Specialist Visual and Performing Arts (SVAPA) program
The Specialist Visual And Performing Arts (SVAPA) program at Mount Lawley Senior High School is a middle school contemporary cross-arts course, running from year 7 to year 9.
SVAPA focuses on connections within the arts disciplines rather than teaching them in isolation. It was created to meet the needs of an intake that were creative and community oriented. The three year program is the first and only one of its kind in the state. Auditions take place in year 6 across music, art, drama and includes a portfolio submission. The program takes 32 merit selected students per year.
Since its inception, it has grown into a highly esteemed and respected industry led program with an emphasis on experimental and contemporary work.
Students enjoy a wide range of extracurricular activities, projects, excursions, international tours, camps and numerous opportunities to work with professional artists. Students in SVAPA enjoy the enrichment workshops and being in classes of creative, keen peers who respond enthusiastically to the heightened expectations of their specialist teachers.
Because we believe our students are innovative artists and they have been trained to work collaboratively alongside professionals, we have a large uptake of students pursuing a career in the arts. Notable alumni are Dacre Montgomery (Stranger Things), Asher Yasbincek (The Heights), Shannon Berry (Packed to the Rafters), Isabelle McDonald (award winning theatre maker), not to mention countless musicians, artists, backstage techies and arts administrators.
Success in Senior School arises from interest, developing excellence and a joy of learning that is nurtured by the SVAPA pedagogy. We offer ATAR Drama, Art, Music and Media as well as a Certificate II in Creative Industries and a Certificate III in Music Industry (Performance). These programs give students some very exciting options.
Further details about the SVAPA Program
Details about applying for the SVAPA Program
