Performing Arts

Performing Arts at Creekside K-9 College includes a one hour session for students in Year Prep to Year 6. Students develop their performance skills in drama and dance through an exploration of many topics. They use role-play, dramatic play, improvisation, soundscape and characterisation to create dramatic works.

In music, students learn how to sing using their diaphragms whilst learning numerous songs. They practise composing original lyrics, melodies and rhythms in collaboration with various student groupings, then performing to the class. Students use the xylophone, Djembe and keyboards to practice their groups melodies to accompany their groups various rhythms.

Prep

In Prep, students study Performing Arts for one hour a week and experience an integrated approach to learning music, dance and drama. In Term 4, students showcase their skills by learning, rehearsing and performing a class item for the Early Years Concert.

Students work to develop an understanding of high and low, loud and soft and keeping the beat using voice, movement and percussion instruments. They use dramatic play, puppetry and guided improvisation to explore expressive ways of using voice and movement and learn about basic aspects of characters and settings by exploring people and places in their community. In Dance the focus is on developing an ability to perform steady rhythmic actions, use variations of space, dynamic movements and narrative dance. Students engage in a range of activities designed to build their level of confidence, imagination and social interaction.

Year 1 & 2

In years 1 & 2 students study Performing Arts for one hour a week and experience an integrated approach to learning music, dance and drama. In Term 4, students showcase their skills by learning, rehearsing and performing a class item for the Early Years Concert.

Students experience activities that encourage the development of their creativity, imagination and sense of musicality. Lessons focus on keeping the beat, word rhythms, high and low sounds and pitch patterns. They experiment with voice and movement, and use expressive skills to dramatise story scenes and characters. Students develop dance related skills by exploring movement on different levels, dynamic qualities and varied tempo. They are encouraged to contribute to classroom conversations about their own and others’ performances.

Year 3 & 4

Across years 3 & 4 students study two semesters of Music and two semester of Performing Arts. In Term 4, students showcase their skills by learning, rehearsing and performing a class item for the Early Years Concert.

Year 5 & 6

Across years 5 & 6 students study two semesters of Music and two semester of Performing Arts.

Year 7

Students study one semester of Music and one semester of Dance in Year 7. They experience these subjects as integrated units whereby they work collaboratively to create and record digital music and dance choreography for a Just Dance style video game.

Students look at using recording software to create, edit and add effects to their own vocals and instruments. They will also be piecing together, editing and mixing a pre-existing song with their chosen groups to bring to their Dance class; where they will create an original dance piece. Students also learn about Makey-Makey and how it is used to create original pieces of Music.

In Year 7 Dance, learning is integrated with studies in Music class. Students work on developing their choreographic, analytical and performance skills and draw on these to create a concept and choreography for a Just Dance video game. They explore how combinations of the elements of time, space, dynamics and relationships can be used to communicate their ideas and intentions. Students experiment with using choreographic devices such as canon, contrast, unison and abstraction to create movement phrases. They analyse how Just Dance choreographers manipulate dance elements and production elements to shape meaning and intent. Students experience working collaboratively with their peers and regularly reflect on their learning in their dance journals.

Year 8

In Year 8 students study one semester of Drama and one semester of Media Arts. They experience these subjects as integrated units whereby they work collaboratively to produce a comedic film.

In drama, students learn about comedic conventions including slaptick, parody and mime. They work to build their expressive skills by exploring how face, body language, gesture and dramatic action can be used to shape meaning and character. Students explore how production elements such as costumes, props and set design are used to express and enhance ideas. They experience learning tasks, which develop their skills through improvisation, collaboration and performance. Students work collaboratively to plan, develop, rehearse and perform a short comedic film in the sub-genre of their choice and filmed, edited and produced their movie in Media Arts.

Year 9 Art Electives

Production: Set Design

This semester students who undertook the Production Design elective were given the responsibility to design and make costumes, props and sets for the 2017 Creekside production of, Disney’s High School Musical Jr. They have learnt about the history and role of the theatrical set designer, They have learnt techniques in both drawing and painting and used these to create their design. Throughout the semester, students were given the opportunity to work both individually, in small groups and as a whole team using their artistic skills, creativity and problem solving skills to develop and make their designs. In this hands on subject students will also get to see their artworks come to life on stage as part of 2017 production in September.

Rock Band

At the senior level of Creekside, students will experience learning instruments as part of a band in the musical genres Rock, Blues & Jazz. They will participate in various group rehearsals and workshops including vocals, guitar, drums/percussion, keyboard and bass. Students will experience a workshop with a guest musician to support the theoretical and practical learning of musical fundamentals, approaches, techniques and tips & tricks whilst keeping a “Rock Book” to document their progress. The semester will conclude with a group performance in order to present their piece(s) to friends and family members.

Engaging with the Community

We are always seeking opportunities to showcase the creative talents of the students at Creekside K-9 College by entering community competitions and exhibitions.

Some recent events include: