School for Performing & Visual Arts in Western Australia

John Curtin College of the Arts, Fremantle:
As Western Australia’s only selective Arts school, John Curtin College of the Arts, located in Fremantle is the premier college for gifted arts students. Our suite of Arts programs and an Arts-infused curriculum extend students’ creative talents and enhance their academic education. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, specialist teachers and links to tertiary and industry bodies. They participate in classes with other gifted students who share their passion and desire to excel. Rich in the history of Fremantle and the Arts, we have been offering programs for gifted and talented dance and drama students since 1973. We now offer seven Arts programs: Artsmedia, Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Drama, Music, Music Theatre and Visual Arts. The opportunity to participate in these elite programs is only given to the most gifted and talented arts students in Western Australia. An innovative, stimulating and rewarding education and supportive learning environment awaits your child.

There are exciting opportunities for your child to be part of our unique learning environment.

Students enjoy learning through active engagement in the Arts. They are involved in many exhibitions and performances to enhance their creativity, innovation, imagination, problem solving, collaboration and open expression of ideas.

Students enjoy a safe, caring and supportive environment responsive to their particular abilities and learning style. They are challenged and stimulated to reach their potential and pursue their dreams through our commitment to learning for life.

Teaching
Our students are taught by expert teachers who have been chosen specifically for their specialist knowledge, experience and dedication to teaching gifted young people.

Many of our teachers are also gifted performers. They are well connected to industry and can access arts industry based professionals, such as tutors and artists in residence, to support student learning.

Partnerships
Students benefit from our partnerships with industry and tertiary institutions. This allows them to gain first-hand experience and knowledge of the Arts industry.

We have firm links with the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), a tertiary institution many arts students aspire to attend. This partnership allows us to liaise directly with WAAPA and ensures our programs give students an increased chance of success when auditioning.

Your child has the opportunity to participate in performances, exhibitions, concerts and other extra curricular activities, working closely with industry professional artists, technicians, directors, choreographers, musicians and composers.

Art exhibitions
Students are given the opportunity to exhibit their work at the college throughout the year. They may also showcase their work in external exhibitions including the Young Originals Exhibition, Year 12 Perspectives and Cathedral Art Awards, allowing them to exhibit their work in professional settings.

Masterclass
Exceptional ballet and dance students can attend elite masterclasses with experienced, professional artists working in the industry. Students with vocational aspirations learn in an intense and focused environment that reflects the requirements and demands of the industry.

Music ensembles
Our unique music program provides students with the opportunity to participate in at least one of the college’s choral or instrumental ensembles. These include string, classical guitar, contemporary guitar, percussion, vocal, concert band and jazz band.

The Boys’ Project
This highly successful and popular program for male students gives them the opportunity to work within the Arts across a range of mediums including improvisation and comedy.

The Project Company
A small, select group of ballet and dance students with vocational aspirations can take part in this company to help them prepare for tertiary studies and the profession. Students selected for the company perform with professional artists working in industry.

Tours
There are opportunities for students to participate in interstate and international festivals.

An outstanding and balanced academic program is offered for your child from Year 8 to Year 12.

Students begin their secondary education studying core academic subjects in Years 8 to 10 including English, Society and Environment, maths, science, technology and languages other than English.

Students planning to study at university or TAFE can choose from a wide range of Tertiary Entrance Examination and Wholly School Assessed subjects in Years 11 and 12. Our students consistently achieve at the highest level in the Tertiary Entrance.

Many of our graduates have completed tertiary studies in medicine, law, engineering and science, as well as the Arts.

Students interested in courses to help them into the workforce can undertake full certificate courses in vocational education and training in Dance, Live Production, Theatre and Events, and a number of Units of Competency in Hospitality and Work Studies.

The college is a Registered Training Organisation so we provide nationally accredited certification in the vocational arts areas.

Students also have access to school based traineeships to improve their career and employment opportunities.

We value the importance of academic outcomes in all learning areas for students from Year 8 to Year 12 and expertise in the college exists to make the learning environment safe and supportive to help them achieve at the highest possible level.

Academic Excellence Program
For highly able students, we offer specialised academic courses in the humanities, mathematics and science as part of our Academic Excellence Program.

Arts students can participate in this program at the same time as their Arts course. Participation is based on results of the selective entrance test taken by all young people applying for Gifted and Talented Education programs in WA public schools.

Students living in the ‘local intake area’ for the school and those who are accepted into the Soccer Excellence Program can apply for the Academic Excellence Program by sitting the college’s academic testing examination.

Fitness, health and wellbeing enhance your child’s potential to achieve their best.

Health and fitness
Regular health and physical education activities are part of the college curriculum. They are designed to improve students’ skill levels, interpersonal abilities and general wellbeing, which also contributes to their academic performance and overall happiness.

All students have opportunities to access a full suite of sporting activities including athletics, swimming and team sports.

In Years 8, 9 and 10 students participate in Health Education, learning how to ensure good health both now and in the future.

Soccer Excellence Program
Established in 1990, this is WA’s leading soccer program in secondary schools. The program helps students develop skills, attitudes and knowledge to enable them to compete successfully in soccer at the highest level.

Many of our graduates have played in professional teams internationally, as well as in State and national teams.

Entry to the Soccer Excellence Program is through selection trials, interviews and school reports, and is available for students from Year 8 to Year 12.

Student Support Services
Our supportive team in student services helps students achieve the best possible learning outcomes while at the college.

Our college chaplain and career counsellor, as well as year coordinators and student service managers provide students with academic support and monitoring, course and career advice and mentoring.

Our college psychologist and nurse offer counselling, and health and wellbeing advice.

Our Propel Program helps students with any learning difficulties that may prevent them from achieving their potential.

Entry to Gifted and Talented Arts programs
As Western Australia’s only Selective Arts College, entry to the school is through a selection process that is coordinated centrally by the Gifted and Talented branch of the Department of Education and Training. Students apply in Year 6 for Year 8 entry to the college and applications for all GAT programs are made directly to GAT not the school. A small number of places for all programs may become available in Years 9 to 12.

Applications for the Soccer Excellence Program are directly to the college in Term 1 of Year 7.

Families living in the local catchment areas of East Fremantle Primary School, Richmond Primary School and North Fremantle Primary School can enrol their children as local intake students.

Country students
For students from country WA, two residential colleges provide boarding services for Gifted and Talented Education students. City Beach Residential College offers priority placement for students at John Curtin College of the Arts.

Scholarships and allowances
Arts Excellence Scholarships are awarded to selected Year 8 students in the Gifted and Talented Education programs in Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts.

Arts Equity Scholarships are available for selected students whose further education may be restricted due to financial need.