All secondary students at St Anthony of Padua Catholic College Austral have many opportunities to study and perform in dance, music and visual arts through our outstanding Catholic Schools Performing Arts Program (CaSPA). We also offer the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

Visual Arts Art Exhibition

The Creative Arts Faculty holds an annual Art Exhibition in the School Hall which showcases the work from students in Year 7 through to Year 12. As part of this exhibition, students are provided with the opportunity to help organise this event. This involves the designing of invitations and promotional material, as well as the selection and arrangement of work. Selected students from Year 9 are involved in the coordination of this exhibition.

An overnight camp at the Arthur and Yvonne Boyd Education Centre at Bundanoon on the Shoalhaven River will be offered to Year 10 and 11 students. This involves a variety of activities including visiting the Boyd’s Studio and Homestead and visiting artists in residence at that time.

Students present a showcase of dramatic talent within the school. All elective students in Years 9–12 and the Junior Ensemble perform an evening performance.

This is designed to be a small group of enthusiastic boys and girls in Years 7 and 8 who meet before school to experience Drama.

Our music program will employ a number of professional musicians as directors of the many music ensembles. Ensemble fees are in addition to the general school fee contributions and are important to cover the cost of external directors, purchasing and maintenance of instruments and equipment such as music stands, transport to venues and entry fees.

Our Concert Band will perform at school functions and community events. They will enter eisteddfods and band competitions. Open to any student who plays an instrument (other than strings) may join. Students are expected to have lessons with an instrumental tutor.

The Stage Band will also perform at school concerts and community events. Students are encouraged to also belong to the Concert Band.

The String Ensemble will also perform at school concerts and community events. Students who play the violin, viola, cello and double bass are welcome.

The Guitar Ensembles will also perform at school concerts and community events. Students are expected to have individual tuition, as well as school practice.

Choir Performances are both in and out of school. Students from all years may join. Within this group will be the Junior Vocal Ensemble which will open to Year 7 students and provides a stimulating and fun environment to sing together. All Year 7 students will perform at the annual Evening of Music

This annual concert will feature all the main ensembles throughout the year. Students do not have to do elective music to be involved. The night offers a wide variety in musical style and showcases the musical talents within our school.

Each year the college will present an annual production which will either be a musical or a dramatic production.

CaSPA promotes and develops student and teacher learning and collaboration through performance, workshop and mentoring opportunities. Our students will be eligible to audition for various programs CaSPA offers.

Students debate against other schools in the MISA Debating Competition with teams for each year level.

Students will compete in the Catholic Schools Debating Association competition which offers a competition for catholic schools across greater Sydney during Term 1.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award aims to develop skills as a leader and active citizen while empowering students to explore their potential. This is achieved through a series of challenges extending the mind, body and community spirit. It is best achieved through a balanced and engaging series of goals.

The program is divided into three stages: Gold, Silver and Bronze each with its own level of commitment. During the program, at all levels, participants must complete four fields of activity.

1. Physical Recreation: Improving your physical fitness and wellbeing.
2. Service: Connecting you with your community as an active citizen giving service.
3. Skill: Develop your talents and broaden your abilities in a chosen area.
4. Adventurous Journey: Students undertake their expedition in a bush environment. developing their skills in bushcraft, teamwork and time management.

This is organised as part of the school’s program. Each stage of the award has progressing levels of commitment to each field. Students generally enter at the Bronze level in Year 9 and and achieve the Gold level in Year 11.

St Anthony of Padua Catholic College Austral student using painting equipment