The Arts

dance, design, drama, media studies, music, theatre production, visual arts

The Arts at Mount Gambier High School offers a broad spectrum of opportunities for students to develop their creative and expressive skills through the Visual and Performing Arts. The courses are continually developing and evolving addressing students' needs in the various areas.

Our rapidly changing social, environmental and economic world requires our students to be creative in their thinking and actions and adaptive to changes. The Arts programs meet these needs by encouraging students to meet the challenges of change with confidence and sound understandings of concepts and the need for communication.

The classroom gives our students the grounding and students are then offered opportunities to extend their studies in a variety of experiences. Excursions are provided including visits to local galleries, exhibitions and performances in Adelaide. There are numerous competitions in which students are encouraged to participate. Many of these have current environmental and community issues as their themes and this gives the students the opportunity to communicate and contribute their thoughts and opinions.

The Artists in Residence Program is particularly important within the curriculum providing students with insight into the professional side of The Arts. Visual artists, designers, musicians, dancers and actors are invited to work with our students throughout the year enhancing the learning opportunities and giving the students a sense of reality to their studies.

The school is very environmentally conscious and students have been encouraged to participate in the development of projects related to making an environment which is sustainable and visually beautiful. Works developed include landscaping, mosaics and sculptures.

The Performing Arts students have opportunities to work in theatre productions, variety performances and community shows to enhance their experiences. Technology plays are strong role in the students’ learning programs with resources continually being upgraded to meet the demands of change and progress. Library resources are extensive offering many opportunities for students to extend their knowledge and understanding of the arts.

The new Arts Facility will be built and occupancy is envisaged at the end of 2009. Provision has been made for four Art/Design rooms including a Sculpture/Ceramics space, a Computer Suite, a gallery space and an outdoor work area. Also included will be a Dance/Theatre space to enhance our existing Performing Arts program. Minor changes will take place in the existing Performing Arts area to allow for the connection between the old and new buildings. The consolidation of staff work areas in closer proximity within the buildings will enable staff to work more cohesively as a group.

The new facility will provide excellent working spaces and the opportunities to develop and expand and seek excellence in the learning experiences for our students.

Courses offered