Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School

Ethos

Mission

The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School provides a nationally and internationally recognised specialist program for the training of talented young dancers and musicians. Integral to this program is the provision of a high quality academic education that is also offered to other elite training organisations. Within our school community, students will be encouraged to develop a passion for learning and a sense of respect for themselves and others.

The school is committed to providing a safe and nurturing learning environment that recognises and caters for the different academic, artistic, cultural, health and pastoral needs of students.

The school is also committed to providing state of the art facilities and resources designed to meet its specific responsibilities as a significant institution for the education and training of young dancers and musicians.

Vision

The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School aspires to be one of the finest schools for talented young dancers and musicians internationally, through the provision of innovative, creative and excellent programs. Students from the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School will be resilient, self confident, creative, passionate and compassionate individuals, who will have developed beyond their expectations. They will be significant contributors to the artistic and cultural life of Australia, as well as at an international level.

Guiding principles

The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School identifies the potential of young musicians and dancers seeking entry to the school into years 7 - 12 through an audition process. These auditions are open to all students, including those from regional Victoria, interstate and overseas. For entry into performance careers, the serious study of music or dance requires:

  • a thorough technical training which begins at an early age
  • daily classes and many hours of practice
  • the nurturing of creativity
  • specialist teaching by highly skilled and experienced dance and music teachers, with Masterclasses by visiting national and international artists
  • high quality performance opportunities
  • provision of appropriate facilities and resources

Of equal importance to the development of the individual is:

  • the provision of a high quality comprehensive education suitable for young artists, which comprises a core curriculum covering the Key Learning Areas
  • a well planned program focussing on individual student needs, delivered using diverse teaching strategies
  • a safe and purposeful school environment
  • the active promotion of cooperative and supportive relationships between all members of the school community

As a school of educational leadership we will also:

  • provide our academic program to other elite specialist training institutions
  • provide appropriate access to the school's facilities to the educational and arts participate in wider community activities