Celebration of Learning

CAPA NEWS

MUSIC

Music 2020 is a different experience and as a department we are making the most of the performance opportunities we have.

By the time you read this our Yr 12 Music 1 class would’ve completed their HSC practical Exam. They have all been amazing at adapting to the changes that had to take place for their exam. We would normally spend many hours rehearsing arrangements for the day with students from other year groups. This year they were only able to perform with one other person. This meant really pushing themselves to elevate their personal expression and use of dynamics to create contrast and interest. I am proud to say that they all achieved personal best performances. Well done!!

Even though a number of ensembles have had to stop running there are a couple that meet the guidelines. Ukulele ensemble have moved to the MPC and are continuing to use music as a tool for social engagement as well as developing skills. The string ensemble has also been able to continue and are working on repertoire that can be performed at MADD in Term 4.

If we are unable to have an audience we will put together a film of the performances and make sure it is available for all to view.

Clue - The Musical is in  production with a script in place. This was cleverly adapted by Ms Roberts and her team of Yr 9 Drama students. Ms Wilson is now working with Yr 11 students from Music to write songs for the show. Keep up the great work girls as we will put on a show 2021 even if it ends up being a film.

DRAMA 

One of the skills required of students of Drama is the ability to think creatively, to come up with a number of different solutions to creative problems. This year, with all of the challenges and curveballs that 2020 has thrown at us, has certainly given our Drama students a lot of opportunities to demonstrate their resilience, flexibility and creativity!

Drama Ensembles involving Years 9, 8 and 7 are all working on creating their own films, as public performances are not feasible for the foreseeable future. It has been a joy to watch students create their own stories, work together to script, storyboard, act in, direct and shoot their own films.

Along these lines, Year 9 students have been creating their own horror films - searching out the everyday locations around the school that have scary potential, and creating heart-stopping short films in them. Take a look at some of the photos from their shoots!

Year 11 students have produced their own filmed monologues, as well as creating some excellent group devised performances. Reflecting on another of this year’s challenges, the Y10 Drama students have created their own Verbatim pieces centred around Australians’ real-life experiences of last summer’s bushfires. On a lighter note, Y8 Drama students have taken their favourite fairy tales and devised theatrical adaptations of these, using a variety of playbuilding techniques, tricks and of course some well known tunes thrown in. Year 7 students are practising creativity in groups, as we explore improvisation over the next number of weeks. 

DANCE 

Dance elective students have also been making the most of available performance opportunities. At the end of term 2, Year 8, 9, 10 and 11 students were able to showcase their composition work in a program combined with Year 12 Music students. With the cancellation of our annual Dance Showcase Evenings, this was a valuable opportunity for the dance students to present their choreography to an audience of captivated Year 7 and 8 students.

Congratulations to our accelerated dance students who completed their HSC Practical Examination earlier this term. Individually the students endured three interviews and performed three separate solos for a panel of examiners. It was a successful day and the girls conveyed a sense of accomplishment and acknowledgement for their months of preparation and rehearsal. 

Despite being temporarily split into separate year groups, both the Junior and Senior dance companies have continued to work creatively on new dance works for this year. They have certainly missed their annual trip to the Seymour Centre for the dance festival, as well as participating in Sydney Dance Company workshops this year. However, in the hope that a performance event may go ahead in the MPC at the end of the year, they have continued to create and rehearse. Ms Hunter and Ms Reed have been amazed by the girls’ focus and continuing commitment this year despite the loss of performance opportunities.

Year 12 Bodies of Work

Some excerpts from the Yr 12 Bodies of work which are nearly complete. 

• Zoe  Morris embroidering her work "Invasion Meltdown"
• Cara Baldwin (3 panels) "Dreams"
• Emma Lymn "For How Long?"
• Salam Issa "Tomorrow We'll Be Free"
• Erica Beattie "Our Best Friend"
• Joanna Yu "You See"

Wednesday Sport

Sport while socially distancing but also getting fresh air and making the most of Covid restrictions at school.

Year 10 Textiles Technology

Year 10 Textiles Technology have now completed their ISO-Dolls. Photos included in a previous newsletter showed students commencing work on their ISO-Dolls by hand embroidering their faces. These photos represent a selection of of completed dolls, which reflect student personality and the development of skill during the manufacturing process. 

Year 9 Food Tech

Ms Di Rosario Year 9 have done some amazing presentations of the evolution of food in Australia. Below are two of the magazine articles that were written as a persuasive piece to encourage tourism back to Australia after covid travel bans are lifted. 

Two groups also made some amazing videos. Click here for group 1. Click here for group 2. 

Year 11 PDHPE

Congratulations to all the Yr 11 PDHPE students who participated in the Royal Life First Aid Certificate course. The class demonstrated CPR on adult/infant mannequins, treated injuries ranging from lacerations to broken bones, and practiced their bandages and arm slings. A great qualification for their resumes which is also nationally recognised.