Drama
Drama students learn to collaborate and develop skills in communication. Drama teaches students to use their imagination, think creatively and critically and allows them to develop confidence. Students work on a variety of different approaches to theatre performance. These include: physical theatre, characterisation, commedia dell’arte, absurdism, improvisation, political theatre and Australian theatre.
At Ryde Secondary College, Year 8 students are given the opportunity to experience Drama through collaboration with the English faculty. Students spend one lesson a cycle studying Drama in tandem with their English course.
Ryde Secondary College offers Drama as an elective in year 9-10 and as a HSC subject. Former students have successfully applied to attend tertiary dramatic art and film schools, with one student premiering her own production in 2012 at the Sydney Fringe Festival.
Ryde Secondary College has a drama studio as a teaching space. HSC performances are presented in the studio each year as part of Performance Night. Building and planning is underway to improve the space and to modernise the sound and lighting system in the MPC to allow for large productions.
Further information on Drama Courses offered at Ryde Secondary College.
Dance
Students at RSC are able to engage in Dance in a number of ways.
Dance as a Subject
Students can elect to study Dance in Stage 5 and Stage 6. This subject plays a significant role in enhancing students' creativity and self-expression. Through the exploration of various dance styles and techniques, students develop their artistic voice and learn to communicate ideas and emotions through movement. The curriculum encourages collaboration, improvisation, and critical thinking, allowing students to experiment with choreography and performance. This creative process not only fosters individual expression but also builds confidence and teamwork skills, preparing students for diverse artistic pathways in their future endeavours.
Dance as Sport
Engaging in dance as a sport offers numerous physical, mental, and social benefits that contribute to overall well-being. Dance requires strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination, making it an excellent form of physical exercise that promotes cardiovascular health and muscle development. Additionally, it enhances mental discipline and focus, as dancers must master complex movements and routines. The social aspect of dance fosters teamwork and communication skills, allowing participants to collaborate and build connections with others. By embracing dance as a sport, individuals can experience the joy of movement while reaping the rewards of physical fitness and personal growth.
Dance as an Extra Curricular Activity (Auditioned)
Our dynamic extra-curricular dance program offers passionate and talented students the opportunity to join one of two performance groups: the Dance Company or the Dance Ensemble. Entry is based on demonstrated ability, aligned with the Department of Education’s High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) policy, specifically within the physical domain, and the DoE Dance Syllabus Performance Criteria.
Both groups will participate in a range of exciting performance opportunities throughout the year, allowing students to showcase their skills and grow as artists. Additionally, these experiences encourage resilience and adaptability, as dancers learn to navigate the challenges of live performances and receive constructive feedback from audiences and peers.
Public Speaking and Debating
The NSW Premier’s Debating Challenge is offered to students from Years 7-12. Students participate in debates against schools in the zone, region and state. We have a team in each year group.
Opportunities also exist for students to participate in the Junior Public Speaking Competition for students in Years 7 - 9 and the Plain English Speaking Competition for students in Years 10 - 12. Previous and current participants in these competitions have been successful and have used this experience to further their opportunities in student leadership.
The Royal Australian Chemical Society runs the Chemistry Quiz annually. The multiple choice exam challenges students to answer questions based on Chemistry.
The Titration Stakes are a practical competition based on a chemical principle where teams of three students compete against other teams from around Australia to determine the concentration of an acid or a base.
Traditionally, our students have performed well and the Science Faculty look forward to running the science competitions in 2018.
Religious Education
Special Religious Education (SRE) classes are provided for all years 7, 8 and 9 students; Year 7 students receiving 1 period each week and years 8 and 9 students 1 period each fortnight. These classes are presented by teachers employed by Ryde Area Christian Education (RACE) representing local churches of most Christian denominations:
- St Anne's Anglican Church Ryde
- North Ryde Anglican Church
- Ryde Baptist Church
- North Ryde Community Church
- Macquarie Chapel Presbyterian Church
- Marsfield Community Church
- C3 Church Ryde
- Holy Spirit Catholic Church North Ryde
Students not attending SRE classes will be supervised in the Library.
Voluntary Student Activities of a Religious Nature in Schools (VSA)
There is currently one voluntary student activity group being conducted at the college - Strands of Unconditional Love (SOUL) coordinated by the Interschool Christian Fellowship. The group meets every Thursday at lunchtime. Students must have written parental permission to participate in the activity. The permission forms may be obtained from James Lee (Ryde Area Christian Education), who can be found in the library every day except Tuesdays. More information is provided on the permission forms.
