Captivating learners through creative and performing arts

Students of all ages and abilities are getting involved with CAPTIVATE – the Parramatta diocese’s creative and performing arts initiative – as part of their overall educational experience and are reaping the rewards.

In the past, creative pursuits such as music, drama and dance were often considered ‘optional extras’ when it came to education, usually left to those students who were seen to have natural talent or a desire to pursue a career as a professional in those areas. While it is important to support such talents and goals, it is also possible to broaden the scope and create creative and performing arts opportunities for all students.

Experts on the changing nature of work such as Daniel Pink says we are entering a new era, leaving behind the information age where ‘left brain’ analytical thinking ruled and embracing ‘right brain’ creativity in the ‘big picture’, conceptual age. If this is the case, then nurturing the creative spirit in all students must become more of a priority. Internationally renowned drama in education expert Dr Cecily O’Neill says, ‘The arts are the languages of civilisation through which we learn to think and communicate, and interpret, explore and represent our own experience and that of others.’

Involvement in creative and performing arts such as dance, drama and music has a profoundly positive impact on all areas of a student’s development and learning, such as:

• fostering creativity and self-confidence
• teaching teamwork and collaboration skills
• providing a stimulating learning environment
• assisting in coordination, rhythm, body awareness and listening skills
• broadening students’ experiences and enabling them to be more receptive to learning and trying new things

In the Parramatta diocese the CAPTIVATE initiative, now in its second year,  focuses on delivering a hands-on approach to learning where teachers and arts professionals engage the mind, body, voice and creative interests of students. CAPTIVATE is open to all students from Kindergarten to Year 12 and enhances already established school-based performing arts activities and opportunities.

There are a number of programs currently available for students, with many more opportunities in the pipeline. By bringing together students from across the diocese, CAPTIVATE can offer a wide range of quality learning and performance opportunities beyond what one school could offer on its own.

Team leader of the CAPTIVATE initiative, Mark Hopkins, says the value of creative and performing arts in education is hard to overstate.

‘The arts get people thinking, talking, feeling and sharing, and often make for lifelong enjoyment and memories. An arts rich education paves the way to self esteem, social confidence and sustained curiosity and interest in others,’ said Mark.

CAPTIVATE Ensembles

The CAPTIVATE program is divided into two streams – ‘Inclusive ensembles’ and ‘Leading ensembles’. Inclusive ensembles provide the opportunity for any interested student to participate in one of the music, dance or drama ensembles at a ‘hub’ location situated near their school. While performances are at the centre of all CAPTIVATE programs, the inclusive ensembles are designed to provide foundational training and development. Leading ensembles provide opportunities for more advanced students to collaborate through intensive workshops and rehearsals with a greater focus on performances. Entry into these ensembles is by audition.

Music ensembles

Opportunities for vocalists and instrumentalists include:

• Beginner strings (primary)

• Inclusive band program (primary and secondary)

• Inclusive and leading string program (primary and secondary)

• Inclusive choral program (primary and secondary)

• Leading choral and vocal program (secondary)

Dance Ensembles 

Opportunities for dancers include:  

• Leading dance theatre ensembles

• Ethnic and contemporary dance groups

• Inclusive dance ensembles - contemporary and Jazz    

CAPTIVATE  teaching educator, Phil Rooke has been working with music teachers at Mary MacKillop Primary, Penrith South and St Finbar’s Primary, Glenbrook to introduce the Beginner strings program. The teachers, with the support of Phil, have been teaching Year 3 and 4 students how to play stringed instruments in weekly sessions. Each class now plays with a complete orchestra of cellos, violins, violas and double bass.

Earlier in the year, a semester long dance program culminated in the CAPTIVATE dance showcases where students revealed what they had learnt through working with two of Australia’s finest dance practitioners, Shaun Parker and Fiona Malone.

During Terms 3 and 4, CAPTIVATE will be offering contemporary indigenous dance, stilt walking and performance skills workshops weekly for indigenous students. This program recognises the importance of preserving indigenous culture and enriching the educational experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The workshops will be run by professionals from the nationally acclaimed NAISDA Dance College and the performance company, Erth Visual and Physical.

Offerings extend beyond the school term, with the upcoming Dancin’ Daze program which is a three day series of workshops that expose students to a wide variety of dance genres and working professionals. The workshop options are Intensive Dance, including swing, street dance, Broadway and Bollywood; Circus Skills and Street Theatre; or African Drums and Dance.  All workshops culminate in a performance for family and friends, giving students the chance to showcase what they have learnt and gain valuable performance experience.

‘This is a great way to extend students’ appreciation of the arts, meet professional performers and choreographers,’ said Mark. ‘It is not just about learning new physical skills, but also fosters new found mental strength, respect, responsibility, team work and creativity.’

In the creative arts realm, CAPTIVATE recently established a collaborative project  between students at Parramatta Marist High School  and acclaimed music and multimedia artist/producer, Michael Chin to develop a multimedia production celebrating Parramatta Marist’s 190th anniversary. The participating students have developed high level skills in the use of technology and creative thought processes.

Perhaps one of the most innovative programs CAPTIVATE is running is a trial “arts led literacy” program. During Term 3 CAPTIVATE, in partnership with the Sydney Theatre Company and the University of Sydney, will have a professional actor working with primary teachers in St Thomas Aquinas Primary, Springwood and Holy Spirit Primary, St Clair to prepare and deliver a seven week unit of work that uses drama to help improve literacy. This is an exciting approach to learning and teaching that promises to inject creativity and fun in literacy-based learning.

Through creative and performing arts CAPTIVATE is working with schools to create a generation of students who are creative, confident and able to collaborate – all key factors to success in the world of the future. Some will go on to become professionals in a creative or performing arts field, for others it will simply enrich their educational experience and creative abilities. Whatever their path these talented students look set to be captivated in learning.

Parent’s view…

In Year 9, my daughter Brianna received a scholarship to attend a specialist performing arts high school. However, after one term, Brianna made the decision to return to Caroline Chisholm College, Glenmore Park where academic opportunities are offered in conjunction with performing arts opportunities – not instead of them.  Brianna is involved in an academic enrichment program as well as the school dance program (jazz and performing arts) and now CAPTIVATE as well, where she has been given the opportunity to work with professionals on solo dance pieces.  Overall I feel she is getting an excellent education.

Julie Law, mother of Brianna, now in Year 10 at Caroline Chisholm College

Students’ view…

Students from K-6 at St Joseph’s Primary, Kingswood have been taking part in ‘Dance, Act, Sing’ taking one class a week for a term, organised through CAPTIVATE. Here is what some of the students had to say:

It helps us to feel confident about ourselves and become closer to our class mates. (Sheridan, Yr 6)

If you’re having a bad day, it makes you forget about your worries and have fun while raising your self-esteem. (Yolanda,Yr 6)

It doesn’t matter who you are or what you can do, you can just give it a go and feel comfortable doing it. (Chloe, Yr 6)

I have learnt not to be shy and to always show your feelings. (Kate, Yr 2)

I have learnt how to be brave. (Mario, Yr 2)

I like it because I get to be someone different to me. (David, Yr 2)

We get to use our imagination. (Nigel, Yr 2)

For more information including the latest news and media galleries, visit www.parra.catholic.edu.au/captivate.

Sources:

A Whole New Mind, Daniel H. Pink

www.teachers.tv, a workshop with Cecily O’Neill

www.parra.catholic.edu.au/captivate

Author: Samantha Rich

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