Ripley Valley State Secondary College
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18 Parkway Ave
Ripley QLD 4306
Subscribe: https://ripleyvalleyssc.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email: principal@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au
Phone: 3819 5333

Performing Arts

Performing Arts Off to a Flying Start!

We’re already halfway through Term 1, and our Performing Arts programs are in full swing! From dynamic dance classes to inspiring drama workshops and energetic music rehearsals, our students have hit the ground running with enthusiasm and creativity.

Dance

Dance Academy

We are thrilled to welcome another new cohort to our Dance Academy! This year is particularly exciting as, for the first time ever, we have three classes—marking a new milestone in our program's growth. Our Year 8 and 9 students are diving straight into practical learning, exploring both jazz and lyrical styles as they refine their technique and performance skills. Meanwhile, our dedicated Year 7 dancers are laying the foundation for success by focusing on key theoretical knowledge, with their first exam taking place this week. We can’t wait to see the passion, creativity, and hard work each student brings to the stage this year. Welcome to an incredible year of dance!

 

7 Dance

Year 7 dance students started the year with a delicious approach to learning. They developed descriptive skills for their upcoming dance exam, using a selection of colourful, fragrant, and textured lollies. They practiced detailing sensory experiences—exploring not just sight and smell but also taste and texture. This engaging activity helped them develop vivid descriptions, a skill they’ll apply when analysing dance elements in their exam. Students embraced the task with enthusiasm and learning has never been so sweet, proving that a little creativity (and sugar) goes a long way!

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Certificate II Dance

Our Certificate II in Dance is well underway! Students are finishing up their first project where they learnt about the human muscular and skeletal system, basic dance techniques and how to develop physical fitness. They are now dipping into Project 2 beginning with their Jazz Performance.

 

Year 12 Dance

Year 12 students have been working diligently on perfecting their technical and expressive skills for their first internal assessment for 2025. Students dove into the world of contemporary dance, communicating the social issue of homelessness and the fluid nature of social status. It emphasises the impermanence of one's socio-economic position and encourages empathy and awareness. This dance involves a high level of complex movements with a fast-paced tempo that students must sustain from beginning to end. Partnering sections have seen the dancers work as team to problem solve spacing, formations and lifting work. The students are very excited… and a little nervous… to be presenting their task for submission this week.

 

Drama

 

8 Drama

Year 8 Drama is off to an exciting start as students explore the elements of drama, laying the foundation for a year of creativity and performance. To deepen their understanding, they are diving into Indigenous theatre, learning how storytelling, culture, and tradition shape powerful performances.

Students are currently reading Honey Spot, a play that highlights friendship, cultural connections, and environmental themes. Through this, they are developing their skills in character interpretation, voice work, and movement.

Soon, they will begin learning lines and rehearsing for their first performance assessment, where they will bring the play to life on stage. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and build confidence in front of an audience.

With a strong start to the year, Year 8 Drama is set for an engaging and inspiring journey ahead!

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10 Drama

Year 10 Drama has had an exciting start to the year, exploring realism, cinematic techniques, and youth theatre. Through practical workshops and scene work, students have been developing their skills in authentic performance, staging, and storytelling.

They have now begun reading Blurred, a play that captures the experiences of young Australians during Schoolies. This text will serve as the foundation for their first performance assessment, where they will bring its characters and themes to life on stage.

With a strong focus on realistic acting and dynamic staging, Year 10 is set for a fantastic term ahead!

 

Music

 

7 Music

Grade 7 music students have started the year by exploring the fundamentals of popular music, learning what defines a genre and how to analyse songs with musical terminology. As they listen and discuss, they are developing the skills to justify their musical preferences using evidence-based analysis, helping them build a deeper appreciation for different styles and artists. This critical thinking approach not only enhances their musical understanding but also strengthens their ability to articulate opinions confidently.

In addition to theory, students are getting hands-on with guitar, focusing on effective practice techniques, ensemble playing, and collaborative learning. Playing together in a group setting teaches them teamwork, rhythm, and the importance of supporting their peers. They are also beginning to sing in class, working on feeling comfortable with their own voice and building confidence in performance. With a mix of practical and analytical skills, Grade 7 music is setting the stage for a fun and engaging semester.

 

12 Music

The Grade 11 music program is in full swing, with students preparing for their first assessments—FIA1 for ATAR and 1.1 for In Practice. ATAR students are diving into the communicative power of music, exploring how emotions and ideas can be expressed through performance. As part of their studies, they have identified three key approaches to cover versions: imitative, which closely mirrors the original; interpretive, which adds a personal touch; and innovative, which transforms the piece into something entirely new. Through these concepts, students are developing their own unique performance styles while gaining a deeper appreciation for musical expression.

Meanwhile, In Practice students are reconnecting with the fundamentals of learning an instrument within the RVSSC community. They are compiling a learning portfolio featuring beginner-friendly songs, tutorials, and useful tips to support new musicians. This project goes beyond individual growth—it’s designed to foster mentorship between senior and junior students, creating a supportive learning environment where knowledge and passion for music can be shared. With both ATAR and In Practice students making great strides, it’s shaping up to be an exciting and enriching year for the music program!

 

Instrumental Music

Instrumental music is in full swing this term, with students beginning their lessons and rehearsals. The start of the year is a crucial time for developing fundamental skills, setting strong foundations, and establishing high expectations for the months ahead. Whether students are picking up their instruments for the first time or continuing their musical journey, this early stage is key to building confidence and technique for future performances.

At the moment, the program is facing a temporary staffing shortage, with Mr. Ezzy working hard to cover all lessons and rehearsals. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this time as we do our best to ensure all students receive the support they need. Despite this challenge, the enthusiasm and dedication of our young musicians remain high, promising an exciting and rewarding year ahead in instrumental music!

 

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Certificate III Community Dance, Theatre, and Events

The Certificate III Community Dance, Theatre, and Events class has successfully completed their annual headshot photoshoot assessment! This important task helps students update their personal performance portfolios, preparing them as entrepreneurs in the creative industries.

Professional headshots are essential for performers, showcasing their unique presence and personality. Through this assessment, students gained valuable experience in presentation, branding, and industry readiness.

We’re excited to share a sneak peek at their gorgeous photos, capturing their talent and individuality. Stay tuned for more as they continue their journey in the arts!

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Extra Curricular

 

Legally Blonde Musical Cast Announced – Rehearsals Begin!

We are thrilled to announce that our school’s production of Legally Blonde: The Musical has been officially cast, and rehearsals kick off this week! After an incredible audition process filled with talent, energy, and enthusiasm, our cast and creative team are ready to bring this vibrant and uplifting show to life.

 

Mark your calendars and save the date for our performances on October 17th and 18th, 2025, at the Performing Arts Centre. It promises to be a spectacular night of music, dance, and high-energy storytelling that you won’t want to miss!

Stay tuned for more updates as our journey to the stage begins. We can’t wait to share this production with you!

 

Dance Squad

We are beyond excited to welcome our Dance Squad for 2025! This year, the level of talent was so incredible that we simply couldn’t resist assembling our biggest team yet.

Watching these students grow and evolve over the years has been truly remarkable, and we’re thrilled to see them take on new challenges with such enthusiasm. Despite the larger team, their dedication, teamwork, and passion for dance have never been stronger.

With fresh routines and an unstoppable energy, we can’t wait to hit the stage and showcase what this amazing squad can do.

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Drama Troupe

Auditions are over, and we’re excited to announce our biggest Drama Troupe yet! With so much talent this year, selecting the team was tougher than ever.

Rehearsals are in full swing as we focus on acting skills, character work, and stage presence in preparation for our highly anticipated annual Drama Night. Expect a mix of classic, contemporary, and student-devised performances that showcase our troupe’s dedication and growth.

Stay tuned for more details—this year’s Drama Night will be one to remember! Congratulations to our 2025 Drama Troupe! 

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Vocal Ensemble

Auditions for the 2025 Vocal Ensemble are complete, and we are excited to welcome our largest team ever! The incredible talent and enthusiasm shown during auditions made this year’s selections tougher than ever.

With rehearsals now underway, we are focusing on vocal technique, harmonisation, and performance skills to prepare for what will be our busiest performance schedule yet. From school events to community showcases and competitions, our ensemble will have plenty of opportunities to share their voices with audiences.

We can’t wait to see what this talented group achieves—stay tuned for an amazing year of choral music!

 

Shave for a cure

In 2023, our incredible school community raised $10,700 for Shave for a Cure—this year, we’re aiming even higher! With our biggest-ever group of students participating, many are fundraising individually and as part of the school team to support families impacted by blood cancer. ?✨

Charity work is more than just fundraising—it helps shape who we are. It builds a sense of community, compassion, and character, proving that personal growth is just as important as academics. Let’s rally together and make a difference!

https://www.worldsgreatestshave.com/fundraisers/rvssc

 

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Jessica Starkey

Head of Department - Performing Arts - Year 8E - 8H

jxsta12@eq.edu.au