Arts

Purpose

The purpose of the Arts Academy at Fountain Gate Secondary College is to inspire creativity, develop artistic skills, and encourage students to explore and strengthen their individual interests in the visual arts. The Arts Academy aims to provide unique and enriching opportunities for students who are passionate about the arts, while fostering confidence, collaboration, and creative expression.

In 2027, Fountain Gate Secondary College is offering two Arts Academy streams: Performing Arts and Visual Arts. Expressions of interest will be accepted during Term 4.

Performing Arts
Students in the Performing Arts stream will develop their skills on stage and behind the scenes through regular workshops, rehearsals and performance opportunities. Students can explore one or more of the following areas: Stage – Creative (costume, make-up and props), Stage – Dance, Stage – Drama, Stage – Technical (lighting and sound), and Voice. Working alongside teachers and industry professionals, students will build their performance and production skills, learn how a show comes together, and collaborate with others to bring creative work to life for an audience.

Visual Arts
Students in the Visual Arts stream will be invited to take part in regular creative workshops held during lunchtimes and after school. These workshops provide specialised skill development and the chance to explore a variety of visual art practices, including printmaking, ceramics, drawing and painting. Students may also take part in collaborative art projects led by teachers and visiting artists. Our first major project will be the planning and design of a student-led mural within the school. It will celebrate student voice, teamwork and community pride, and give students a valuable opportunity to collaborate on a large-scale artwork that enhances our whole school environment.

Across both streams, the Arts Academy aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment where students can build confidence, work with others and express themselves through the arts. Students will be kept informed about special events, exhibitions, performances and workshops, and we will celebrate the creativity and achievements of participating students throughout the year. By promoting creativity, innovation and student voice, the Academy will help strengthen community connections and encourage students to engage in the arts both within and beyond the classroom.

As a school committed to fostering creativity, wellbeing, and engagement, we warmly encourage all interested students to get involved and support this exciting initiative. We also welcome the encouragement and support of families and carers as students take part in these creative opportunities. We look forward to sharing more about the Arts Academy and celebrating our students’ creativity throughout the year.

Eligibility

• Attendance
• Behaviour
• Attitude

Students & parents will be required to sign a contract at the start of the Academy. Your continued eligibility to attend the academy will be monitored regularly.

Contractual Agreement

Students and parents will be required to sign a contract at the start of the Academy. Continued eligibility to attend the Academy will be monitored regularly.

For students wishing to join, an Arts Academy - Expression of Interest form needs to be completed and submitted.

Cost

$200 per semester (2027 Cost TBC)

Cost covers the following:

• Coaching
• Equipment
• Uniform
• Competition entry fees

CSEF and/or SSB can be used

Payment plans can be arranged. If there is still a financial barrier to joining the Academy, please email 

To submit an expression of interest, please complete and submit the following form:

Staff

Tamara is a multidisciplinary artist with a background in graphic design, filmmaking, and visual arts teaching. She creates work that tells stories of land, plant, and fungi. Drawing inspiraiton from Western Australia, suburban Dandenong, and the Dandenong Ranges, her art explores climate change, urban development, and local ecology. Tamara has a studio sitting between Puffing Billy and Sherbrooke Forest.

Structure

As part of the Arts Academy, students will be invited to participate in regular creative workshops held during lunchtimes and after school. 

• Every Wednesday, after school, between 3.00pm to 4.30pm. 
• Every Thursday, lunchtime 1.10pm to 2.00pm.

These sessions will include specialised skill development, and opportunities to explore a variety of visual art practices such as printmaking, ceramics, and painting. 

Uniform

• Art smock will be provided
• Art Academy logo on uniform

Facilities

• Room H08 Art Room & Art Garden
• Ceramics - Kiln
• All Art materials supplied

Eligibility

• Attendance
• Behaviour
• Attitude

Contractual agreement – Students & parents will be required to sign a contract at the start of the Academy. Your continued eligibility to attend the academy will be monitored regularly.

For students wishing to join, an Arts Academy - Expression of Interest form needs to be completed and submitted.

Cost

• $200 per year depending on interest (20-30 students needed)
  • payment plans are available
    • $50 per Term
• Cost covers the following:
  • Staffing
  • Equipment