The Arts Learning Area
The Arts Learning Area aims to engage and inspire our students in the artistic dialogue, through the process of creating and making of arts works. Through our passion; we create a learning environment that is dynamic, rich and respectful. It is through these creative experiences our students are able to articulate their voice to further enrich the Arts culture at RSHS.
Our Arts Calendar, provides students with multiple opportunities in the school and wider community to share and present their works.
Dance
Our multi-award winning Dance program offers a number of enrichment and extension opportunities with students participating in a wide range of performances, workshops and viewing professional dance works. Under the direction of a professional team of choreographers/teachers, students will gain exposure to skills in a range of styles including contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop. There is a strong focus on students developing their creativity in producing their own choreographic works, as well as increased confidence and self-esteem.
Drama
The Drama program aims to introduce and extend our students’ understanding of verbal and non-verbal communication through the key drama elements Voice and Movement. Students have multiple opportunities to explore a variety of Drama genres and styles through stage and film work, in a team setting. Students also learn the importance of production roles to craft their performances. There is a strong focus on enrichment through the viewing of professional works and external workshops.
Media
Our Media program promotes personal expression through story-telling and creativity that is engaging, collaborative and innovative. Using the latest digital technologies, students will master the craft of filming and editing, allowing them to explore their own ideas through media work. Media classes are producers of a variety of media genres and contexts for example; short film, documentaries and animation. These are created both independently and cooperatively, and presented to a range of audiences.
Photography
The Photography courses explore creative and technical skills, while engaging in a range of photographic styles. With a strong practical focus on Photoshop editing and creating original portfolios, students will develop creative problem solving skills by following the Design Process and strategies to ensure safe and responsible use of photographic equipment such as; Canon compact cameras, DSLRs, GoPros and Fuji Mirrorless Cameras. Throughout Photography, students gain an understanding of visual language and it impact on critical thinking.
Visual Arts
Visual Arts is an inter-disciplinary program offering students a range of creative thinking and technical skills in 2D and 3D artworks. With a strong practical focus on designing, making and presenting artworks. Students will gain an understanding of how artworks are created to enhance meaning and can be presented in a variety of contexts and audiences. In Visual Arts students will also develop their critical thinking and analytical skills through self-reflection processes and the viewing of artworks.
For further information on our Arts course please view the Subject Selection Handbooks.
Music
Rossmoyne Senior High School has a vibrant music program that offers students a wide range of opportunities to develop their music skills. All students enrolled in music participate in class music, receive instrumental tuition and participate in a range of ensembles. In recognition of the ongoing excellence of the program, Rossmoyne has been granted an Approved Special Program in Classical Music.
Students from all years enjoy and participate in a very active and highly successful Music Program. Wind Orchestras, Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestras, Jazz Orchestra, Guitar Ensembles, Saxonet Ensemble and Choirs provide students with many opportunities to participate in music making. Tuition is offered in voice and on all major woodwind, brass, percussion and string instruments.
Students participate in a range of performance opportunities, such as the ABODA Music Festivals, the Department of Education’s OPUS Concert, concerts at Perth Modern School and in the Rossmoyne Performing Arts Centre. To prepare for these performances students engage in rehearsals, workshops and music camps.
Music Support Group
Parents of music students are actively encouraged to support the music program in a variety of ways. The Music Support Group, a sub committee of the P&C, provides a forum for discussion and feedback to music staff, and a way of keeping informed about the busy calendar of events. Music parents work together to support teachers and the program by taking on specific roles within the committee. Parents provide back stage support and refreshments at concerts and recitals and are a valuable support at camps and on tours.
Class Music (mainstream)
Lower school Music
The main areas of study in lower school (Year 7-10) are rhythm, pitch and improvisation. The Rossmoyne curriculum initiative is an integrated approach to music education. Music students experience the same musical techniques and processes in bands, choirs, orchestras, classroom and instrumental lessons.Upper School Music
Currently there are two courses on offer for upper school students:
- WACE Music – which comprises of 50% class work in aural, literature and composition, and 50% performance. (Western Art Music is Rossmoyne’s focus area).
- PIMS is a Curriculum Endorsed Unit – a performance unit which requires attendance at weekly instrumental lessons and in ensembles.
Instrumental Music
All students in the music program are offered free instrumental tuition on a range of orchestral or concert band instruments as well as voice and guitar. Students who were learning through the School of Instrumental Music (SIM) Program at primary school continue to be provided with group lessons. Students who enrol in music or who are selected for the Approved Specialist Program (ASP) will be offered the opportunity to learn an orchestral or concert band instrument. To maintain balanced ensembles, the choice of instrument and the number of students required on each instrument will vary from year to year.
Instrumental teachers at Rossmoyne are highly qualified and experienced teachers from the School of Instrumental Music. Many teachers are also professional musicians who regularly perform with WASO and other professional groups.
Instrumental lessons are held during school hours on a rotating timetable to reduce the amount of time that students miss from any one subject. Every effort is made by instrumental teachers to hold lessons for upper school students either before or after school or during lunchtime.
Ensemble
All students are auditioned and placed in an appropriate ensemble. Auditions take place in Term 4 and students are ranked and placed in the most suitable ensemble. Most students are placed in more than one ensemble. Rehearsals for all ensembles are held weekly outside of school hours, either before or after school.
Choir
Choir plays a major role in developing musicianship and as such choir is compulsory for all music students.
Approved Special Program (ASP): Classical Music
Music at Rossmoyne SHS has been accorded Approved Specialist Program (ASP) status. Students from outside the designated catchment area are now invited to apply for the special music course which began in 2008. Students are selected on their demonstrated musical ability and commitment through an audition, including aural testing and an interview process. Read more: Specialist Classical Music Program.