Senior Creative Arts Excursion to Sydney:  A Visual Feast for our Year 11 & 12 Students 

Last week, our Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts students embarked on an inspiring excursion to Sydney, immersing themselves in the vibrant world of contemporary art.  The trip included both self-guided and venue tours at three of Sydney's premier art institutions:  the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the SH Ervin Gallery. 

At the Art Gallery of NSW, students marvelled at a diverse range of artworks, from last year’s HSC Bodies of Work to cutting-edge contemporary installations of Cao Fei.  The Museum of Contemporary Art offered a dynamic experience, with students engaging deeply with the various thought-provoking exhibitions of work by Julie Mehretu, Isaac Julien and Julie Rrap, that challenged their perceptions, sparked lively discussions and demonstrated a variety of artmaking techniques. 

The SH Ervin Gallery provided a more intimate setting, where students could closely examine the current exhibition of work by Australian artist, Peter Godwin.  Students appreciated the nuances of each piece and learnt how the past influences artists work in the present.  This intimate experience allowed students to connect theory with practice, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of visual arts and artmaking contemporary practice. 

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff who made this excursion possible, Mrs Lyndall Laurie, Mrs Marion Johnson and Mr Jeremy Hobbes.  Their hard work and enthusiasm ensured a smooth and enriching experience for all involved.  Overall, the excursion was a resounding success, leaving students inspired and eager to apply their newfound insights to their own creative projects.  It was a memorable three days of artistic exploration and learning, highlighting the importance of experiencing art firsthand. 

Mrs Rebecca Huett
Creative Arts Leader of Learning 

Curtains Up:  Senior Creative Arts Excursion Inspires St Clare’s Year 12 Drama Students 

The annual Creative and Performing Arts excursion held at the beginning of Term One was an enriching opportunity for senior Drama students.  The first day involved viewing two different programs of OnSTAGE which showcases the best of the HSC Drama performances and projects from 2024.  The exposure to outstanding Drama performances highlights the high standard in performance and what is required to achieve at the highest level.  This opportunity allowed students to reflect on the qualities of these performances, inspiring students to aspire to the highest level in their own performance and devising work in Term Two.  As well as the inventiveness and skill demonstrated in each project and performance, students were also encouraged to consider the sophisticated ideas explored in each work.  Themes ranged from the Emu Wars to the plight of the homeless and the space race between the USA and the USSR.  Moreover, theatrical styles included mime, clowning and physical, highlighting the range of approaches to making theatre. 

The following day, Drama students were given a tour of the Sydney Theatre Company an iconic theatre venue located on Sydney Harbour.  The Sydney Theatre Company was formed in December 1978 when then Premier, the Hon Neville Wran, established funding for the establishment of a state theatre company.  Originally a wharf for storing and shipping Australian wool, the building was converted into a theatre with the capacity to for costume making and set and props building for productions.  The repurposed building on Sydney Harbour is a wonderful setting for a world class Australian theatre company that has toured intentionally.  As we toured the building, students witnessed the work of set and prop builders and costume makers demonstrating the range of skills involved in creating theatre. 

The highlight of the excursion involved viewing of a staged adaptation of Emily Bronte's classic novel, Wuthering Heights, an international production directed and adapted by Emma Rice for the Old Bristol Theatre.  A multimedia production combining puppetry, live music, visual projections and physical theatre, we all came away gobsmacked by the brilliance of this production, hopefully inspiring students to read the novel on which the productions is based.  Staged at the Roslyn Packer Theatre in the theatre district of Walsh Bay, both Visual Art and Drama students were treated to an unforgettable performance. 

Thank you to all parents and guardians for allowing your children to participate in this wonderful annual event.  Students were delightful representatives of the St Clare's community. 

Mrs Marion Johnson
Drama/English Teacher

Bravissimo Excursion

ASPIRE