We believe that all students should have opportunities to be creative and enjoy learning new skills with like-minded peers.
We believe that all students should have opportunities to be creative and enjoy learning new skills with like-minded peers.
Ravenswood students across all year groups can benefit from an extensive and dynamic Performing Arts curricular and co-curricular program, encompassing Music, Drama, Dance, Speech and Technical Theatre.
Ravenswood also provides diverse and enriching opportunities for students to showcase their skills and talent, including at lunchtime concerts, eisteddfods, Music showcases, Drama productions, carnivals and Presentation Day ceremonies.
Dance
Dance at Ravenswood encourages students to be creative risk-takers – to try new things while developing a wide range of dance skills and techniques.
Ravenswood Dance is proud to offer classes for every dancer from Prep to Year 12, including Jazz, Contemporary and Lyrical, Ballet Technique, RAD Ballet exams, Strength and Conditioning, Acro Dance, International Dance Technique and Hip Hop.
Our three-tier program ensures all dancers can find the right class – from recreational dance classes to elite dance companies.
These classes are designed for either beginner dancers or dancers seeking to learn new skills. Students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone in a fun environment.
These classes are designed for dancers who are consistently working to develop their skills and are interested in pushing themselves to the next level. Students in Tier 2 classes must participate in technique classes before enrolments are confirmed. From Year 3 onwards, classes are divided into levels to ensure dancers are placed in appropriate classes. Students move between classes at the dance teacher’s discretion.
Dance Companies give dancers with high-level skills, technique and flexibility an avenue to perform at a wide variety of events and showcases. The Years 3 to 12 Dance Companies are audition-only groups requiring significant commitment. All rehearsals and performances are compulsory and dancers complete a commitment form to accept their position in a company.
Drama
Co-curricular Drama offers unique opportunities for students to creatively explore themselves, their contexts and their communities. Drama promotes active engagement with the stories of others, and encourages empathy and understanding.
At Ravenswood, students delve into the vibrant world of performance through the Drama Club and Theatresports®.
Drama Club in Years 7 to 8 fosters creativity and expression in a supportive environment, focusing on improvisation, scene work and collaboration. Theatresports® for Years 9 to 10 offers an exhilarating challenge: students sharpen their skills and confidence through spontaneous storytelling on stage. Both clubs meet weekly after school, nurturing friendships and teamwork.
Alongside these clubs, Ravenswood hosts a variety of annual productions, providing platforms for students to showcase their talents. From the energetic Senior School Musical to the captivating Year 9 to 12 Drama Productions, the stage is set for our students to shine.
Speech
Speech offers Senior School students opportunities to develop effective public speaking skills for their future tertiary education, and for their personal and social lives.
Speech helps develop confident and self-assured communicators, with modes ranging from improvisation to formal persuasive speaking.
Our co-curricular Speech program, Speak Up and Speak Out, supports students to develop their voice and manner of speaking through prepared and impromptu speaking, news-reading and discussion and social speeches.
A variety of activities – including pleading a case, or preparing and delivering book reviews, information reports or entertaining speeches – allow students to build further confidence in their speaking skills. Students may also prepare for public speaking competitions such as Rostrum Voice of Youth, eisteddfods, IGSA competitions and Performance Showcases.
Music
Senior School students of all abilities can take part in a range of bands and ensembles, such as the Burrows Band, Morrison Band and Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
Bands help students learn new skills, encourage practice and help to develop confidence in playing with other musicians. Being a band member also gives students the opportunity to socialise with like-minded peers across different year groups.
Bands perform at events such as assemblies, lunchtime concerts and the Music Showcase. Students sit a placement audition to be assigned to an appropriate band or ensemble.
The Symphony Orchestra allows students to hone their skills, gives them confidence to play with other musicians and provides valuable performance experience. It also gives students the opportunity to socialise with like-minded peers across different year groups.
The Symphony Orchestra is for advanced students in Kindergarten to Year 12 who are proficient in their instrument. Entry is at the discretion of the Performing Arts Department, and there are limited places for brass, woodwind and percussion.
Students work together as a large ensemble to improve their repertoire base and polish their performances for various high-profile school events, with rehearsals held once per week.
Ravenswood offers private music tuition before, during and after school.
Tuition is open to all students from Kindergarten to Year 12 and available for piano, strings, guitar, woodwind, brass, percussion, voice and musicianship (theory studies complementing and enriching practical studies).
The lesson timetable rotates to minimise disruption to curriculum subjects.
We have a selection of instruments for hire, dependent on availability. Students hiring an instrument are expected to participate in a band, string ensemble or the Orchestra.
Occasionally, Ravenswood offers private music tuition scholarships for less common instruments required for a band or the Orchestra. All interested applicants must have above-average musical knowledge and be willing to commit to an ensemble throughout their time at Ravenswood.
Students of all ages and abilities have several ways to take part in a string ensemble.
Participating in a string ensemble allows students to learn new skills, encourages practice and gives students the confidence to play with other musicians. Being part of a string ensemble also allows students to socialise with like-minded peers across different year groups.
Ensembles perform at events such as assemblies, lunchtime concerts and the Music Showcase. Students sit a placement audition to be assigned to an appropriate string ensemble.
Senior School students with a passion for singing can join the Vocal Ensembles, fostering skill development and confidence while connecting with peers from various year groups.
RAVO Voices, for students in Years 6 to 12, offers an inclusive environment for vocal exploration and performance. Weekly rehearsals before school cultivate vocal prowess and ensemble cohesion.
Middle and Senior Vocal Ensembles allow students in Years 7 to 9 and 10 to 12 respectively to delve into diverse repertoire and participate in performances at School and beyond. Students audition for places, and rehearse weekly before school.
Private music tuition in voice is available, offering personalised instruction in classical, contemporary, and musical theatre styles.
To apply for a Ravenswood Music Scholarship, visit the Scholarship Page.
For more information, view the Co-curricular Program booklet.