The creative arts are a valuable part of our curriculum and school life and include music, drama and the visual arts. They’re a great way for students to express themselves and explore mind, body and spirit. They also offer many proven developmental benefits.
These benefits include increasing motivation and engagement in class, building problem-solving skills, boosting self-esteem and developing an appreciation of diversity. Students are guided in all areas by highly-proficient specialist staff and teaching partners.
With dedicated music classrooms and studios for individual lessons, our specialist music teachers encourage all students to develop their skills to the highest level. All students K to Year 8 learn music as part of the curriculum. Students in Years 9 to 12 can choose it as an elective.
Students in Years 3 to 4 can also learn an instrument through the Primary Instrumental Performance Program (PIPP), where they have the opportunity to perform in sectionals and ensembles. Students in Years 5 to 6 are given a chance to build on this experience through involvement in elective small-group ensembles.
In addition to the PIPP Ensembles available to students in Years 3 to 6, we also offer performance opportunities through the Junior Choir, Junior Percussion Ensemble, String Ensemble, Senior Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, College Band, Senior Vocal Class, and College Choir.
Our Junior Strings Program is open to students from Preschool to Year 2 on campus before, during and after college hours. It provides opportunities for students to learn individually or in groups and gain experience performing as an ensemble.
We also offer Instrument hire.
Our Gifted & High Potential Music Program is open to students in Years 3 to 12 who’ve achieved AMEB/Trinity Grade 3 or equivalent. This program aims to respond to the needs of our gifted students through a range of accelerative strategies focussing on both student musicianship and instrumental/vocal performance skillsets, with the mission to maximise learning and growth.
The program is staffed by BTAC music curriculum staff, college instrumental staff, and numerous guest musicians and music educators.
Instrumental tuition is available for students from Preschool to Year 12 on campus before, during and after college hours. We proudly boast the Hunter Valley’s most talented and experienced instrumental and vocal staff. Tuition is currently available for:
Students in all years are encouraged to experience drama through co-curricular activities, such as Tournament of the Minds, our College Production and Hunter Drama workshops.
Our College Productions showcase student skills in music, drama, dance and art while allowing them to work behind the scenes. They’re a highlight of our college calendar, with a Junior School (P-4) production being held every second year and a Middle/Senior School (5-12) production staged in the alternate year.
We’re thrilled to partner with Hunter Drama to provide an after-school program for students in Years 2 to 10. Offering classes in drama and musical theatre, students are exposed to all aspects of theatre and the dramatic arts, including involvement in mid-year and end-of-year festivals with Hunter Drama at the Playhouse.
We have a strong visual arts program for students in K to Year 12. Students design and create artwork using media, techniques, and processes from various studio areas. Students studying visual arts are encouraged to be involved in college productions and showcase their artworks at various times throughout the year.
Drawing Club is a place where all students are welcome to express their creativity. Held weekly, students can explore their interest in visual arts with specialist art teachers.
