2022 annual report

JOHN CURTIN COLLEGE OF THE ARTS

2022

2022 Academic Results Snapshot

Highest performing students in Year 12 ATAR

Courses featuring in 11 course categories!

JCCA students were among the highest performing students in the following 2022 ATAR courses:

e 2 Subject exhibition

e 2 Subject certificates of excellence

e 19 certificates of distinction

e 40 certificates of merit

e Total of 60 students awarded

e 3 students with 2 or more awards

HIGHEST median ATAR in recorded College history

90% of all Year 12 ATAR courses were above

e Median student ATAR of 85.43 well above public-schools average

e More than 63% students scored an ATAR result higher than 80

e 100% of students met the English WACE requirements

e 3 students in the 99 club

state average

e 85% of students achieved a Certificate II and higher

e 60 school curriculum and standards authority awards

e 61% of students enrolled in VET

e Highest ATAR 99.5

JOHN

CURTIN

COLLEGE

OF

THE

ARTS

Acknowledgement of Country

John Curtin College of the Arts lies on the traditional land of the Whadjuk Noongar people. We acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples formed the first sovereign nations of the continent with their law, customs and spiritual beliefs that have been in place for tens of thousands of years and that this sovereignty has never been ceded. We acknowledge First Nations Peoples as the Traditional Owners, Custodians and Lore Keepers of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

This artwork was created by the John Curtin College of the Arts First Nations student group, Maali Mia. The group fosters social connection between our Colleges’ First Nations peoples, creating a combined voice for change within the community. This work explores the various aspects of education and curriculum at our school within the context of the warm and inspiring land of Fremantle (Walyalup).

Although created on a digital medium, each line was drafted by hand so that the shapes within the piece would remain organic, similar to the land they represent. The overall shape of the work is based on the map of the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) which runs from Walyalup (Fremantle), where John Curtin College of the Arts lies, to Boorloo (Perth) and beyond. This waterway holds great significance for the Wadjak People of the Noongar Nation. Incorporating the shape of the Derbarl Yerrigan stemmed

from the idea of connecting Indigenous land and country, as our specialist programs attract students from all parts of the city and state. This shape is also representative of the Wagyl. The Wagyl is a snake or rainbow serpent recognised by First Nations people as the giver of life, maintaining all fresh water sources. It was the Wagyl that made Noongar people custodians of the land. Other shapes within the artwork represent subjects of study, the natural environment surrounding the College and the people within our community.

This piece was created with the guidance of Ashley Maroney, a JCCA Visual Arts Gifted and Talented (GAT) Program alumni and was finalised by 2021 Music Theatre GAT graduate Jules Thomas. Inspired by the work of students in the Maali Mia group, who came together to paint and draw their personal knowledge of their Country.

Our Year in Review

Stories capture a moment in time, they educate us, they help us grow and make sense of the world around us...

Message from the Principal

Stories capture a moment in time, they educate us, they help us grow and make sense of the world around us. Some stories aim to provoke an emotional response, for after all we are emotional beings and it is a big part of what makes us human.

I have had the privilege to be back at John Curtin and be a part of your stories in 2022.

We are all part of the JCCA story and we are players in the history of our College on the hill in Walyalup (Fremantle). 2022 was a good year, full of success for our students. Whether that success was demonstrated on the stage, on the oval, in our galleries, on screen, in our classrooms or in the yard, I guarantee if we counted all the successes, we would lose count, it would be overwhelming. It is amazing to consider the 65,000 plus years of history that precede us and what an honour that we are part of the story of education, of care, of connection, belonging, celebration and family that has occurred on and around our school from the world’s oldest and continuous culture.

The Whadjuk people have been telling stories for millennia, passing songlines that connect people. In fact, one of the oldest oral stories of humankind is about what you see from our College windows and grounds every day – Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) and how it was once connected to Walyalup. Over thousands of years the connection between the two places disappeared as the ocean rose but the story has stayed constant and is passed on by Elders till this day and for many more to come.

I have no doubt that this past year has been a difficult one; an unusual one and I have often heard people say they “will be glad to see the back of 2022”. However, this report is proof of the celebration and joy of what it is to be part of the John Curtin community, even whilst living through, schooling through, a global pandemic.

It’s surreal to think that in early 2022 you were probably getting phone calls from us to say that your child had been deemed a close contact and must immediately be picked up from school to isolate. Which meant your household went into lock down and... well you know the drill, as we lived through that story. I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for the support you have given our school, I have valued the many discussions I have had with you all.

Principal Travis Vladich

Message from the Board Chair

In what has been a rollercoaster year, it continues to be my privilege to serve the JCCA school community as board chair. On behalf of the board, we say the sincerest thank you to principal, Travis Vladich and the entire school staff who has weathered this COVID storm to ensure all of our students continued to receive an education that although, interrupted at times, saw our Gifted and Talented and Football programs continue to flourish. It seems a world away when we were watching performances with students in masks and then, no performances at all for a while. The return of students to the stage, sometimes with cast members suddenly absent due to COVID, saw staff and students move with agility and grace so the immortal phrase, “the show must go on!” became a part of the JCCA vernacular. The support the College has received from families and the local community shows just what we are capable of when times need us to be at our best. As a board, we have witnessed this year and know we have a school that can rise to any challenge, which is something of which we can all be extremely proud.

The College business plan came to fruition and this has been coupled with the launch of the new College website, which provides information not only to our school community but also acts as a prospectus to families who are looking to the College as a destination for their child. We welcomed new board members after an election at the start of the year and we have an excellent representation from families across school year groups and specialties who bring different perspectives to each meeting, ensuring we fulfil our governance role.

As always, it was my honour to attend the Year 12 graduation. To our graduates; you are to be congratulated for conducting yourselves with maturity and good humour in these past few years. Your principal and teachers report that as a year group, you have always looked out for one another and been kind. It was a privilege to see you walk across the stage at graduation and know you are ready for the world beyond JCCA. Mr Vladich’s graduation address highlighted the importance of storytelling – of creating your story as you go forward, always remembering that part of your story is that you are a student of John Curtin College of the Arts. We look forward to hearing your stories as you make your way in the world, and we wish you well as your future unfolds.

Going into 2023, we look forward to the new build that will see more classrooms available to continue the provision of outstanding education. As a board, we wish you a safe and happy holiday and look forward to what the new year brings

Board President

Cavelle Monck

Parents and Citizens (P&C) Presidents Report

The P&C remained focussed on developing a strategic impact framework which highlighted the following focus areas:

• Creating Community

• Learning and Inspiration

• Reconciliation

• Environmental Leadership

• Supporting the School

• Governance

This strategy framework will provide direction for the P&C and its engagement with parents and carers in 2023 and beyond.

2022 saw the improvement of parental communication engagement with the creation of a Facebook Group and App, which now have over 475 parent members. This improved level of engagement has also been reflected in the recent increase in attendees to the P&C meetings. P&C engagement centres on the various events we host for the JCCA community which is facilitated by the dedicated Conversation Series subcommittee who hosted and online conversation series with talks focussing on ‘The Teenage Brain’, ‘A guide to SEQTA’ and ‘Study Hacks’, as well as and evening presentation with Lucy Peach – the Period Queen, a Perennial Health talk on Vaping and a relaxing Yoga session for parents at the end of the year.

The P&C were successful in securing a $5,000 Healthways Grant for the JCCA Bush Tucker Garden, provided a $100 prize voucher for both the Quantum Education Centre logo competition and Year 12 citizen graduation award, $1,500 for the graduation sashes and $7,000 student scholarships in 2022.

Once again, the JCCA P&C would like to thank the dedication of the parents who consistently give up their time to attend P&C meetings and run the various programs. We wouldn’t have a P&C without them. We also extend thanks to the ongoing and constant support of Principal Travis Vladich and Associate Principal Judy Hendrickse.

In 2023, we very much look forward to building on the successes of 2022 while improving the parent and carer engagement, and supporting the College with ongoing resources.

About Us

The College lies on the traditional country of the Whadjuk people. The land where Walyalup (Fremantle) sits has always been a place of ceremonies, significant cultural practices and trading. At John Curtin College of the Arts (JCCA), we provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. Our values driven and holistic approach to education engages students to be committed, dedicated and passionate in all aspects of their schooling. We recognise the personal journeys of our students and encourage individual growth and success. As Western Australia’s only Selective Arts College we cater for more than 1800 students from Years 7 to 12 and offer Gifted and Talented Secondary Selective Arts Programs in Ballet, Dance, Drama, Media Arts, Music, Music Theatre, and Visual Arts, as well as a Specialist Football Program. These programs allow our students to thrive in a unique environment, where their learning and wellbeing is at the core of everything that we do. The diversity of students’ needs is met through inclusive learning practices and opportunities throughout the College. Students access expert teachers and creative links with industry in an environment that nurtures and values the arts.

Our dedicated teachers are committed to providing a comprehensive educational program that develops and supports excellence in all aspects of education. We are in the unique position of having two theatres on site and students are engaged in performances, exhibitions and industry theatre practices with more than 100 performances per year. This enables our students to contribute to the community and transfer their learning into diverse areas of interest and prepare them for future pathways. The arts is used as a vehicle to promote creativity, curiosity, innovation and empathy. Balanced with other academic pursuits, our students develop attributes and skills that impact positively on who they are, how they interact in the community and the world.

College Leadership

Melissa Prince

Wayne Sibson

Judy Hendrickse

Camilla Coverley

Gavin Bradshaw

Suzanne Rowley

Nathan Curnow

In 2022 the College saw changes to the executive leadership team including a redistribution of duties. Term one, 2022 saw Matthew Donlevy and Nathan Curnow sharing the Associate Principal role of Operations. From Term two onwards, Nathan Curnow took over the role full time. Travis Vladich was appointed as Principal and a new Associate Principal role was created for an improved structure of the ever-growing student services team; Gavin Bradshaw was appointed this role in at the end of 2022 and commencing in 2023.

Below is a breakdown of the leadership team and roles:

Associate Principal Strategic Operations

Wayne Sibson

• Timetabling

• Staffing

• Human Resource Management

• Rooming

• Staff induction

• Examinations

• Incident Management

• Enrolments

• Performance Management

• SCSA Compliance

• Year 10 Support

Associate Principal Learning and Teaching

Camilla Coverley

• Curriculum

• AEP

• SEOTA

• Professional Learning

• ICT

• PLA

• Reporting

• COVID

• Online learning

• SCSA Curriculum

• Literacy

• Year 11 and 12 support

Operational Support

Nathan Curnow & Mathew Donlevy

• Testing OLNA/NAPLAN

• Examinations

• Excursions

• Incursions

• Uniform

• Parent Teacher events

• Prac teachers

• Agency links Transport/Health

• IFI + Duty rosters

• Staff meetings

• Assessment period

• Year 7/8 support

Associate Principal Arts and Innovation

Judy Hendrickse

• Arts

• GAT

• Calendar/Events

• Enrichment

• Staff wellbeing

• Cultural awareness

• Leadership development

• Community partnerships

• Innovations

• Connection

• Publicity Promotion

• Year 9 Support

Melissa Prince Head of Student Services Years 7-9

Gavin Bradshaw Head of Student Services Years 10-12

• Student Health and Wellbeing

• Attendance and Engagement

• BMIS

• Student leadership

• Student voice

• Learning support

• SAER

• Belonging

• Assessment calendar

• WACE

• Pathways and transition

Manager of Business Operations

Suzanne Rowley

• Strategic Financial planning

• Finance & Budgets

• Procurement

• Capital & Minor works

• Buildings and grounds

• Assets and resources

• OHS

• Allied Professionals Staffing Human resources

• Record management

• Business compliance

Cultural Responsiveness

DUAL NAMING SIGNAGE

In 2022 the College met with Noongar Elder, Freda Ogilvie, who offered consultation on naming the bush tucker garden and campus buildings based on their use or purpose, such as Kaartidjin (knowledge) for the Learning Centre and Dookerniny (cooking) for the Canteen.

PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Principal Travis Vladich, was accepted into the Culturally Responsive School’s Program which saw him visit Ballardong Country for professional journey and transformational learning experience. The program will help build cultural responsiveness, promote reconciliation, and strengthen Aboriginal student outcomes within the College and community. This is a one-year program, which includes five days of face-to-face forums held on Wadjak country over 4 terms; a three day on-Country learning experience on Noongar country; and an action learning project.

Noongar Elder, Dr Noel Nannup, hosted a 3 day on-Country experience as an integral element of this program.

FOLLOW THE DREAM – MAALI MIA

The Maali Mia group has 15 students enrolled from Years 7 to 12 who meet regularly. The Indigenous students in the program are from various regions of Western Australia. A number of students are also members of the Polly Farmer Foundation – Follow the Dream program providing industry connections to Murdoch University and the UWA Aboriginal Education program for future pathways. In collaboration with Associate Principal Judy Hendrickse the group have established personalised mentoring and tutoring programs to meet the needs of students for academic growth. The group also attended National NAIDOC week celebrations, joined by parents and community members to celebrate.

Alumni Maali Mia student Jules Thomas returned to the College as a mentor to the current students in the group to provide direction for the artwork for the 2022-2024 Business Plan.

BUSH TUCKER GARDEN

Community guests, staff and students gathered for a Welcome To Country, Smoking Ceremony, speeches and a dance performance to announce the development of Meearn Boodjah, the College bush tucker garden project. Students and staff have been hard at work planting native edible plants and creating signage for the garden in the Year Nine quad. The garden and its produce will be utilised in food technologies classes. The Year 10 food students participated in an incursion with Marissa Verma from Bindi Bindi Dreaming, where she shared her knowledge and expertise on bush tucker and connection to Country. In the

cooking workshop students prepared and tasted recipes incorporating bush herbs and spices, some of which are being cultivated in Meearn Boodjah. A feature story about the garden and dual naming of campus buildings was published in the Koori Mail, a fortnightly National Indigenous Newspaper that is 100% Aboriginal and Owned 100% Self Funded.

RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN (RAP)

John Curtin College of the Arts respects the history of First Nations people and is working towards having an honest and deep understanding of First Nations culture, through listening, connecting, and building inclusive relationships with students, teachers, school community, elders and broader community. Strengthening these relationships will allow us to develop and build a responsive approach to education that is inclusive of everyone and closes the gap on cultural knowing and connection. We are in a unique position as a College of the Arts which allows us to implement and engage in reconciliation in ways that are unique and authentic. By using the College values to rethink and reconnect with the past, we strive to create a future where reconciliation is a lived reality and not simply an idea, we are committed to knowing, being and doing.

Partnering with representatives from Curtin University, parents, staff and board members to develop the JCCA RAP.

Sustainability at JCCA

10 YEARS OF WASTESORTED SCHOOLS ACCREDITATION

This year the College received a 10 years of WasteSorted Schools accreditation. The Waste Authority places a great deal of importance on students developing waste avoidance and resource recovery knowledge and skills and the College is proud to have contributed outstanding work through the WasteSorted Schools program. By modelling sustainable behaviours, the College is instilling positive environmental values and attitudes in students and the wider school community, and by doing so,contributing to a more sustainable future. In recognition of this achievement, the College was presented with a new 10-Year WasteSorted Schools accreditation sign and certificate.

CLEAN ENERGY

The College was selected as one of 84 schools in the second round of funding for the McGowan Government $44.6 million School Clean Energy Technology Fund to receive solar panels.

YOUR MOVE

The Your Move ‘Active Transport’ program in the College earned $2831 in rewards under the umbrella of the Sustainability committee. Your Move is a free program helping students get active by increasing walking, scooting and riding to school. Your Move travel behaviour change experts work with Your Move Champions to tackle traffic issues and help provide practical ways to teach and develop sustainability in schools.

Adjusting to the pandemic

THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

The College quickly adapted to the restrictions of the pandemic. College staff dedicated themselves to providing a safe learning environment for students. The College community went above and beyond to limit the spread of COVID-19, with measures including but not limited to meeting airflow requirements, accessible sanitising stations, increased sanitisation of highly used areas (doors, railings etc.), mask requirements and distribution of COVID-19 RA testing to staff and students.

During this period, the College developed an outdoor space for students to continue to exercise their creative skills. The outdoor stage was created for the new ‘summer series’ at the College, allowing students to still perform to an audience in a COVID safe environment. This is one of the many proactive solutions implemented by the College to continue daily operational tasks.

“I would like to thank the Drama team at John Curtin College of Arts for the excellent effort performed by the teachers and students on the outdoor venue. The outdoor event was extremely well organised and conducted to a level second to none. The performance, given only a short time frame to compile, was extremely surprising and entertaining. As a parent, I was proud to see the passion both students and teachers have towards such an event, which resonated with us as proud parents. Well done all involved.”

Lower school parent 2022

2022 Targets

This is the first Annual Report framed by the 2022-24 JCCA Business Plan that was developed using a whole school approach, collaborating with staff, students and the College Board. The artwork used for the document was created by the JCCA First Nations student group, Maali Mia. The group fosters social connection between the Colleges’ First Nations peoples, creating a combined voice for change within the community. This work explores the various aspects of education and curriculum at the College, within the context of the warm and inspiring land of Walyalup (Fremantle). This piece was created with the guidance of Ashley Maroney, a JCCA Visual Arts Gifted and Talented (GAT) Program alumni and was finalised by 2021 Music Theatre GAT graduate Jules Thomas. The artwork is a collaboration by the students in the Maali Mia group, who came together to paint and draw their personal knowledge of their Country.

This is the first Annual Report framed by the 2022-24 JCCA Business Plan that was developed using a whole school approach, collaborating with staff, students and the College Board. The artwork used for the document was created by the JCCA First Nations student group, Maali Mia. The group fosters social connection between the Colleges’ First Nations peoples, creating a combined voice for change within the community. This work explores the various aspects of education and curriculum at the College, within the context of the warm and inspiring land of Walyalup (Fremantle). This piece was created with the guidance of Ashley Maroney, a JCCA Visual Arts Gifted and Talented (GAT) Program alumni and was finalised by 2021 Music Theatre GAT graduate Jules Thomas. The artwork is a collaboration by the students in the Maali Mia group, who came together to paint and draw their personal knowledge of their Country.

The current Business Plan delineates the planning context for the continued development and improvement of the College and established three key priorities: Creativity, Excellence and Wellbeing. These priorities have then been broken down to outline strategies and approaches to achieve the College vision of developing learners with integrity, who care, lead and positively contribute to the community.

The priorities have been inspired by the following College values:

• Inspiring the Mind – Curiosity, Imagination and Innovation

• Nurturing the Person – Respect, Care and Compassion

• Learning for Life – Resilience, Perseverance and Reflection

• Connecting with Community – Social, Cultural and Environmental Responsibility

The identified targeted areas are important indicators of the progress of the teaching and learning community at the College and suggest the intent of the community in delivering the very best outcomes for all students.

Since the previous instalment (2019-2022) the plan has been refined, creating measurable approaches and strategies that align with the College pedagogy.

EXCELLENCE

• 25 teaching staff participated in GERRIC (Gifted Education Research, Resource and Information Centre) training.

• The staff involved are across all learning departments with the intent for them to distribute their knowledge to their department as GERRIC supported leaders.

• All learning area Directors met with the Principal to discuss achievement data and any anomalies in the results. The Principal and Directors explored direction and strategies to improve results.

• Staff were engaged in a new Quality Teaching and Learning framework that aligns with the College pedagogy and Department of Education direction, in particular, ‘teaching for impact’.

• There has been an increase in the diversity of assessment types such as industry experience, VET related and practical examinations. College executives and learning area Directors implemented a new direction focusing on opportunities for formative assessments resulting in an appropriate number of assessments per year group, per subject over the course of the year.

• 28 students participated in Workplace Learning (WPL) Students required to attend a workplace in any industry. Minimum of 55 hours on-the-job training in industry workplace settings. WPL program used towards achievement of WACE.

• The College moved away from the learning management system of Connect to SEQTA. SEQTA has been implemented in all learning areas and notifications to community members. All staff received training to competently use SEQTA.

• A Study Hacks Masterclass was implemented into the SEQTA library for all students.

• 24 Year 10 students participated in Try-A-Trade programs coordinated by South Metro TAFE where students attended one through to three day experiences. These programs included: Civil Construction, Cabinet Making/ Paraprofessional, Bricklaying/ Solid Plastering, Painting/ Interior Decorating, First Aid Skill Set.

• Continuation of BYOD program into Year 8.

• Increased SCSA results across the majority of learning areas, with the highest median and mean recorded at John Curtin College of the Arts with 90% recorded above state average.

• The College social media platforms continue to promote and highlight staff, students, and community achievement across the year, alongside promotional event material.

CREATIVITY

• The Enrichment program focuses on real world problems in STEM and the arts, engaging students in a variety of engaging problem solving skills.

• 2022 offered a different perspective of creativity and problem solving skills with the continuation of the pandemic. Students and staff engaged in an elevated new form of creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication throughout all learning areas. This included the implementation of SEQTA as an online learning tool, outdoor masked performances and strategies to continue learning in a fun and informative environment.

• A new project was developed in the Drama department which saw the Year 10 and 11 students working collaboratively for the first time for the inaugural Year 10 and 11 Guest Director season of Moving which was a huge success.

• The FLEXI program was introduced to the College, providing alternative pathways and transferable skills. 41 students participated in the FLEXI program.

• All projects, community partnerships and performances foster curiosity through relevant learning opportunities. Students learnt to be creative and adapt to the COVID environment.

• Three current students were nominated for the DOE Ministers Council. One achieved a position in the council and the other two students are involved in other areas of the DOE, regionally and centrally..

• The College continues to develop cross curricular project based learning, such as the annual Una Festa in Piazza, a whole school approach to incorporate culture, creative arts and language.

• Working with the local community, DOE and other key stakeholders to continue the growth and visibility of creativity at the College. These stories and achievements are visible on College social media platforms.

• Numerous PLA were provided to teaching staff to enhance their skills using SEQTA, alongside WebEx training. 2022 saw the first fully online parent teaching meetings that have continued into 2023.

• Apple selected John Curtin College of the Arts as the Inspire Innovation School for Western Australia for the year. Inspire Innovation aims to;

• build capacity within schools to scale innovation.

• support a sustainable professional learning model.

• improve teacher capacity to plan for and utilise technology effectively.

• provide opportunities for schools to share their success and learnings.

• Five teaching staff were selected to be part of the Apple led professional learning.

• The College continues to highlight student creativity across digital platforms, digital signage, rotational art displays and lunchtime student performances.

WELLBEING

• 444 students participated in at least one VET qualification within the school program from Years 9 to 12 either under John Curtin RTO or in an auspice partnership. Students selected flexible learning pathways and opportunities that met their individual needs.

• The senior Girls Football students mentored the junior girls.

• Students council leadership training for the Department of Education (DOE) peer support.

• The College facilitates responsible use of resource management such as; community donations and reusing old materials.

• The College Parents and Citizens community organised events such as ‘Coffees and Conversations’ and ‘Yoga Vibes’ to engage key stakeholders and for staff to mingle.

• Students and staff participated in Reclaim the Void weaving for wellbeing workshops, organised by the textiles department. Reclaim the Void was born from Ngalia elders in Leonora, Western Australia, expressing their pain and grief at ‘those gaping mining holes left all over our country’. The idea was conceived to symbolically ‘seal’ one of the holes with an artwork expressing the story of country.

• Mental health and wellbeing resources in student diaries.

• The Learning Centre developed a Wellness Collection for students, parents and staff. This included the addition of a supplemental Wellness Collection of 540 books to the ePlatform database. The fiction books have a diverse

range of main characters from different cultures, and with a wide assortment of different challenges – from neurodiversity, to sexuality, gender and race, allowing the students to see themselves and their friends reflected in the characters. The nonfiction books also cover a mix of different issues on mental health, meditation/yoga/ exercise etc., neurodiversity and other topics.

• The Senior Leaders formed a Year 7 Transition working party to continue to develop the Year 7 Transition program. The overarching direction being to support students holistically in their move from primary to high school. Further documentation was developed in collaboration with staff on the working party, senior leaders and executive.

• Events – Every year we acknowledge national and international days of celebration such as Harmony Day, Culture Fest, Wear It Purple, Day of Trans Awareness and Neurodiversity Celebration week.

• Enrichment Workshops were held for students facilitated by MAN UP WA, We Are WomXn and Diversity guest speakers.

• Students participated in the R U Legal? program which offers community legal education sessions and resources for young people between 10 and 18 years old.

• For the past three years the College has produced both a Mothers Day and Fathers Day video in collaboration with students as part of the Mental and Physical Health project that Technologies is leading in partnership with several other schools and industry connections.

JCCA Theatres Review

2022 saw new and fresh ideas coming into the venues. Term 1 saw the peak of COVID-19 in Western Australia. The challenges brought were overcome with a custom built stage and lighting system, built outside in the main quad to continue performances in a safe environment. Other significant changes include:

• Massive upgrades to equipment, including replacement of a large number of old, dated and damaged equipment.

• Future proofing of the venues with infrastructure changes.

• A new rostering system was trialled resulting in manageable working hours and distribution of leave.

NOTABLE VENUE UPGRADES

• Power upgrades in Curtin Theatre kitchen.

• Replacement of the dishwasher.

• Two power distro units to make sure power is clean to the equipment, in turn extending the life of the equipment.

• Two new three-phase points to allow for the upgrade to LED lighting in coming years.

• The purchase of new AV equipment. The Curtin theatre will move away from analogue systems putting us in line with industry standards in 2023.

• 15 bays of new shelving to better utilise the spaces.

• Replacement of five of the eight portable speakers.

• 16 new LED lighting units – Eight in Curtin Theatre, raising the production values of these shows.

• Replacement of the lighting desk in Ellen St Theatre.

• Ten new outdoor staging decks to protect the current stock that is not designed for outdoor use.

• Quotes sourced to install curtains under the stairs in the northern foyer and south wall in Curtin Studio.

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY (WHS)

The following changes of note so far:

• Improvement of the attitude among staff.

• Removal of the mezzanine levels in the red shed.

• Having clear guidelines and policies in place.

• Regular checks making sure standards are current.

• Monthly meetings as a department.

OTHER AREAS OF NOTE

• Curtin theatre management has started a relationship with other education system based theatres both public and private schools.

• The increase in quality of equipment.

• Development of short, medium and long term plans for the Curtin Theatre, its assets and productions.

Communications and Awareness

There has been a significant increase in organic reach, growth and awareness on the College social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram).

Facebook insights:

1 Jan 2022-31 Dec 2022

• The College Facebook page reached 111,104 accounts organically, increasing 15.4%.

• 26.8% in audience growth, achieving 615 new followers.

• Increase of 122.8% (25,337) in page and profile visits.

• 479 new page likes, increasing by 19.8%.

Instagram insights:

1 Jan 2022-31 Dec 2022

• The College Instagram page reached 18,808 accounts organically, increasing 21.9%.

• Increase of 365 new followers.

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENTS:

OUR VALUES creativity, innovation and imagination respect, care and compassion excellence a fair go responsibility integrity

• In 2022 the College launched a new website. Creating a userfriendly experience that is aesthetically pleasing.

• SEQTA was implemented as the Colleges primary LMS, communication and organisational system for students, staff and guardians. We saw the transition from Connect to SEQTA in 2022, enhancing overall communications to all key stakeholders.

• Implementation of an internal Style Guide website for staff and suppliers. This was a solution to the previous style guide document that was only accessible on the College server. This website provides users with a location where all style guide templates and policies are easily accessible including downloadable elements such as logos, templates, graphics and more.

• 2022 saw the implementation of email marketing to promote performances and upcoming College events.

• Increase of 23,018 (17.8%) profile visits.

COLLEGE MATERIALS

• 2022 saw a shift in the College logo and visual materials, refining and enhancing from the original 2000s design. This included an enhanced colour palette, College logo, additional graphics and design elements that are displayed in both physical collateral and digital material.

• New stock photos of the College and the community were taken for promotional material.

JOHN CURTIN College of the Arts

90 Ellen Street Fremantle WA 6160

T: 9433 7200

F: 9430 5856

E: johncurtin.col@education.wa.edu.au

www.jc.wa.edu.au

Follow us on John Curtin College of the Arts – Department of Education www.facebook.com/johncurtincollegeofthearts

New Build

TRCB Architects have been appointed to design the significant $23 million project.

This project is a McGowan Labor Government election commitment, with Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery announcing an exciting milestone for a major construction project at John Curtin College of the Arts.

TRCB Architects have been appointed to lead the design of the new facilities. The $23 million project will include state-of-the-art science and music learning areas, additional classrooms and student services rooms to facilitate College best practice in wellbeing and support. Planning is already underway with construction due to start in 2023. The project is a McGowan Labor Government election commitment and will support local jobs.

NAPLAN data

The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is conducted annually and tests all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in the areas of Literacy (Grammar and Punctuation, Spelling, Reading, and Writing) and Numeracy. The data from these tests allow comparison of student achievements with national standards and student achievement in Western Australia and other States/Territories.

Across all areas of the NAPLAN testing a significantly higher percentage of both our Year 7 and Year 9 students achieved scores at or above the National Minimum Standard (NMS) compared with other schools in major WA cities.

Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding.

Workforce Composition

Quality teaching drives our students’ learning. Our dedicated teachers, chosen specifically for their specialist knowledge and expertise, are committed to providing a comprehensive educational program that develops and supports excellence in all aspects of our students’ education. All teachers are committed to fostering individuality, creativity and selfexpression. They encourage students’ curiosity and intrinsic motivation to learn and provide self-directed learning. Our teaching staff work alongside a dedicated team of administrative and school support staff who ensure day to day operations are running smoothly and are wholly committed to giving our students the best opportunities and experience possible. Our workforce composition in 2022 is detailed below.

Attendance Data

Our students have maintained an exemplary level of attendance, well above the average for WA Public Schools, even throughout the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. We credit this largely to our Student Services team who take a holistic approach to student wellbeing and support our students to achieve excellence in a healthy and sustainable way. We strive to maintain a positive learning environment that ensures all students feel safe, understood and supported throughout their time at the College. We would also like to extend our thanks to all students, staff and community members for your understanding and cooperation during this time.

2022 Highlights

PROJECTS

• Bush Tucker Garden launch.

• Students in the College First Nations student group Maali Mia use their voices to provide input on school direction. The group also fosters social connection between the College’s First Nations peoples.

• The College hosted the inaugural JCCA Fashion Week which included crocheting workshops, fashion sketching workshops, needle felting workshops, a JCCA Fashion show, Yarn bombing for reconciliation and Runway makeup workshop. Many of these workshops were facilitated by students.

• The College has been selected as one of 78 schools to receive a grant from Healthway’s Healthy Schools Program to support the health and wellbeing of students.

• Bike Rescue worked with ten JCCA students over a five day period to custom build fifteen bikes. This bike education training package was a result of the school being awarded a Your Move Super Boost Grant created purposefully with the high school demographic in mind. Students presented Fremantle Multicultural Centre representative Alex, with two custom built bikes to be donated to the Centre.

• The Roots and Shoots club got together to discuss the potential issues around active transport to and from school for the YourMove transport hackathon. The students discussed issues preventing people from active travel and in small groups came up with some potential solutions which they pitched to the College executive team.

• JCCA Mental & Physical Health students worked with the Youth Affairs Council of WA (YACWA) on the City of Fremantle youth strategy aimed at meeting the growing needs of young adults. These students are part of a larger initiative at JCCA to identify and work with the College executive team and industry connections to develop a more inclusive engagement of student voice.

COLLEGE FUNDRAISING AND EVENTS

• JCCA Music students performed alongside budding musicians from other Fremantle high schools as part of Future Treasures.

• Sydney Dance Company visited the College for a workshop with dance students.

• Yoga Vibes.

• Pi Day.

• Traditional Cultural Dress Day – Fundraising for UNHCR (the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees).

• Thrift Store for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

• Fandom Day – Raised $1100 that was distributed between charities.

• Harmony Week – Raised over $830 for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

• The Student Council selected St. Patrick’s Community Support Centre and Animal Protection Society of WA Inc. for their end of year fundraiser and House activity.

APPOINTED GRANTS AND PARTNERSHIPS

Grants

• A new pedestrian crossing was installed, making it safer and easier for hundreds of Fremantle students to get to school. The new crossing on Ellen Street, near the main entrance to the College was installed by the City of Fremantle using funding provided by the state government.

• McGowan Government School Clean Energy Technology Fund.

• Your Move ‘Active Transport’ program in the College earned $2831.

• Healthway’s Healthy Schools Program Grant earned the College $5000.

Partnerships

• The College is participating in the BinarX program, a two-year mission to design, build and actually launch local student projects into space, through a partnership established with Curtin University.

• The College facilitates a Regional School Support Program helping to build future pathways for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. This is an ongoing partnership with Quairading District High School providing valuable cultural awareness and twoway Science initiatives for students in both metropolitan and regional environments.

• The College has a close, ongoing and reciprocal relationship with the City of Fremantle. This has facilitated student involvement with the Youth Affairs Council of WA and led to Football Specialist students representing the College at the launch of The Festival of Soccer at Walyalup Civic Centre.

AWARDS, EXHIBITIONS AND COMPETITIONS

• JCCA Roots and Shoots club was presented with the State achievement award by the Western Australian Roots and Shoots Co-ordinator Bill Waterer OAM. The award included a painting by Trish the elephant from Perth Zoo.

• Three Year 12 students were nominated for the WAM (West Australian Music) song of the year.

• Two JCCA students were selected to promote the Premiers Reading Challenge. One student was featured in advertisements and the other gave book reviews on live radio.

• Mathematics teacher, Mrs Donna Buckley was selected as a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert for 20222023.

• A Year 7 Media Arts student represented Western Australia as part of a team at the ASFC (Australian Figure Skating Championships) who were awarded the Silver medal for the advanced novice synchronised division.

• A Year 12 student achieved her Duke of Edinburgh Silver award.

• A Year 9 student was awarded the Finley Award for Best Youth in a Play for her role as Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird by Stirling Players. In addition to the award, she also won a $500 scholarship from Akkana Entertainment.

CURTIN

COLLEGE

OF

THE

ARTS

• In total 20 JCCA students were offered a place in Performing Arts Perspectives, the premiere showcase for excellence in Dance, Drama and Music for students and teachers from the Public, Independent and Catholic education sector. Selection for Performing Arts Perspectives requires WACE achievement in the top 20% of the state.

• The College entered two students into the Year 12 Media Perspectives Show. One achieved a 100% exam score in Media Production and Analysis and came runner-up for the Subject Exhibition. She was awarded a Certificate of Excellence and in addition. Both entrants had their films accepted into Perspectives. The second student has also been very successful in having her film shown in both Australian and overseas film festivals.

• Two Visual Arts students were successful in gaining entry to Pulse Perspectives at the Art Gallery of Western Australia.

• A Year 12 GAT Music student performed on the saxophone at Year 12 Perspectives.

• 13 students participated in Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) exams.

• Students performed in both the solo and ensemble sections as part of the RAD Festival.

• Three Year 12 and four Year 11 students were accepted into WAAPA from the dance and ballet programs.

• The Classical Guitar ensemble performed at the Opus Concert, the showcase performance for music students in government schools held at the Perth Concert Hall.

• The Brass Quintet toured local primary schools, performing for students and staff linking the College to the wider community.

• The Vocal Consort performed at the Remembrance Day service held at the Department of Education in East Perth.

• A Year 11 Visual Arts student qualified for and competed in the gruelling three day CrossFit competition Chasing Better Throwdown as an RX athlete.

• Two football students were selected for the provisional squad for the CommBank Junior Matildas’ training camp.

• Two Year 12 students were awarded scholarships for Patrick School of the Arts 2023 Music Theatre Summer Intensive Workshops in Melbourne.

• The College was highly commended at the Science Teacher Association of Western Australia (STAWA) 64th Science Talent Search. For the second year in a row a JCCA student took home the Young Science Communicator of the Year Award. JCCA students also placed first and second in the Junior Video category; First, second and third in the Junior Photography category; First and third in the Intermediate Video category; and First, second and third in the Intermediate photography category.

• A Year 12 student was selected as a finalist in the Upper Secondary category for the 2022 Tim Winton Award for Young Writers.

• A Year 12 student was selected for the Highly Commended Young Writers list for his short story.

• A Year 11 student placed as a finalist in the Best Middle School Film Production category of the 2022 ATOM Awards.

• Four GAT Visual Arts students made successful entries into the Shaun Tan Award.

• Three Year 12 students’ works were accepted for the META exhibition, a high-level exhibition representing the best of Year 11 and 12 work in WA.

• A Year 10 student was selected to represent the state in the 2022 Hockey 16s Girls Championship.

• A Year 12 Drama student starred in the series The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power

• Three of the John Curtin College teams were successful in winning the Champion Schools Football event and awarded State Champions.

• Many JCCA students were recognised with awards at the Maths Talent Quest. Two Year 8 Students achieved a High Distinction, nineteen Year 8 students and five Year 9 students achieved a distinction.

2022 Highlights

• Year 11 Cyber students participated in CyberTaipan, an Australian Youth Cyber Defence Competition for teams of high school aged students. CSIRO Digital Careers were so impressed by the way that the College had been able to incorporate this workplace experience into the VET Cert II Workplace Skills course, they will be showcasing this innovative approach in their 2023 promotional materials.

• A Year 11 student was selected to attend the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra in January 2023.

• A Year 11 student was awarded a High Commendation in the Theology Category for his entry to the 2022 John Locke Institute Essay Prize.

• A Year 11 student was named as the WA Runner Up for The Simpson Prize.

Financial Summary

The College has transitioned to distributing Contributions and Charges electronically. This has resulted in decreased expenditure for this process and a minimised environmental impact. A breakdown of the College’s annual finances is published here.

John Curtin College of The Arts Financial Summary as at 31-December – 2022

Acronym Glossary

AEP – Academic Excellence Program

BMIS – Behaviour Management in Schools

BYOD – Bring Your Own Device

DOE – Department of Education

GERRIC – Gifted Education Research, Resource and Information Centre

JCCA – John Curtin College of the Arts

LMS – Learning Management System

P&C – Parents and Citizens Association

RTO – Registered Training Organisation

SAER – Students at Educational Risk

SCSA – Schools Curriculum and Standards Authority

STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

VET – Vocational Education and Training

WAAPA – Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

WACE – Western Australian Certificate of Education

WPL – Workplace Learning