broader level than would usually occur. Students are encouraged to focus on creativity, intellectual initiative, critical thinking, responsibility and leadership. Enrichment aims to add to your child s knowledge and skills by engaging them in a range of activities such as excursions, guest speakers, competitions, debating, special projects and student conferences. At John Curtin, students are continuously challenged to achieve their personal best and to enjoy the learning. Our students are continuously challenged to work towards their personal best and enjoy the learning. 6 John Curtin College of the Arts John Curtin College of the Arts 7

5 A rich suite of opportunities exists for children to be engaged in a broader culture of leadership activities with positions of responsibility. Upper school courses As part of the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), John Curtin offers more than 25 School Curriculum and Standards Authority (formerly Curriculum Council) courses including the highest level subjects such as specialist mathematics, physics, chemistry and English literature. Gifted and talented students continue with their specialist subject into upper school. We also offer endorsed programs and nationally accredited courses from which students can compile their course selection to meet WACE requirements. Nationally Accredited Programs As a Registered Training Organisation we provide Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses in arts related industries that involve industry standard training and recognition. Our students can leave the college with a nationally accredited industry qualification that will assist them in either further tertiary study or in the workforce. Students are provided with opportunities to gain skills, experience and recognition in the following diverse industry sectors: Media (film, television, radio) Production (staging, lighting, sound) Front of house (ushering patrons, selling) Costume (producing garments, design) Dance (contemporary, ballet) Music (ensemble skills, music technology) Sport (outdoor recreation, sports coaching) Visual arts and contemporary craft (drawing, painting, sculpture) Workplace learning (on-the-job training) Leadership and community A rich suite of opportunities exists for children to be engaged in a broader culture of leadership activities with positions of responsibility ranging from Student Council representatives to sporting group captains and peer support leaders. These opportunities enable our students to lead with conviction and help develop your child s self esteem and organisational skills. Our parental community is highly engaged and has a strong connection to their child s education. We encourage all parents to be active in their child s education by participating on the College Council, P&C Committee and Arts Parent Support Committee. The college encourages students to be environmentally responsible and respectful of their natural surroundings. A rich infusion of environmental matters is embedded in the curriculum. Advanced technology At John Curtin College of the Arts, every child has access to new media technologies and support which allows them to investigate and engage with subject matter and develop essential literacies for the 21st century. The college encourages all students to engage the use of modern computer technology as an integral part of their learning which is supported through the college s laptop program in Years 9 to 12. Tours John Curtin students have opportunities to participate in international and interstate festivals, ski, language, soccer and arts tours. The Arts John Curtin s Gifted and Talented Arts Programs provide your child with the opportunity to excel in their area of talent. Dance Two gifted and talented streams in dance are offered at the college: ballet and contemporary. Both programs provide students with a firm foundation for pursuing a career in ballet and/or dance. The lower school program leads into the upper school dance course, as well as endorsed programs and nationally accredited certificate courses which students can use for their tertiary entrance. Students work with guest artists from industry and attend dance performances in order to develop a critical understanding of the Arts. Additional classes are provided for vocational ballet and dance students. Exceptional students are invited to audition for the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) Certificate II in Dance course, which may provide a direct link to future studies at WAAPA. Students may also be selected for the Project Company, a select group of ballet and dance students with vocational aspirations. Ballet Your child will be accelerated and extended in our dynamic classical ballet program, where highly expert staff and tutors teach technique, including pointe work, choreography and performance. Students also develop skills and an understanding of other dance styles including contemporary and Spanish dancing. They develop choreography, interpret the choreography of others, rehearse and perform. This program includes additional hours required for entrance to classical companies and training programs. Contemporary Our contemporary dance program is designed to build on your child s natural ability and focus on developing his/her dance technique. Students learn to develop and interpret choreography, perform and reflect on dance. The program focuses on developing students understanding of a range of dance genres including contemporary, classical ballet and Spanish. Students are provided with dance training required for entrance into the WAAPA contemporary dance program. Masterclass Exceptional ballet and dance students can attend elite masterclasses with experienced, professional artists working in the industry. Students with vocational aspirations learn in an intense and focused environment that reflects the requirements and demands of the industry. Project Company A select group of ballet and dance students with vocational aspirations can audition for this company to help them prepare for tertiary studies and the profession. Students selected for the company participate in industry modelled classes, rehearsals and contemporary and classical performances. 8 John Curtin College of the Arts John Curtin College of the Arts 9

6 Performing on stage and in the classroom Actor and aspiring engineer Kai Arbuckle is a top Year 10 gifted and talented drama student who received a Diamond Swan Award from the college for academic excellence across all subject areas. Kai feels extremely fortunate to have been introduced to audition opportunities by John Curtin for which he was successful roles in Tim Winton s Rising Water Black Swan Theatre Company production and World Wide Mind Films movie Drift. Kai aspires to study engineering at university. innovation integrity Drama John Curtin s leading drama program will provide your child with opportunities to develop high level drama skills alongside other gifted performing arts students. The program is a unique, compacted course focusing on students practical exploration of drama conventions, developing academic understanding and workshopping drama skills. In lower school there is a focus on writing skills in preparation for the upper school drama course. Your child will broaden his/her knowledge and appreciation of drama as an art form, profession and life skill. Students are given opportunities to work with industry artists including professional actors and directors to explore scripted drama and develop specialist skills. The program is designed to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of theatre, access to diverse styles of theatre and a broad exposure to playwrights to provide more varied and challenging portrayals. Performance is a key component of the program and your child will have the opportunity to perform in a variety of theatre spaces at least twice a year. Partnerships Students benefit from our partnerships with industry and tertiary institutions. This allows them to gain first-hand experience and knowledge of the Arts industry. We have firm links with the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), a tertiary institution many arts students aspire to attend. This partnership allows us to liaise directly with WAAPA and ensures our programs give students an increased chance of success when auditioning. We also have strong associations with Fremantle Arts Centre and other arts networks. The Boys Project This highly successful and popular program for male students involves workshops and activities across a range of mediums including comedy, physical theatre, dance and contemporary music. Boys work with professional male artists and showcase talents through semester performances. Artsmedia The college s artsmedia program offers your child the opportunity to develop skills in a broad range of functions in media journalism, radio, film and television production. Students work independently and in teams to develop their talents and abilities as required by the media industry. Students can pursue their specific interest, whether it is editing, audio recording and manipulation, camera and digital photography, producing roles, crew roles, script writing or directing. Students can also achieve specific industry qualifications including the nationally accredited Certificate II in Creative Industries (Media). Visual arts The visual arts program provides students with outstanding creative opportunities to extend their artistic ability and expertise. They learn through a stimulating mix of visual inquiry, studio work, exhibition and critical and historical reflection. Your child will explore and experiment with media including painting, sculpture, textiles, digital graphics, printmaking and jewellery. Partnerships with successful artists, curators and crafts people are organised to inspire and mentor students. Students also have the opportunity to participate in workshops conducted by professionals in the field including artists, designers, photographers and curators. Exhibitions and displays of student work are an integral component of the visual arts course and students enter State and national gallery and community competitions. Gallery visits, drawing excursions, tutor studio classes and exposure to new mediums and technologies are all part of the curriculum designed to help students develop their creative thinking and problem solving abilities. Art exhibitions Students showcase their work throughout the year in professional settings including the Curtin Theatre and Fremantle Arts Centre, as well as exhibiting their work in State and national exhibitions including the Young Originals Exhibition and Year 12 Perspectives. Partnerships with successful artists, curators and crafts people are organised to inspire and mentor students. 10 John Curtin College of the Arts John Curtin College of the Arts 11

7 Theatres and studios The college s exceptional facilities enable your child to experience diverse performance opportunities. Our state-of-the-art performing arts facility is located on campus. The fully resourced, 470 seat Curtin Theatre is superbly equipped for theatrical, dance and musical performances. This modern theatre is ideal for teaching young people. Here they can experience all aspects of high quality performance production, from stage management to costume design. Students also have access to the college s Ellen Street Theatre, which possesses an intimacy and charm all of its own. Seating approximately 140 patrons it is the perfect space for students to present their work up close and personal. These facilities are complemented by three dance and rehearsal studios, art studios and a media centre inclusive of television and radio studios. Performance and exhibition Your child will have opportunities to participate in performances, exhibitions, concerts and other extra curricular activities, working closely with industry professionals. Music theatre John Curtin s popular music theatre program combines dance, drama and music to provide your child with the skills to create, present and analyse music theatre. Students receive tuition in a range of theoretical and practical areas including music knowledge and theory, aural theory, history and analysis, dramatic and vocal work, as well as dance. The primary focus is to provide students with a rich music experience as well as give them opportunities to develop high level skills in jazz, tap and character dance. Performance is an important aspect of this program and your child will take part in a variety of productions. Students also attend a variety of music theatre performances to develop a critical understanding of the genre. In upper school music theatre students are offered a course leading to tertiary entry requirements through the contemporary music course. Students can also apply through the Department of Education in Year 10 for the Gifted and Talented Drama and Dance Programs for Year 11. Music John Curtin s music program provides your child with high level opportunities to develop skills and a love for music through solo performances, ensemble performances, composition/arrangement techniques, aural perception and music literature analysis and investigation. Your child will be encouraged to learn through music creation, performance and reflection. Students study all genres of music including world, rock, classical and jazz. Performance is an important aspect of this program and your child will take part in a variety of college and community music performances, concerts and festivals. Students also participate in performance ensembles such as concert band, jazz band, string ensemble, percussion ensemble, classical guitar ensemble, contemporary guitar ensemble or vocal ensemble and are involved in at least two college performances per year. Your child will have access to one-on-one instrumental or vocal lessons, music extension and enrichment activities and the opportunity to work alongside industry musicians. The music program provides students with a solid foundation for pursuing a career in music. Your child will be equipped to apply for entrance into tertiary music courses at the University of Western Australia or the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Music ensembles Our unique music program provides students with the opportunity to participate in at least one of the college s choral or instrumental ensembles. These include string, classical guitar, contemporary guitar, percussion, vocal, concert band and jazz band. Performance is an important aspect of the program and your child will take part in a variety of college and community music performances, concerts and festivals. creativity 12 John Curtin College of the Arts John Curtin College of the Arts 13

8 imagination I felt safe, challenged and supported at school. John Curtin helped provide me with the tools necessary to begin my journey into a professional career in the arts, but more importantly to begin my journey into adulthood and being myself. Actor, dancer and singer John O Hara 1997 graduate If it weren t for John Curtin College of the Arts I wouldn t be the person I am today. The people at that school embrace you for who you are, push you to strive for the best and give you the tools you need to prepare yourself for the real world. I have the fondest memories of performing at John Curtin and I feel so grateful to have been given the opportunities the school gave me to be the best all round performer I can be. Country singer, Chelsea Basham 2007 graduate Our Arts graduates Rachael Blake Actor Chelsea Basham Country music recording artist Daryl Brandwood Dancer, Expressions Dance Company, Brisbane; West Australian Ballet and Australian Ballet Louise Chalwell Former Principal dancer, Leipzig Ballet, Germany; former dancer West Australian Ballet and Australian Ballet Alicia Clements Set and costume designer Megan Gale Model and actress Anna Gare Chef and TV personality Ewen Leslie Actor Elizabeth Maisey Costumer, Australian Ballet Paul Mercurio Dancer, choreographer and actor Kim McCarthy Coordinator of Classical Dance, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts; Principal Dancer in Spain and Ballet Master John O Hara Actor, dancer and singer Kav Temperley and Stuart McLeod Band members, Eskimo Joe Sam Worthington Actor Performing on stage and in the classroom Dancer and aspiring medical scientist Olivia Salvage is a top Year 12 gifted and talented dance student who wants to pursue a career in medical science and would like to work for Médecins Sans Frontières some day. Olivia enjoys the opportunity to perform as it brings confidence which is advantageous in all areas of life, she said. She also appreciates John Curtin s happy and safe atmosphere that encourages and supports students to learn and achieve their goals. I think this atmosphere is created by the relationships students have with their teachers. There is a mutual respect between teachers and students that makes you feel the points you raise are valid and valuable, Olivia said. The teachers treat me as an equal, making it easy to contribute to class discussion and to approach them when I feel in a pickle. There s also an acceptance of students individuality, which is really important. 14 John Curtin College of the Arts John Curtin College of the Arts 15

9 Performance and exhibition Your child will have opportunities to participate in performances, exhibitions, concerts and other extra curricular activities, working closely with industry professionals. Learning how to ensure good health both now and in the future. Sport and Student Health Fitness, health and wellbeing enhance your child s ability to achieve their potential. Health and fitness Regular health and physical education activities are part of the college curriculum. They are designed to improve students skill levels, interpersonal abilities and general wellbeing, which also contributes to their academic performance and overall happiness. All students have opportunities to access a full suite of sporting activities including athletics, swimming and team sports. Your child can also participate in chess, debating, astronomy and environmental clubs. In Years 8, 9 and 10 students participate in health education, learning how to ensure good health both now and in the future. Soccer Excellence Program As one of the Department of Education s Approved Specialist Programs, John Curtin College of the Arts Soccer Excellence Program is an elite program for aspiring athletes from across the State. Established in 1990, this is Western Australia s leading soccer program in secondary schools. A significant number of former students play in professional teams internationally and the program has produced many State and national representatives. The program helps students develop skills, attitudes and knowledge to enable them to compete successfully in soccer at the highest level. Football West fully supports the course with assistance in coaching and organisation provided by Football West personnel. Instruction is given by specially selected teachers who have exhibited a high level of proficiency in both soccer and teaching. Students are expected to play normal club competition soccer on weekends and train with their club during the week. Students will play in a college team against selected sides, including visiting interstate and international teams as well as the Champion Schools Soccer Competition, organised by School Sport WA. Throughout the year guest coaches are invited to the college to impart their knowledge, skill and experience to the players. Players also learn to be comfortable with different coaching styles. Our students participate in interstate and overseas tours to Indonesia and Singapore. Student Support Services Our supportive team in student services helps students achieve the best possible learning outcomes while at the college. A network of college chaplain and career counsellors, as well as year coordinators and student services managers provide students with academic support and monitoring, course and career advice and mentoring. Our college psychologist and nurse offer counselling and health and wellbeing advice. The college s Propel Program helps students with any learning difficulties that may prevent them from achieving their potential. Our team works collaboratively and cooperatively to assist with the transition to secondary schooling, to organise student social activities and facilitate communication between students, parents and staff. We work in partnership with parents to ensure the best possible educational outcomes for every student. Our Soccer graduates Brad Jones Player, Liverpool FC English Premier League; Australian Olympic Soccer team Athens 2004 Chris Herd Player, Aston Villa FC English Premier League David Tarka Player, Perth Glory Hyundai A League; Australian Olympic Soccer team Athens 2004 Lisa de Vanna Player, Adelaide Sensation; Australian Olympic Soccer team Athens 2004; part of world s best 16 female players responsibility respect 16 John Curtin College of the Arts John Curtin College of the Arts 17

10 Enrolment Information We work in partnership with parents to ensure the best possible educational outcomes for every student. Admissions Entrance to John Curtin College of the Arts is via the Department of Education for the Gifted and Talented Programs. Soccer and local enrolments are directly to the college. Gifted and Talented Arts Programs Online applications are available to parents in December of the year their child is in Year 5 for Year 8 entry (Year 7 entry from 2015). Visit Gifted and Talented Education Arts Programs at: det.wa.edu.au/curriculumsupport/giftedandtalented All Gifted and Talented Program applicants must sit the Academic Selective Entrance Test coordinated by the Department of Education. The test includes individual assessments in the areas of mathematics and science, language, writing and non-verbal reasoning. Children are then required to participate in workshops, auditions and interviews. Shortlisted applicants are required to participate in an interview and to submit school reports. Soccer Excellence Program Entry to the Soccer Excellence Program is through selection trials, interviews and school reports, and is available for students from Years 8 to 11. Applications for the Soccer Excellence Program are directly to the college in Term 1 of Year 6. Local intake Families living in the local catchment areas of East Fremantle Primary School, Richmond Primary School and North Fremantle Primary School can enrol their children as local intake students. All local students have equal access to the college s Academic Excellence Program and the Class Music Program which includes ensembles, bands and orchestras. Country students For students from country WA, two residential colleges provide boarding services for gifted and talented students. City Beach Residential College offers priority placement for students at John Curtin College of the Arts. Find out more: City Beach Residential College W: det.wa.edu.au/boarding T: (Country High School Hostels Authority) Rotary Residential College Kent Street Senior High School East Victoria Park T: Location Ellen Street, Fremantle a fair go 18 John Curtin College of the Arts John Curtin College of the Arts 19

11 Our Values creativity, innovation and imagination respect, care and compassion excellence a fair go responsibility integrity JOHN CURTIN College of the Arts COLLEGE OF THE ARTS 90 Ellen Street Fremantle WA 6160 T F E. johncurtin.col@education.wa.edu.au