Performing Arts – Music & Drama

The Performing Arts curriculum at MGPS aims to provide students with a comprehensive experience in music, drama, dance, and circus arts. Through these disciplines, students not only develop artistic skills but also cultivate confidence, teamwork, and creativity that are valuable across all areas of their education and personal growth. Students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and develop attributes that contribute to success across all areas of the curriculum. We look forward to a year filled with exciting performances and opportunities for our students to shine on stage and beyond.

Years Prep, 1 and 2 
Throughout the year, our junior students are introduced to basic music elements: pitch, tempo, beat through the exploration of simple percussion instruments, rhythmic activities and basic singing exercises.
They are introduced to storytelling through play and imagination, basic drama games, role play and exercises that develop confidence and creativity.
Movement and basic rhythm is explored through different dance styles through storytelling, simple choreography and group dances.

Years 3 and 4 
Our middle school students further their exploration of music elements throughout the year. They develop their understanding of tonal music through an introduction to recorder and ukelele playing and basic music notation. This basic understanding of musical theory is enhanced by group singing and ensemble activities.
Skills in drama are developed as they are introduced to script reading and character development. An understanding of performance is extended as they learn about stage directions and blocking.
Performance confidence is also developed through group improvisation exercises, dance technique and body awareness as they are introduced to choreographic principles and composition, whilst exploring cultural and historical dance forms.

Years 5 and 6 
Our senior students extend their understanding of the Performing Arts by learning how to combine the many elements associated with performance with opportunities for solo and group performances.
They further develop their skills in script reading, character development, stage directions and scene work as they are introduced to different theatrical styles and genres. There is a strong thread of teamwork to partake in group improvisation exercises, scriptwriting and directing short performances.
Dance, music and drama are integrated in the senior classroom for comprehensive performances. Students are taught advanced dance techniques and performance skill with opportunities for solo and group choreography projects.
They undertake an advanced exploration of music elements, including basic music composition and arrangement as they are introduced to playing the ukulele and bucket drums.

Circus Skills – All Year Levels
All year levels explore circus equipment and techniques, developing balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. They create simple circus performances incorporating music, drama, and dance elements.

Key Events
We hold three major performances at the Ulumbarra Theatre showcasing singing, dancing, and theatrical performances.
The MGPS choir performs at various events including the Easter Hat Parade, the Maiden Gully Autumn Festival and whole school assemblies.