Foundation Christian College’s Performing Arts Centre has had a successful first full school year of operation.
As a result, the college has been able to increase creative arts opportunities and offer a wider variety of experiences in art, theatre, music, drama, dance and stage craft.
College principal Andrew Newhouse said these opportunities were established through the opening of the college’s new Performing Arts Centre and the Foundation Theatre in February.
“We have always offered in-class and after school music, drama and visual arts, which we coupled with major school productions and performances,” he said.
“We have built on these experiences by offering more intensive and focused courses enabling students to learn, hands-on and theoretically, on stage, backstage and in the audience.
“This year we had 18 Year 10 students complete a Certificate II in music industry, and in 2019 we will accommodate at least 35 students from Years 10 to 12 in a Certificate II or III.”
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Coordinator of Creative Ministries Roz Smith said that the Certificate II students experienced an extremely busy season working in all aspects of theatre, due to it being the college’s 21st birthday.
“We have our regular events but this year there were additional ones the students had to coordinate and run, including a 250-delegate state conference,” she said
“We are fortunate to have connections with Mt Pleasant College, and are able to auspice their programs here so our students do not have to travel to Perth.”
The college has also expanded its visual art opportunities, culminating in the annual art exhibition IMBUE. It showcases the work of gifted visual arts students to both the College and the wider community.
“The highly successful IMBUE art exhibition featured close to 300 pieces of artwork in all styles of art including ceramics, photography, canvas painting, oils, pastels, watercolours and many more,” Mr Newhouse said.
Dance students have also enjoyed the purpose built dance-hall.
“We have many students who are gifted in the art of theatrics, acrobats and dancing and for them to be able to practise at school for events such as YOHFest and our annual Performing Arts Nights is a treat for them,” Mrs Smith said.
“At Foundation Christian College we now have the facilities and the talented teaching staff to be able to encourage students who enjoy the arts.
“We recognise all children are creative, and it’s up to us to tap into their God-given talent and create opportunities for them to shine.”
- Michelle Cronin is from Foundation Christian College
