Learning & Teaching News

VCE Performing Arts Excursion

 

Excursions are a fantastic way for students to deepen their learning through real-world experiences, engage with new environments and develop social and critical thinking skills outside the usual classroom setting.

 

Last week, our VCE Theatre Studies, Dance and Music students attended a night-time excursion to see the critically acclaimed musical Hadestown at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the city. Hadestown was the most awarded show of the 2019 Tony Awards season, winning eight awards, including Best Musical.

 

The show follows two intertwining love stories: that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of the immortal King Hades and Lady Persephone. In this intriguing, captivating folk opera, audiences are taken on a bold journey to the underworld and back. Drawing on the rich traditions of American folk music and the sounds of vintage New Orleans jazz, Anaïs Mitchell’s mesmerising sung-through musical explores the struggle between industry and nature, doubt and belief, and fear and love.

 

This excursion provided our students with an opportunity to witness first-hand the booming theatre scene in Australia in this post-COVID era. Here in Australia’s cultural capital, we are spoiled for choice in terms of concerts and shows. Watching Hadestown also allowed our students to see how the performance skills they learn in the classroom, rehearsal room, studio and on stage can eventually translate into careers in the creative arts and entertainment industries.

 

With many of our VCE Performing Arts students also cast as leads and specialist dancers in our College production of West Side Story, this excursion inspired them to engage more passionately with their roles, refine their performance skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the demands and artistry of live theatre. We are excited to welcome audiences to see our production of West Side Story in the first week of Term 3. Tickets are on sale now at trybooking.com/DBPXY.

 

The General Achievement Test (GAT)

 

Coming up next month on 17 June is the annual General Achievement Test (GAT), a key component of assessment for students in VCE and VCE VM completing a Unit 3/4 subject. Results from the GAT are a valuable indicator of students’ literacy and numeracy skills and can be shared with prospective employers.

 

In addition, for students completing a scored VCE program, the GAT supports quality assurance in the VCE by contributing to the statistical moderation of school-based assessments, verifying external assessment scores and informing the Derived Examination Score (DES) process when needed. The GAT is critical as it helps ensure fairness and consistency across the state by providing an additional data point to align school and external assessments and support students affected by disadvantage during exams.

 

Last week, VCE students at both campuses completed a ‘Practice GAT’ under exam conditions in preparation for the real GAT next month. Currently, VCE VM students are also completing practice tests in their Literacy and Numeracy classes. As the GAT assesses general knowledge and skills, students are not required to complete additional special study for it; however, by sitting a Practice GAT, we train students to consider and refine their exam-sitting skills, such as: using reading time actively and effectively, managing writing time, and planning answers for extended response questions.

 

We wish our Year 10–12 students the best of luck for the upcoming mid-year exams and the GAT.

 

 

 

 

 

Mr David Hansen                                                             Mr Nigel Patawaran

Deputy Principal - Learning & Teaching             Senior Years Curriculum Leader (CLN)