The Speech and Drama program is an extracurricular activity available for students from Years 4 to 12. Speech
and Drama focuses on developing excellent communication and acting skills. Clear, audible and articulate communication is necessary in all areas of life. Speech and Drama is not only for students who enjoy performing, but also for students who would like to develop greater confidence in their communication when presenting to an audience.
Acting skills
Tuition in acting focuses on the vocal and physical expressive techniques for performance, including: acting, mime, movement, characterisation, staging, improvisation and engagement with a range of dramatic literature.
Public speaking and communication skills
Tuition for public speaking and communication skills focuses on developing an understanding of analytical and critical concepts, including techniques such as persuasion, negotiation, summarising and the communication of ideas and options. Students learn how to manipulate their verbal and non-verbal skills in accordance with a variety of different contexts.
Speech and Drama Coaches
Individual and/or small group lessons will be administered by the Performing Arts Department, and tuition will be
conducted by Mrs Meredith Martin (BA BPPM Hon. MA Dip. SD.) Meredith has worked as a Speech and Drama Coach at various private schools. She has adjudicated eisteddfods and festivals and performed with community theatre groups. For more information, please email [email protected]
Reports and Examinations
Each student will receive a written report at the end of each semester. External assessment is available to students wishing to enter examinations conducted by the AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board).
Students from Grade 6 and above enrolled in a group lesson undertake an AMEB group examination. A group performance prepared for the exam is also performed at the Spring Showcase. This forms the main focus for Semester 2. Parents of students enrolled in an individual lesson will be notified about the suitability of such an examination, or parents may contact the coach to discuss this option.
Undertaking such an examination requires a clear agreement between the parent, the coach and the student. A student can only be registered for examinations at the discretion of the coach. The coach, in consultation with the student, will organise rehearsal times for the examination. In order for a student to be enrolled in an AMEB examination, parents must sign an Examination Permission Slip, which clearly outlines the cost for the examination. This form will be provided to you via the coach; without this signed agreement enrolment cannot occur.
If students do not wish to sit an examination, they are able to sit an internal assessment. This assessment will be conducted at the discretion of the coach, in consultation with the parents and students. Examinations take place in May/June and October/November.
Speech & Drama Tuition Fees
Fees are outlined in the table below and are based on 32 lessons per year (16 per semester).
| Per Semester | Per Annum | |
|---|---|---|
| Shared (35 minutes) | $668 each | $1,336 each |
| Individual (40 minutes) | $1,492 | $2,984 |
Fees will be charged to your College account and are subject to an annual review.
Examination fees range from $80- $209 (Grades) and $130- $188 (Certificates), approximately.
Change of Lesson Times
Lessons will not be made up if a student:
- misses her lesson through forgetfulness
- misses her lesson through illness/absence or an appointment during school hours
- misses her lesson through an un-notified excursion/incursion or test (unless notification has been given to the teacher at least one week prior to the excursion/incursion or test)
- misses her lesson through involvement with a co-curricular sporting activity (e.g. GSV, athletics, etc.)
- misses her lesson due to family/private holidays that are taken during the term, of any length of time.
An email will be sent home outlining the date and time of the missed lesson. Please note that the cost for the missed lessons will not be refunded.
Lessons will be made up if a student:
- public holidays or student free days occur during the term on the day of the lesson
- the coach is absent on the day of the lesson
- the coach was notified in advance (one week) of an excursion/incursion or test (change of lesson time for this reason will occur)
- the student has been ill for a prolonged time (in consultation with the Curriculum Leader: Performing Arts).
If a student is absent from school on the day of her lesson, parents are requested to email the Speech and Drama Coach to alert the teacher of your child’s absence.
Lessons Location
The Speech and Drama lessons will be undertaken in the Wardell Building. W202 on level 2. Mrs Meredith Martin will be providing the lessons for both individual and shared tuition sessions for all year levels.