Year 9 Arts Alive Week
During the last week of Term 2, Year 9 participated in the Arts Alive Challenge. This provided students with unique experiences across all the disciplines in the visual and performing arts. Shelford staff collaborated to provide a range of experiences for girls including tie-dying, silk screen printing, drama workshops and dance lessons in order to perform a lunch time flash mob. The ceramics project organised by Deborah Pettigrew was a favourite amongst the students as the class worked hard to commence designing native flora and fauna which will be used to create a Wominjeka ceramic sign near the School’s front gate.
A special part of Arts Alive week was being able to make ceramics for Shelford's Wominjeka sign. This is because it was a special privilege for our year level and it will be at the school for many years to come. It was really fun because it was an opportunity to be creative with friends, playing music and singing along.
Charlotte J
Arts Alive week also introduced students to many experts in the arts. Dr Tim Kitchen, Adobe Education Specialist taught the girls how to use various adobe tools for visual communication and web design. International Opera Singer, Ms Isabel Hertaeg, helped the girls reach the high notes in a music workshop and Ms Fiona Harris and Ms Kate Dennis (also Shelford parents) discussed their career journey in the film and television industry. Amelie S reflected on the expertise provided to her during the week:
Personally I think that the most important thing about Arts Alive week was not just that we experienced the different activities, but we actually learnt techniques and history behind the art, and then we experienced the activity. I found was really beneficial to getting the most out of the week.
Amelie S
The major highlight for many students was returning to the city to explore the artistic culture of Melbourne. Not only did they build on their independence and navigating skills established during the City Challenge, the girls took part in various activities and museum visits. Syn Media at RMIT ran a radio announcing workshop enabling girls to record their own demo radio show.
I really loved attending the SYN Radio Workshop and working with a group to generate a segment of a radio show. It was amazing to see the behind the scenes process of broadcasting a radio channel and the experience of working with my friends and using the equipment offered was a really valuable experience for me personally.
Bella A
Students visited the latest exhibits at ACMI, the Picasso Century exhibit at NGV and the Australian Music Vault. The afternoon was topped off with a performance of Cinderella: The Musical on at the Regent Theatre. This was a wonderful experience and students were even invited to a Q and A session with the cast after the show.
The Visual Arts faculty, led by Ms Deborah Pettigrew and the Performing Arts faculty, led by Mr Frank Blakiston coordinated an exciting learning experience for all of Year 9. I thank them for the dedication to the Challenge program. Arts Alive week was a unique and enjoyable way to end the semester.
Katrina Davey
Year 9 Challenge Coordinator