Creativity involves the use of imagination or connections to generate new ideas. From the earliest years, we promote the use of problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, dance, music and drama. We also teach students to create and appreciate visual aesthetics, alongside the language and vocabulary of the arts. Creativity at our school extends into all areas of the curriculum and is designed to engage students in their learning.
Across the Arts, our students enjoy a variety of opportunities to explore and express new ideas through music, dance, drama and technology and design. Collectively, our students’ work reflects their diversity, confidence and individuality.
Visual Arts
Our students experience a dynamic art program as an integral part of the core curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6. Students experience a range of creative activities, presented by teachers who believe that artistic activities foster lateral thinking and that by introducing the children to a wide range of experiences in creating, designing and reflecting, they develop their ability to innovate.
Performing Arts
Through our Performing Arts Department, students across the school, have an opportunity to perform in various events. Performance opportunities include class assemblies, Easter and Christmas productions, Dramatic Reading Competition, Edu-dance Finale and our KCS X Factor give a variety of performance opportunities. These events are a showcase for student creativity, enterprise, leadership and teamwork.
The Production
The KCS annual production is one of the highlights of the year and demands a commitment from the students to learn new skills and gain a confidence that will benefit them in their futures.
The process begins in term one, with students participating in two weeks of auditions. The audition process requires students to perform a monologue and song excerpt in front of a panel of judges. For some students, this is a nerve-racking experience. However, it is a vital part of the process to ensure that they experience what it means to be part of a production.
Next the cast is announced. The younger students form part of the ensemble to gain experience onstage with minimal pressure; and older students play the main parts as well as perform the non-speaking roles.
Weekly rehearsals involve script readings, voice projection coaching, character development, dance choreography, singing and stage direction.
Term four is production week, and the focus is on stage craft and working with the lighting and sound specialists at the Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre. During this time students are included who form the backstage crew. These pupils learn how to work cohesively in a highly pressured environment. On show nights the students perform to an incredibly high standard and have a true insight into the process of theatre performance.