Applications Open July 2
Our Arts Academy caters for aspiring performing and visual artists. It is designed to provide unique opportunities for students who are passionate about the arts and driven by creativity. It focuses on nurturing and generating creativity in students through enrichment learning and performance opportunities designed to foster their curiosity and promote their personal growth and development. At the senior level, students will work with the Arts Academy Leader to produce a fully individualised learning plan that brings together the network required to support students to manage their time and remove barriers from their academic load. This academy will have a direct focus on whole person growth to create outstanding people through their passion and talent for the arts.
Various Opportunities Include:
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Artists in Residence and workshops led by industry professionals
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An integrated curriculum that explores context, theory and practical approaches to arts immersion
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Authentic arts experiences, including regular performance opportunities and exhibitions
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Art camps
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Tertiary pathway partnerships
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Opportunities to explore their potential as an artist in the creative arts industry
Students enrolled in our Arts Academy will follow a traditional academic journey at Kildare Campus, engaging in enhanced programming through elective blocking into Years 10-12.
Arts Academy Selection Process:
Applicants must provide:
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Application pro-forma
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A one minute video
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A confidential reference from an external source
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A letter of recommendation from a parent/guardian confirming support
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Shortlisted students will be interviewed
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Students will then be invited to join the academy
Arts Academy Selection Criteria:
Arts
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A highly developed artistic ability in at least one field or the potential to perform/create at an elevated level
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Proven passion and desire to enhance artistic development
Academic
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A positive attitude and commitment to academic study
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Consistently achieving quality results in all subject areas
Personal Development
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Proven performance in behaviour, attitude and work ethic to arts and academics
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A positive attitude and commitment to whole person growth and development
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A high level of commitment and motivation in pursuit of personal success
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Consistently demonstrates and lives the College values
Arts Academy Student Journey
Year 7
3 periods/cycle, blocked class, students withdrawn from performing/visual arts.
Focus: 'Identity through Art' & 'Self Reflection'
Year 10
Semester elective. 4 periods/cycle.
Focus: 'Art Analysis', 'Pathway Exploration' & 'Creative Design'
Year 8
3 periods/cycle, blocked class, students withdrawn from performing/visual arts.
Focus: 'Storytelling through Masks' & 'Connection to Country'
Year 11-12
VET Certificate or New Metrics Competency Portfolio.
Focus: Completion of Certificate, Competency in Agency in Learning
Year 9
6 periods/cycle, linked to project-based learning day.
Focus: 'Connection to Self', 'Storytelling through Muse' & 'Showcase/Exhibition'
Arts Academy Partners
Our Arts Academy is strengthened and enriched by the incredible support of our external partners. These partnerships – across our local community, regional and state-wide networks – play a vital role in helping us deliver inspiring, real-world learning opportunities for our students.
Whether it's through mentorship, performance, coaching, workshops, or access to professional experiences, our partners, bring expertise, passion and perspective that elevate every aspect of our academy.
We are deeply grateful for their contribution and commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative talent.
If you or your organisation are interested in collaborating with us and supporting the growth of young people through the Arts we'd love to hear from you.
Please email our Director of Programs Thomas Dicker to explore how you could be involved..
Arts Academy Co-Leaders
"As an artist and coach, I believe that every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” (Pablo Picasso)
"I am driven to nurture that innate creativity in students, empowering them to express themselves with confidence and curiosity as they grow into their own creative voice." (Alisha Ryan)
Alisha Ryan (Art, Drama)
Alisha holds a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Theatre Performance from the Arts Academy Ballarat. Her performance experience includes working with OZACT Theatre Company in various outdoor Shakespeare productions, participating in the 10 in 10 Minute Plays Festival at the Arts Centre Melbourne, and performing in multiple theatre productions with the 1812 Theatre Company and Clayton Theatre Company. In the field of Fine Arts, she was commissioned to create a series of portraits for the Living Justice, Living Peace initiative. These include portraits of Saint Brigid, Bishop Daniel Delany, and Nano Nagle, which are currently on display at the Brigidine Campus. Alisha has a deep passion for fine arts projects and loves taking the audience or viewer on a journey through her artistic practice, whether through visual storytelling or live performance.
"As an artist and coach, I believe that every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” (Pablo Picasso)"I am driven to nurture that innate creativity in students, empowering them to express themselves with confidence and curiosity as they grow into their own creative voice." (Alisha Ryan)
"I’ve stood in the spotlight, but I’ve found the real magic happens when you help others step into their own.
That’s why I do this – to give young people the space to be seen, heard and celebrated through the arts."
(Cassie Leopold)
Cassie Leopold (Music, Dance, Media, Drama)
An award-winning performer, Cassie Leopold brings over 30 years of experience in music, theatre, film and dance to St Joseph’s College. As a founding member of the ARIA-chart-topping country group Darlinghurst, Cassie has built a respected career across stage and screen, performing nationally and collaborating with some of Australia’s most celebrated artists. With five Number 1 singles on the country charts, Darlinghurst continues to enjoy widespread success. After recently returning from Nashville, where she spent time writing with some of the industry’s top country music songwriters and producers, Cassie is set to officially launch her solo career later this year. She will continue performing Darlinghurst’s greatest hits while stepping into this exciting new chapter as a solo artist. Cassie is a highly trained vocalist and dancer, with a strong foundation in jazz, ballet, funk and contemporary styles. Her creative repertoire also includes lead roles in feature films, theatre productions, and original screenplays, reflecting a lifelong commitment to performance and storytelling. As Co-Leader of the Arts Academy, Cassie is passionate about nurturing young artists. She believes deeply in the transformative power of the arts to inspire confidence, build resilience and foster joy. Her focus is on creating a space where students feel seen, supported and empowered to explore their creative voice.
"I’ve stood in the spotlight, but I’ve found the real magic happens when you help others step into their own.That’s why I do this – to give young people the space to be seen, heard and celebrated through the arts."(Cassie Leopold)
Arts Academy Teachers
BRADLEY
CLARK
KYLE
NICHOLLS
Academy Student Testimonials