The Arts Wrap-Up: Term 3 at Rockhampton Girls Grammar School

As Term 3 draws to a close, the Arts faculty at Rockhampton Girls Grammar School is proud to celebrate the creativity, exploration, and achievement of our students across Music, Drama, Visual Art, and Dance. From the youngest learners in Primary to our senior students preparing for final assessments, the term has been rich with artistic growth and expression.

🎶 Music

RGGS students have immersed themselves in a diverse range of musical styles and creative tasks this term. In the Primary years, students have been developing ensemble skills and confident performance through ukulele, violin, and percussion. Year 3 have been progressing through the 'Sing and Play' ukulele program with enthusiasm.

In Secondary, Year 7 students explored the instruments of the orchestra through the Animal Antics unit, discovering how music can represent animals and character. Year 8 focused on African music traditions, composing original Afrobeat and African EDM tracks using digital tools and rhythmic layering. Year 9 and 10 students studied key movements in 20th-century music, experimenting with genre-based composition and stylistic analysis. Year 11 students examined identity in music, exploring how artists express personal and cultural stories through sound. Meanwhile, Year 12 students have been refining performance pieces and analytical responses in preparation for their mock exams.

🎭 Drama

Drama students have been diving deep into storytelling and performance this term. Year 7 engaged with the play Shack, learning to analyse dramatic meaning and the elements of drama.

Years 8 to 10 have been working on Verbatim scriptwriting, conducting interviews and researching real-life experiences around themes such as love, fear, and growing up. These insights have been transformed into original scripts for stage performances, which will be showcased in assessments next term.

Senior Drama students have been focused on assessment preparation. Year 11 are developing a directorial vision and performance based on a recontextualised version of A Doll’s House, while Year 12 are preparing for their mock exams with dedication and creativity.

🖼️ Visual Art

Term 3 in Visual Art has been all about creation and curation, with students finalising pieces for the upcoming Showcase. While not every artwork could be displayed due to space limitations, the quality and variety of work produced across all year levels has been outstanding.

Highlights include Year 3’s Expressions of Asia unit, where students explored Sumi-e (black ink painting), jiǎnzhǐ (paper cutting), and origami. They are currently crafting vibrant Koinobori (carp streamers) and eagerly anticipating flying their kites. Year 8 students have been producing imaginative Surrealist paintings, while Year 9 and 10 students completed experimental printmaking folios.

💃 Dance

Dance students have moved through time and culture this term. Year 7 explored 'Dances of the Decades,' learning teacher-taught routines from the 50s, 60s, and 70s before performing their favourites.

Year 8 students analysed cultural dance and learned about respectful approaches to movement and tradition. Year 9 and 10 students studied various dance styles and choreographed performances in chosen genres. Senior students have been preparing for mock exams, with Year 11 exploring site-specific choreography in response to the question 'What moves me?'

From expressive ink paintings to Afrobeat compositions and powerful dramatic performances, Term 3 has been a vibrant celebration of the Arts at Girls Grammar. We look forward to seeing these talents shine even brighter in Term 4!

Jessica Dawes

Subject Coordinator