St Peter’s College has established a formidable reputation in the spheres of art, music and drama. All students are exposed to these creative activities where they learn vital new skills of self-expression, effective communication and teamwork. Participation in Eisteddfods, inter-school competitions, writing, debating, public speaking, displays and exhibitions is encouraged. Cultural visits, outings and tours are a regular feature.
Creative Arts
Music
Music comprises three components:
Music Literacy
Students learn the fundamentals of theory and harmony, allowing them to understand, analyse and produce their own content.
Music History and Analysis
Students discover different eras and how they influence and contribute to the music industry today.
Music Performance
The practical component requires students to choose and master an instrument of their choice. They also have the opportunity to join a variety of ensembles, such as the Orchestra, Jazz Band, Rock Band and Marimba.
Arts
Visual Art
Students are provided with the opportunity to explore both the practical and theoretical aspects of the subject, encountering drawing and painting as well as sculptural projects. The practical tasks are often informed and inspired by the required art theory and visual literacy tasks. Students are encouraged to supplement their creative studies and development by embracing the co-curricular opportunities available in Visual Art.
Drama
In Drama, we focus on three principal areas:
Creating work
We encourage students to develop their ‘voice’ and create work that speaks to their community.
Movement
We use physical theatre to tell stories, believing that body language is an essential part of effective communication with others.
Preformance Skills
We focus on creating characters and telling their stories through more traditional drama skills such as performing short plays and scenes – we believe this assists students in developing empathy and teaches them to persevere, concentrate, listen to others and manage their time effectively.
Dance
Dance and Movement Studies is offered as an Arts Elective subject for Grade 8 and 9 students. In Dance and Movement Studies, there are four main fields of study:
Dance History
Students learn about the development of dance from the Stone Age to the 21st century.
Dance Anatomy
Students learn about their bodies, how they move and the bone and muscle structures that make this possible.
Choreography
Students learn to create short dances for specific events and genres of dance, including the basics of Ballroom, Latin American, Ballet and Contemporary Dance. Guest teachers are also invited to share current and indigenous forms of dance and expression such as Salsa, Hip Hop and Pantsula.
Dance Analysis
Students explore and analyse historically significant dance works.
Facilities
The Music, Art, Dance and Drama (MADD) Centre boasts exceptional facilities, including:
- A dance studio
- A visual arts studio with a dark room
- A drama studio
- An orchestra room
- A theory classroom
- An Apple Mac studio
- A percussion room
- Nine sound-proof music practice rooms
- An external amphitheatre
- A mini amphitheatre
- The ‘MADDitorium’ – the stunning centrepiece of the entire facility
All facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art visual and sound equipment.
