Students at the College are encouraged to participate in these activities in order to develop confidence in expressing their ideas with clarity and logic. Opportunities are given through interhouse debating and selected students represent the College in inter-school competitions.

The College also participates in the Mock Trial competition organised by the Law Society of New South Wales. The Year 11 and Year 12 students have the opportunity to participate in two or three meetings with their coach before each trial and to experience first-hand the operations of a Court Trial.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is an international leadership in action program. The Award provides the opportunity to experience a sense of personal achievement through individual challenge, team work and fun. It is well-regarded in the community and by many employers. Once again many St Vincent’s students have chosen to participate in this prestigious challenge. This year we have students from Years 8-12 participating in Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Ed experience.

There are four sections that must be completed to qualify for an Award: Volunteering, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journeys. These activities provide an opportunity for girls to acquire and develop skills, initiative and self-esteem which will help them become more confident and contributing members of the community.

Participants design their own program by selecting activities they are interested in, setting their own goals and striving to achieve their own potential. The College organises opportunities during term time for girls to complete the practice and qualifying Adventurous Journeys for the award. These expeditions are a great experience and a lot of fun. The Award is complementary to many other activities that girls may already be doing as part of their sporting and co-curricular activities both within and external to the College, and helps to recognise their efforts and commitment in these areas.

Ensembles and clubs are facilitated and taught for free to support the College's policy of inclusion. Everyone is welcome, supported and nurtured. Creating and performing even in front of like-minded individuals requires bravery and St Vincent’s aims are for our students to be confident, creative, independent young women. The Performing Arts Ensembles and Clubs actively develop these attributes in our students.

Dance Ensemble

Dance is very popular at St Vincent’s. So much so that we have seven ensembles. All Dance ensembles are by audition allowing for students with similar skills to be grouped together. This enables each ensemble to cater to the strengths of that student and build skills specifically for their needs. Choreography for the group then reflects and highlights their growing ability and skills.

Orchestra

The St Vincent’s College Orchestra aims to develop performance skills of the individual student and instill an enjoyment in performing as part of an ensemble. The Orchestra provides support tailored to the needs and interests of each member. The music styles performed range from a balanced program of Classical repertoire and Popular repertoire. Special parts are written at different levels of difficulty, as required, and sectional rehearsals are held occasionally to assist in learning the instrumental parts. Students gain instrumental expertise and confidence in a relaxed setting, which helps build a sense of camaraderie. Regular performances are given within the College and outside the College for assemblies and special functions.

Ukulele Ensemble

The great thing about the Ukulele is that it is easy to learn. It only takes a few basic chords to be able to sing and play many popular songs. Students who are already involved in the ensemble have expressed their enthusiasm for learning this wonderful instrument and being part of a music ensemble. The Ukulele Ensemble performs at various events within and outside the College.

String Ensemble

The String Ensemble is a small group with rehearsals held at lunch time. Students who play violin, viola, cello or double bass are able to join this ensemble. Students will engage in a variety of repertoire as well as develop their skills and experience in an enjoyable ensemble setting.

Jazz Ensemble

Classical music is not for everyone! Jazz is a versatile and enticing style of music to which some students really gravitate. Improvisation is completely different to traditional forms of music and is very challenging for students who are new to it. The Jazz ensemble plays a variety of Jazz music ensuring that students can ease into the more challenging style of improvisation by learning well-known Jazz standards first. Jazz is a popular ensemble that brings together many different musicians.

Rock Band

We have soundproofed rehearsal rooms and sometimes these students really test it out. The Rock Band is a lively group of students who rehearse and explore many styles of popular music. They perform at various College events and compete and do the college proud at Rock Band competitions.

Choir

The College Choir explores both secular and liturgical music liberally. They also delve into art music, popular and folk music ensuring that the vast and varied talents of the students are accessed and highlighted. The College Choir performs regularly at College Masses, liturgies, and Community events.

Theatresports

Improvisation games allow students to learn how to improvise and grow confidence on stage. Representatives from the College will compete in Theatresports and other competitions troughout the year.

Co-curricular Performing Arts Tuition

The College Co-curricular programme allows students to elect to have lessons with a specialised Tutor in Dance, Drama and Music either individually or in a small group. Students may learn Contemporary Dance, Speech and Drama, Voice and Music including; piano, keyboard, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba, violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, percussion and drum kit, and music technology. The Private Tuition programme at the College is extremely popular and supports and extends the talents and skills of individual students. This program also assists in continuing to build the level of skills for the ensembles at the College and contributes to the overall engagement in College life with individual students also being offered performance opportunities. Classes are primarily scheduled during school time.

If you are interested, please register online below. Closing date for enrolments Monday, 3 February 2020.

Belinda Peoples
Co-curricular Performing Arts Coordinator