innovation creativity imagination excellence€¦ · to developing creativity, innovation and...

Excellence

INNOVATIONImaginationCreativity

JC180116 Prospectus 2018_6.indd 1 18/10/18 12:01 pm

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Principal’s Welcome

“At John Curtin College of the Arts we know that working with like peers, and being taught by highly expert teachers in a stimulating learning environment, are the most significant factors in gifted and talented students achieving to their full potential. We also recognise not all students are the same. Their educational needs may differ greatly, as do their emotional and social needs.” MITCHELL MACKAY, PRINCIPAL

Welcome to John Curtin College of the Arts, Western Australia’s only Selective Arts College.

We are a leader in public education. Our commitment to developing creativity, innovation and imagination in every student is at the forefront of our learning and teaching.

We provide all students with an innovative and challenging education that encourages them to excel across all curriculum areas. Our values driven and holistic approach to education in a caring and supportive environment engages students to be committed, dedicated and passionate in all aspects of their schooling.

Our students are socially, culturally and environmentally aware and appreciative of the world around them. At John Curtin we provide them with the collaborative, problem solving, and critical and creative thinking skills to thrive in a contemporary world.

The arts is the vehicle to develop these skills and is the essential driver behind a science, technology, engineering and mathematical (STEM) education. All subject areas have critical and creative thinking at their core and students develop their STEM skills in collaboration with their arts programs.

STEM practices are integrated through a multidisciplinary and inclusive approach across all learning areas at the college, enabling students to be adaptable in today’s ever changing environment.

The creative, engaging and multifaceted process of the arts builds communication skills and confidence in students. This process is embedded through a rich technological environment to create balance in students’ education and way of learning.

This approach holds our students in good stead to study and train in various fields and enter a diverse workforce.

Mitchell Mackay Principal

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“At John Curtin we value using the arts for engagement and motivation for learning. Our students come here to develop their passions, which motivates them and in turn makes them happy. When they are happy, they excel. That is the true value and purpose of the arts.”TRAVIS VLADICH, DEAN OF THE ARTS

A Unique Educational Experience

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Academic ExcellenceAt John Curtin, your child will partake in an exceptional and balanced academic program.

A unique curriculum for gifted and talented arts students, and those identified as academically talented, is delivered at the college. We provide students with opportunities for extension, acceleration and enrichment not only in the arts but in all academic studies.

Students study their arts course alongside their core subjects of maths, English, science and humanities. They also have access to digital technologies, design and technologies, languages (Italian), health and physical education programs.

Our exemplary STEM practices are multidisciplinary, focused on developing thinking skills where students learn to transfer their skills across all areas of learning.

Academic BalanceAcademic balance is about creating pathways of choice. The focus on a well-rounded education allows students to continue careers in the arts industry or pursue careers in numerous other professions including medicine, engineering, law, education, politics and science.

Providing our students with a holistic education helps prepare them to be confident communicators, future leaders and role models, and participatory community members.

DEVELOPING the Mind

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Gifted and Talented EducationJohn Curtin College of the Arts identifies the potential talent of students in ballet, contemporary dance, drama, media arts, music, music theatre and visual arts.

We are committed to exemplary practices in gifted and talented education, where students use their gifts and passion for the arts to achieve their academic goals across all years of study.

Our Gifted and Talented Program delivery is based on a differentiated model which takes into account the needs and abilities of all students and ensures that they are provided with appropriately paced, rich and challenging learning experiences.

Students work with like-minded peers, which creates a sense of belonging and motivates the achievement of excellence. This occurs in a supportive and dynamic environment with teachers with teachers who have specialised expertise and understanding of gifted and talented education practice.

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Our ProgramsAll of our Gifted and Talented Arts Programs combine theoretical and practical, performance-based work allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of their art form and enrich their learning experience.

BalletOur vocational ballet program provides your child with the necessary hours of intensive training required to pursue ballet as a career and encourage their creativity. Through an integrated program, your child will participate in classes, workshops and diverse performance opportunities including being part of the Project Company, a professional performance company that provides additional opportunities to perform in full-length ballets.

Contemporary DanceIn our contemporary dance program students are challenged with intensive training through an integrated program and develop their imagination and sense of expression. Students explore a range of different genres of dance including classical ballet, Spanish and contemporary.

DramaOur one-of-a-kind drama program allows students the opportunity to develop a high level of drama skills alongside other gifted performing arts students. Students explore drama conventions, cultivate academic and theoretical understanding, and workshop practical skills in order to expand their knowledge.

Media ArtsOur media arts program offers students the opportunity to develop skills in journalism, new media, radio, film and television production. Students can pursue their specific interests in visual and audio editing, audio recording and manipulation, filming and digital photography, production roles, crew roles, script writing, directing, radio and print media, editing and audio recording.

MusicOur dynamic music program provides your child with a high standard of music education and training to lead to music excellence. Students are part of large and small orchestral, band, choral, vocal and instrumental ensembles and receive individual instrumental lessons. Our music program allows students to deepen their understanding of instrumental technique and develop well-rounded musicianship.

Music TheatreOur popular music theatre program combines the triple threat of dance, drama and music, and allows students to combine music and dance technique with creative expression and innovation. The program focuses on music aural and theory development and developing performance skills through character and dance. Students learn vocal skills through small group voice lessons.

Visual ArtsOur visual arts program provides students with outstanding creative opportunities to cultivate their artistic skills and knowledge. They learn through a stimulating mix of visual inquiry, studio work, exhibition and critical and historical reflection. Students explore and experiment with a range of diverse media.

Performance and exhibitionPerformance and exhibition are key components of our programs and your child will have the opportunity to showcase a range of diverse works in a variety of arts spaces. Throughout the year students present their art form and creative work in performances, exhibitions and professional settings.

Industry professionalsAll gifted and talented students work with professional artists, actors, designers, directors, choreographers and performers who share their expertise. Our tutors and guest artists are of the highest calibre with professional industry experience.

Many of our teachers are also gifted academics and performers and bring their practical industry knowledge to their teaching. They are well connected to their industry and can access arts industry based professionals, such as tutors and artists in residence, to enrich students’ learning.

ExceptionalOpportunities

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Enrichment ProgramA unique feature to John Curtin College of the Arts is our Enrichment Program, designed to reinforce the holistic and evolving nature of the arts. Enrichment provides all enrolled students at the college the opportunity to work with a range of peers in different learning environments allowing them to explore and discover new opportunities and art forms.

Exposure to different art forms and experiences helps children build their capacity as students, artists and people, and develop healthy learning, organisational and management skills.

Football ProgramAs Western Australia’s leading football program in secondary schools, students receive specialised coaching from expert football teachers who are accredited with the Football Federation of Australia and Asian Football Confederation “B” and “C” Advanced Coaching Licences.

Established as a Soccer Excellence Program in 1990, our football program helps students develop skills, attitudes and knowledge to enable them to compete successfully in football at the highest level.

A significant number of former students play in professional teams internationally and the program has produced many State and national representatives.

We are one of four schools across Australia to host the Football Federation of Australia High Performance Football School Program.

Academic Excellence ProgramFor intellectually gifted students, we offer specialised academic courses as part of the student’s core curriculum in English, humanities and social sciences, mathematics and science as part of our Academic Excellence Program in Years 7 to 10.

Our Academic Excellence Program places like-minded students in a challenging and rigorous environment designed to support students to achieve academic excellence.

Arts, football and local students are invited to participate in the Academic Excellence Program based on standardised testing results conducted by the Department of Education and Training and/or the college.

Vocational Education and TrainingAs a Registered Training Organisation (50549) we provide nationally accredited Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses in arts industry qualifications. These courses involve industry standard training and real life work experience. The college also auspices with Skills Strategies International and YMCA for the delivery of Visual Arts and Sports related qualifications.

VET programs at the college allow students to gain industry skills that will assist them in further study, transfer skills to life experiences, and improve their opportunities for employment.

Typically students will be able to study a combination of ATAR subjects and/or General subjects with a VET certificate course.

“I think the celebration of aspects like diversity, confidence and acceptance create a great atmosphere at the college and prepare us well for the future. In the drama program, I’m surrounded by talented teachers and students who are just as passionate as I am and that is a really rewarding and supportive environment to be in.” EMMA WRIGHT, YEAR 9 DRAMA STUDENT

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Our HistoryOpening in 1956 as one of Western Australia’s first academic secondary schools, our students are surrounded with tradition and rich history.

We have a proud history of change, reflecting and evolving over the past 170 years. Our predecessor opened in June 1846 as Fremantle Free Grammar School. This later became Fremantle Boys’ and Princess May Girls’ Schools before the two combined to form John Curtin Senior High School in 1956.

John Curtin College of the Arts has successfully delivered quality arts programs for more than 35 years. The college was the first school in Australia to offer theatre arts and dance as gifted and talented courses and has offered arts programs for selected students in music, ballet and drama since 1973.

Our recent history shows our change into Western Australia’s only selective arts college for gifted and talented students, which is unique to our State.

Princess May Girls’ SchoolFremantle Boys’ School

Laying the Foundation Stone, October 1954. The Hon J Hawke, Premier of WA stands between Joyce Harrison (Senior Girl, Princess May) and Ron Carmody (Captain, Fremantle Boys’ School)

John Curtin Senior High School 1959

Building commenced 1955

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Learning for LifeQuality teaching drives our students’ learning. Our dedicated teachers, chosen specifically for their specialist knowledge and expertise, are committed to providing a comprehensive educational program that develops and supports excellence in all aspects of children’s education.

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Exceptional TeachersAll teachers are committed to fostering individuality, creativity and self-expression. They encourage students’ curiosity and intrinsic motivation to learn and provide self-directed learning.

While our teachers are experts and leaders in their fields, they also have a firm understanding of the interdisciplinary connections between subjects and the transferable skills of both arts and core academic subjects.

In their classrooms, studios and performance spaces, teachers encourage and inspire students to develop their critical thinking and communication skills and create authentic project-based learning experiences.

Our teachers recognise and support students’ individual ways of learning and communicating and endeavour to create an environment where students can thrive. This helps our students gain the necessary confidence, resilience and perseverance to pursue and communicate their ideas for when they enter their future careers.

Professional Learning Academy The college’s leading Professional Learning Academy allows teachers to broaden and develop their teaching techniques and environment, improve students’ learning to create flexible and motivated learners, and explore how to practically incorporate these ideas into their classrooms and lessons. It is a platform for collaborative sharing for teachers in all areas, broadening cross curricular opportunities and learning.

Our college is also a Teacher Development School, which involves facilitating professional development for other teachers in more than 400 schools throughout Western Australia.

All college staff are required to complete professional development in understanding gifted and talented students and all teachers keep abreast of current curriculum developments within their learning area.

Developing the Person

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DEVELOPING

for Life

Our Learning SpacesOur exceptional and professional facilities enable students to experience diverse artistic and performance opportunities.

Our contemporary performing arts facility is located on campus. The fully resourced and operating Curtin Theatre seats 470 and is superbly equipped for drama, dance and musical performances. This theatre is ideal for teaching young people and developing their understanding of performance spaces, allowing them to experience all aspects of high quality performance production including front of house, costume and set design and stage management.

Students also work and perform in the more intimate black box Ellen Street Theatre and the open air amphitheatre, developing their knowledge of how performance spaces can influence their creative work.

In addition to our theatres, students’ academic learning and arts experiences are enriched by our modern learning spaces. Students have access to professional rehearsal spaces, such as dance studios with spring floors, ballet barres and mirrored walls, and art studios and exhibition spaces. Our television and recording studio, photography darkroom and Mac Labs provide students with the high-end equipment and space to produce quality work.

Other facilities, including the multi-purpose Learning Centre, well resourced science labs, and dedicated study areas, allow students and teachers to be creative, motivated and productive.

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Health and WellbeingOur college provides a values rich culture that celebrates and supports personal integrity, positive behaviour and academic excellence.

We aim to promote a strong sense of belonging, social responsibility, individual wellbeing and the pursuit of lifelong learning goals.

We prioritise students’ social, emotional, mental and physical health

by providing a safe and supportive school environment. Developing students’ emotional intelligence and resilience is part of our commitment to creating motivated and engaged young people.

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Student Support ServicesWorking in partnership with students, teachers and parents, our dedicated Student Services team supports students in all areas of their school experience to achieve the best possible educational outcomes.

Student services assists with the transition to high school, learning support, attendance, academic monitoring and support, subject selection, career guidance, and social, emotional, mental and physical wellbeing.

We value students’ holistic school experience and aim to ensure students are supported both in and out of the classroom. Our on-site college nurse and psychologist ensure students have access to assistance and guidance in every area of their health and wellbeing.

Learning supportPROPEL is a holistic, student centred and cross curricular program providing support and pastoral care to students who indicate various traits that impact their learning. These may include learning disabilities or mental health disorders and/or dual exceptionalities – students who are both gifted and learning disabled. PROPEL also caters for Aboriginal Australian students and those students who come from an EAL/D background where English is not their first language. Through PROPEL a seamless delivery of support from Years 7 to 12 occurs.

CareersOur Careers Coordinator and Course Advisor work as part of the Student Services team to advise students and parents about course selections, and also tertiary and vocational options. This includes planning, developing and coordinating course advisory programs with a particular emphasis from Years 10 to 12. This is individualised to each student’s aims, aspirations and potential and supports a range of career pathways.

Parents as partnersOur parental community is highly engaged and has a strong connection to their child’s education. We encourage all parents to be active in their child’s secondary schooling by participating on the College Board, Arts Parents Support Group and the P&C.

RESPECT,Care and

Compassion

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Health and fitnessRegular health and physical education activities are part of the college curriculum. They are designed to improve students’ skill levels, interpersonal abilities and general wellbeing, which also contributes to their academic performance and overall happiness.

Sporting activities at the college give students a chance to participate in individual and team sports at school as well as at interschool athletics, swimming and lightning carnivals.

Student ExperienceHouse SystemOur House System gives students an identity and sense of pride and achievement in a supportive, secure environment. Houses compete for points in a number of academic, cultural, community and sporting activities.

The House System is an integral and vibrant part of the school’s culture that reflects and enhances the values of the college. It provides for positive competition and a closer rapport between students across all year levels and teachers.

Peer supportOur Peer Support Program supports your child with a successful transition to high school and helps to build their sense of belonging and connection across the whole college. The Peer Support Program also helps older students develop leadership and mentoring skills when they run the program, fostering positive connections and relationships between students across different year levels.

Leadership and communityA rich suite of opportunities exists for children to be engaged in leadership activities with positions of responsibility ranging from Student Council representatives to sporting group captains and peer support leaders.

There are many diverse extracurricular activities your child can participate in, including debating, a Roots and Shoots environmental club, a robotics club and a STEM club.

The Boys’ Project is a highly successful program that provides male students with the opportunity to develop their social, leadership and collaborative skills by developing responsibility for independent learning, creative freedom and respect for their peers in all year groups.

ToursJohn Curtin students have opportunities to participate in international and interstate festivals, ski, language, football and arts tours. Past tours have included the United States, Europe and Asia.

SustainabilityThe college encourages students to be environmentally responsible and respectful of their natural surroundings. A rich infusion of environmental matters is embedded in the curriculum. John Curtin is an accredited Wastewise and Waterwise School, a member of Sustainable Schools WA and a founding member of the Climate Clever initiative. The college works with various organisations including Recycle Right, Earth Assist, Coast Care and the City of Fremantle on environmental projects in the local area as well as projects that benefit the physical environment of the college grounds. The college’s student led environmental club, Roots and Shoots participates in projects that look at ways to reduce waste, encourage recycling and raise awareness of sustainable issues.

Fair goResponsibility

INTEGRITY

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AdmissionsEntrance to John Curtin College of the Arts’ Gifted and Talented Programs is via the Department of Education and Training. Football and local enrolments are directly through the college.

Gifted and Talented Arts ProgramsAll Gifted and Talented Program applicants must sit the Academic Selective Entrance Test coordinated by the Department of Education and Training. The test includes individual assessments in the areas of mathematics and science, language, writing and non-verbal reasoning.

Visit Gifted and Talented at det.wa.edu.au/curriculumsupport/giftedandtalented

Applicants participate in workshops, auditions and interviews. Shortlisted applicants are required to participate in an interview and to submit school reports.

Local intakeFamilies living in the local catchment areas of East Fremantle Primary School, Richmond Primary School and North Fremantle Primary School can enrol their children as local intake students.

Football ProgramApplications for the Football Program are directly through the college and begin in Term 1 of Year 6. Entry is through selection trials, interviews and school reports, and is available for students from Years 7 to 11.

All local and football students have equal access to the college’s Academic Excellence Program and the Enrichment Program. The Music Enrichment Program, which includes ensembles, bands and orchestras, is also accessible.

Country studentsFor students from country WA, two residential colleges provide boarding services for gifted and talented students. City Beach Residential College offers priority placement for students at John Curtin College of the Arts.

City Beach Residential College det.wa.edu.au/boardingT: 9285 2672

Rotary Residential College rotaryresidentialcollege.com.auT: 9470 4177

High Street

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Marmion Street

Canning Hwy Canning Hwy

High StreetEllen Street

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Market Street

Queen Street

Victoria

Quay Road

JOHN CURTIN

Fremantle Station (bus and train)

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John Curtin College of the Arts

90 Ellen St Fremantle WA 6160

T 9433 7200 E [email protected]

jc.wa.edu.au


innovation creativity imagination excellence€¦ · to developing creativity, innovation and...

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