Dance

Our Co-curricular Dance program is renowned for its diversity, high quality and holistic approach to Dance in Education.

We offer many classes in different styles and levels to cater for a range of interests.

The ‘Onstage’ Stream offers classes in a variety of styles, such as Jazz, Lyrical and Contemporary, that develop skills in technique and performance, and work towards performing a routine at the annual Dance Showcase.

The ‘Sidestage’ Stream offers classes that help further improve student’s technique and develop the dancer for the stage.

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet Stream offers classes in the RAD syllabus. Students have the opportunity to complete a Class Award or an Examination.

The ‘Eisteddfod’ Stream includes selective groups of talented and promising dancers who wish to excel, be challenged, and be a part of a dedicated Dance team.

Entrance into a group is by audition only.

Dance classes offered:

  • Contemporary
  • Hip Hop
  • Jazz
  • Jazz Cheer
  • Lyrical
  • Tap
  • Technique
  • Digital Dance Group
  • Ballet

Co-curricular dance

Students from all year groups are able to enjoy a variety of styles of Dance including Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop and musical theatre.

All Co-curricular dancers perform in the annual Dance Showcase in the Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts. 

Drama

Students at Pymble can participate in a variety of Co-curricular Drama options.

During these classes, students can hone their stagecraft and dramatic performance skills in Festival Teams develop their improvisation skills in Theatresports, or learn cinematography, visual special effects and film direction in filmmaking classes.

Many classes provide students with the opportunity to participate in inter-school competitions throughout the year to perform what they have learnt during their classes.

In Term 4, all Co-curricular Drama students participate in either the On Camera Film Festival or the Centre Stage Drama Festival to showcase their year’s work to their fellow students, family and friends.

Language Arts

The Co-curricular Language Arts Program provides students with the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs, including Debating, Public Speaking, Mock Law and UN Advocacy.

Small group tuition in Speech and Drama is offered from Kindergarten to Year 12. Secondary students participate in invitational Debating competitions such as ISDA, Archdale, FED and International Debating Championships as well as Social Debating.

Public Speaking classes are offered in both Junior and Secondary Schools and again students have the opportunity to enter several prestigious regional, national and international competitions. Mediation, Mock Trial and Mooting, as well as advocacy and diplomacy activities in MUNA and Pymble United Nations are all part of the broad Language Arts Program in the Secondary School.

The Junior School students may also participate in Debating competitions and social Debating classes.

Music

Pymble has a long tradition of excellence in music and offers an array of bands, choirs, orchestras and ensembles for students to join, as well as private music tuition.

Music Tuition

At Pymble we are fortunate to have more than 40 highly qualified specialist music teachers and performers who provide private instrumental and voice lessons.

Girls in the K-2 may learn piano, violin, viola or cello only and from Year 3 upwards tuition is available in all instruments. Group musicianship lessons are also available.

Students are also encouraged to present for the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB), Trinity College or ABRSM examinations. Pymble consistently rates in the top five schools in the state by the AMEB for outstanding results.

Scholarships

The College offers full Academic Music Performance Scholarships each year for students entering Year 7, as well as a number of one year private tuition scholarships in Senior and Junior categories, Piano, Pipe Organ and Double Bass to current Pymble students.

Pymble Musicians’ Program

A support, monitoring and mentoring program for the music scholars and other identified musically gifted students, studying and performing on their instrument at a very high level. Entry is by invitation or application.

Harpsichord Development Project

Following the acquisition of a magnificent double manual Ruckers-style Harpsichord in 2013, interested piano students are able to participate in intense study of harpsichord techniques and specialist repertoire to further enrich and expand their keyboard studies.

In addition, a small group of students are afforded the opportunity to form a small Baroque ensemble to explore playing techniques and styles of this period.

Overseas Music Tours

Overseas Music Performance tours are offered every two to three years, operating on a rotational basis between Strings and Choir or Bands.

All you need is love

During lockdown in 2021, the Music department had to find creative ways to engage our co-curricular musicians. Love was indeed the answer, as 150 students in the Secondary School across choirs, bands and orchestras embarked on a mission to record All You Need Is Love by The Beatles together despite being physically apart. With each student recording the song from their own home, the footage was then combined to create one beautiful rendition of the much-loved song.

The creativity continued when we returned to campus with the vision of a fun and energetic film to accompany the music. The film captures the spirit of the students and staff, and the energy they bring to all their endeavours – and their delight in being reunited!

Speech and Drama

Conducted in small groups, Speech and Drama lessons help to develop confident speaking skills and improve communication and performance skills.

AMEB examinations in Speech and Performance or Voice and Communication can be undertaken by students as part of the course and other performance opportunities are also offered.

VISUAL ARTS AND DESIGN 

Pymble students have extensive curricular and Co-curricular choices in the area of Visual Arts.

Classes include photography, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, painting, pottery and art appreciation.

Visual Arts tutors are practitioners with experience teaching students at all levels, from beginners through to those desiring to extend their skills, understanding and love of art.