At Alphington Grammar School, the school’s senior level Arts programs ensures that students are exposed to a wide range of artistic experiences while honing their skills and providing links to industry opportunities outside of school.
A core part of Alphington Grammar School’s philosophy is the belief that The Arts encourage originality and risk taking amongst students, while fostering growth, development, and learning. Through the school’s senior level Arts programs, students are encouraged to exercise their creativity, grow their confidence, expand their skills, and perhaps even discover new talents.
Music and the Performing Arts are a highly valued, flourishing area within the school, proving to be an essential medium for students to learn about themselves and the world around them.
To complement the classroom-based Arts curriculum, Alphington Grammar offers 17 different musical ensembles which allow students to explore music with others and develop their musicianship.
A few of the school’s secondary school ensembles include: AGS Orchestra, String Ensemble, Secondary Choir, Latin Band, Folk Band, Greek Ensemble and Drumline. There are also many opportunities throughout each School year for students to perform, including the Annual Music Concert, Antipodes Festival, School Production, and other high-profile events.
The annual stage production
As the school year progresses, excitement is building for the upcoming secondary school production of Into the Woods. The stage play by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim is renowned for its intriguing storyline, complex characters and sophisticated music.
Led by the Head of Music, Mrs Priya Wilson, and dedicated Music and Performing Arts staff, the production features over 120 student performers, including the full Year 7 cohort. The cast has dedicated countless hours to perfecting the performance, learning their lines and choreography to bring this beloved story to life on stage.
The production will take place across two nights at the Darebin Arts Centre. In addition to the auditioned parts, the entire 2023 Year 7 cohort will perform during the production, in what for many will be their first times in front of a large audience.
Members of the cast have been rehearsing since audition results were released at the end of 2022 and the two-and-a-half-hour-long musical will be a true test of their ambition, abilities, and commitment.
The production will be a showcase of Alphington Grammar students’ talents and dedication. From the actors and musicians to the costume designers and backstage crew, everyone has worked tirelessly to bring this production to life, and the result is sure to be a mesmerising and entertaining performance.
As Music and the Performing Arts continue to grow at Alphington Grammar, the students continue to push themselves further to achieve greater things.
The Year 7 Transition Program
Alphington Grammar School prioritises a smooth and successful transition from primary to secondary school through the Year 7 Transition Program. Key components of this success include:
- The development of new friendships
- Building self-esteem and confidence
- Encouraging independent learning and takingresponsibility
- Building new routines
- Establishing good habits
As part of the Year 7 Drama curriculum, all Year 7 students are expected to perform as ensemble cast members during each annual senior production. The opportunity to sing, dance, and work as partof a larger cast is incredibly valuable for the Year 7 students’ confidence and is a chance to develop relationships with students they may not normally interact with.
Participation in the senior production has been a major factor in the establishment of relationships, confidence, and self-esteem in Alphington Grammar’s Year 7 cohorts, and for many, the production will serve as an introduction to a passion or hobby that they take will take with them through their secondary years.
In addition to participating in the senior production, other aspects of the Year 7 transition program includes: the Year 7 Hub, a designated Year 7 space with collaborative breakout areas; the appointment of the Year 7 Coordinator and specifically assigned Year 7 House Mentors; and the support and guidance of the Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Team. This team works closely with all students to make sure their mental health and wellbeing is supported.
Prior to commencement, students and parents alike are invited to Parent Mornings, Transition Evenings, and Orientation Days to ensure that all families feel ready for this big step, and students can walk through the doors on their first day with confidence.
To learn more about Alphnigton Grammar School, visit: www.alphington.vic.edu.au
