The Arts
We offer a dynamic, inclusive and motivational curriculum nurturing students’ skills and interests in all areas of The Arts, to develop a stronger sense of individualism, self-reflection and self-esteem. All performing arts staff are professionally trained and dedicated in their specialist areas. General and advanced programs in Dance, Drama and Music are available in Years 7 to10. Courses are supported with regular performance opportunities at the College and at other locations. Students also have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities. General, ATAR or Certificate courses in Dance, Drama and Music are available in Year 11 and 12, with the chance to perform at specialised venues and community-based events. Refer to the Lower School or Senior School Curriculum Handbooks for information on specific courses.
This high-energy curriculum offers the opportunity to create, choreograph, respond to and perform within two pathways - General and Advanced. Both pathways progess into Year 11 and 12 specialised General Dance, ATAR Dance or Certificate II Dance courses, delivered by specialist teachers. Students have the opportunity to perform in our annual Dance Evening, festival work and incursions/excursions with professional dance artists and companies.
This performance-based curriculum allows students to develop acting, directing and designing skills through a range of theatre styles - comedy, improvisation, mime, mask, Melodrama and Elizabethan Theatre. Lessons are in a fun and safe environment for students to develop confidence, empathy, resilience and creativity whilst improving communication, literacy, interpersonal and problem solving skills. Students collaborate to perform scripted pieces and create original theatrical masterpieces. General or Advance pathways offer progression in ATAR or General Drama in Year 11 and 12.
The Department of Education’s IMSS Program enhances student learning of their musical instrument as well as performance skills. In addition to weekly small group instrumental lessons, students participate in enrichment music activities that involve student collaboration across Year levels as well as with students from other schools. Tuition in specific instruments may not be available at some schools, with changes to the instruments available occurring each year. At Butler College, IMSS provide tuition in alto saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, vocals, guitar, bass guitar and drums/percussion. Participating IMSS students in Primary Years are encouraged to continue their study with IMSS at Butler College. For more information visit the IMSS webpage.
We offer state-of-the-art, industry based facilities for Year 11 and 12 students with a keen interest in pursuing a music industry career. With a recording studio, practice rooms for band and ensemble, as well as the Performing Arts Centre for large scale productions, students are trained in an industry-based environment. Students have many opportunities within the College and our local community to perform to live audiences. For more information about the Certificate courses offered in Year 11 and 12, please view the Curriculum Handbook.
CUS30109 Certificate III in Music (performance) (RTO 41549 – Cosamp) 2-year Course over Year 11 & 12
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
- Students are required to be involved in the IMSS program at Butler College, having received instrumental lessons from Year 7.
Butler College Music
Year 7-10 students can experience our innovative Media program, learning to examine and respond to a wide range of media through written and practical production. Students with a genuine passion for Media extend their skills in our fully-equipped TV Studio and through the extra-curricular Butler College Media Academy program. Student work is showcased at an end of year 'Oscars' themed event, and may be entered into competitions.
Students develop creative expression and explore a variety of skills, techniques and processes in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and wearable arts. General and advanced courses in Year 7-10 develop critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills, all relevant in a global society. Both pathways prepare students for a specialised Visual Arts curriculum in Year 11 & 12, with courses in General Visual Arts, ATAR Visual Arts or Certificate II in Visual Arts. All students have the opportunity to exhibit their work in the Colleges’ annual ASPIRE exhibition as well various community exhibitions and competitions. Refer to the Year 11 and 12 Curriculum Handbook for more information.
Students become adept in the fundamentals of digital photography, building on skills each year. Courses provide a range of digital SLR cameras and equipment, where students create and maintain a photography portfolio. Opportunities to exhibit work at the College and in the community .
Our courses are for students keen to express themselves visually and digitally; learning and advancing their skills in a range of computer-based drawing and editing. Students have the opportunity to submit work for competitions as well as create posters/designs for College events.
Extra-curricular programs aim to challenge and extend students with a keen interest in a specific learning area of The Arts:
- Drama production or musicals;
- Butler College Media Academy – students advance their media skills, showcasing work in College 'in-house' news bulletins produced in our fully-equipped state-of-the-art TV Studio.
- Music Performances - Ensembles (percussion/band), recording studio sessions and concert band. We also play regularly at cafe's, shopping centres and festivals.
- Butler College Dance Academy