State High School
Empowering Learners. Empowering Futures.
WELCOME VISION
Dance Excellence at Wavell State High School empowers learners to innovate and apply the technical and creative skills of dance whilst building versatility and resilience for life beyond school. At Wavell, our Dance Excellence Program provides students from Years 7–12 with opportunities to develop their technical skill, creativity, confidence and artistic expression within a supportive and engaging learning environment.
Students engage in a dynamic curriculum that combines performance, choreography, technical training, creative exploration and authentic industry experiences. Through workshops, performances, competitions, community engagement and unique industry pathways, students are encouraged to grow as versatile performers, collaborative artists and confident young people.
Our experienced teaching team fosters a culture of high expectations, commitment and excellence, supporting students throughout their learning journey to achieve their personal best. Through high-quality training, industry-standard practices, nationally recognised qualifications, and meaningful connections with the professional dance industry, students are challenged to develop the discipline, resilience and skills required for success. The program prepares students for future pathways both within and beyond the performing arts, equipping them to pursue excellence in further education, training and professional careers.
WHY CHOOSE WAVELL?
At Wavell, we believe dance is more than movement; it is a pathway to creativity, confidence, collaboration and future opportunities. Our Dance Excellence Program provides students with a rich and challenging learning journey from Years 7–12, combining high-quality dance education, industry connections, performance opportunities and nationally recognised qualifications.
Students in Dance Excellence will:
• Develop technical versatility across a range of dance styles, building strength, artistry and performance quality.
• Work alongside industry professionals and guest artists, gaining insight into the expectations and opportunities within the professional dance sector.
• Perform regularly in school productions, showcases, community events and competitions
• Develop choreography, composition and creative practice skills, empowering them to become independent and innovative artists.
• Access nationally recognised qualifications in partnership with Queensland College of Dance (RTO1476), including Certificate III in Dance (Year 10) and Certificate IV in Dance (Years 11–12), providing valuable pathways beyond secondary school.
• Engage in leadership, mentoring and community programs, developing skills that extend far beyond the dance studio.
• Establish meaningful connections with the professional dance industry through exclusive partnerships, workshops and real-world experiences.
• Build confidence, resilience and discipline while developing valuable transferable skills, including communication, creativity, problem-solving, self-management and collaboration, through engaging and challenging creative experiences.
Through a purposefully designed pathway from Year 7 to Year 12, Wavell Dance Excellence nurtures passionate, dedicated and emerging young artists, preparing students for further study, professional pathways and lifelong success; both on and off the stage.
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS & EXPERIENCES AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Wavell Dance Excellence proudly engages with leading industry organisations and professionals including:
• Queensland College of Dance
• Motion Fusion
• Queensland Ballet
• Bangarra Dance Theatre
• Guest choreographers and teaching artists
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCES
Throughout the year, students may participate in:
• Industry workshops
• Industry Immersion days
• Guest artist choreography experiences
• Professional performance viewings
• Eisteddfods and competitions
• Wavell Arts Fest
These opportunities allow students to connect with the wider dance industry while developing confidence, professionalism and performance experience.
OUR PROGRAM
Students engage in a dynamic and industryconnected curriculum that combines:
• Technical training
• Performance
• Choreography and composition
• Dance theory and analysis
• Strength and conditioning
• Industry experiences
• Leadership and community engagement
• Collaborative creative practice
The program is designed to nurture versatile dancers while developing creativity, confidence, resilience and collaboration.
Students will undertake the Dance Excellence Program from Years 7–9, building a strong foundation in technical skills, performance, choreography and creative practice.
In Year 10, students may continue their specialised dance pathway through the Certificate III in Dance, with the opportunity to progress to the Certificate IV in Dance in Years 11 and 12. This pathway provides advanced training, industry-relevant learning and nationally recognised qualifications, supporting students to pursue further study, professional opportunities and success beyond the stage. Certificate courses are delivered in partnership with Queensland College of Dance, RTO 1476.
Students who choose not to undertake the Certificate pathway in Year 10 may elect to study Core Dance, allowing them to continue developing their passion and skills in dance within the school curriculum.
JUNIOR DANCE EXCELLENCE
(YEARS 7-9)
The Junior Dance Excellence Program aims to inspire and develop passionate young dancers through Australian Curriculum aligned classes specialising in performance, choreography and
Through enriching industry experiences, creative exploration and performance opportunities, students build confidence, resilience, collaboration and a lifelong appreciation for dance within a supportive and engaging learning environment.
Junior Program Structure
Students participate in three timetabled 70-minute lessons a week:
• 1 x strength and conditioning through Motion Fusion with a specialised dance Exercise Physiologist
• 2 x variety of performance training, technique classes, choreography and dance composition, dance theory and analysis
There will be one (1) additional before school morning rehearsal in preparation for competitions.
Cost: For current pricing, refer to https://wavellshs. eq.edu.au/Enrolments – Programs of Excellence
Entry Requirements:
• Live audition demonstrating competence in ballet or jazz dance
• New students to Wavell State High School must apply through https://wavellshs.eq.edu.au/enrolments/ enrolling-at-our-school
COURSE OVERVIEW
Year 7 and 8 Units of Study
The Performer's Toolkit
Develops students' versatility as performers by exploring the essential skills required across musical theatre and technical jazz genre. Across the unit, students build confidence, discipline and artistry through focused performance and technique-based learning.
Dance 2.0
Further develop foundational skills, technical proficiency, stagecraft and performance artistry while engaging with a diverse range of dance works through performance, analysis and interpretation.
Stories in Motion
Combines narrative exploration with contemporary technique, guiding students to move with intention and skill. Students will have the opportunity to work with an industry professional while building their choreographic skills.
Go Viral
Develop choreographic and performance skills by creating an original dance work for an online audience, culminating in the production of a professional dance showreel showcasing their technical ability, artistry and individual creative voice.
Year 9 Units of Study
Contemporary Pioneers
Explores how contemporary dance communicates ideas, emotions and meaning through movement. They investigate the pioneers and development of contemporary dance and analyse how choreographic and performance elements are used to convey meaning.
Community Connections
Investigate the role of dance in connecting, celebrating and inspiring communities, while examining how dance can create positive social impact. They develop foundational leadership and teaching skills through choreographing and delivering dance activities in community and peer settings.
Commercial Dance
Further develop their jazz dance technique through the rehearsal and performance of a work created by a guest choreographer. They refine performance quality, stylistic accuracy and professional rehearsal
SENIOR DANCE EXCELLENCE
The Senior Dance Excellence Program is designed for students who are passionate about dance and wish to extend their training while gaining nationally recognised qualifications, industry experience, and valuable Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) credit.
Delivered through our exclusive partnership with Queensland College of Dance (RTO 1476), this unique pathway combines specialist dance training with a balanced senior secondary education, allowing students to remain fully enrolled and supported within the Wavell State High School environment.
Partnership with Queensland College of Dance
Wavell State High School is proud to partner with Queensland College of Dance to provide students with access to specialist training and industry-informed learning experiences.
Through this partnership, students will:
• Train with experienced industry professionals
• Access specialist dance facilities and resources
• Complete nationally recognised vocational qualifications
• Develop professional performance and audition skills
• Participation in QCD’s productions or showcases (subject to audition or invitation)
• Remain connected to their school community and academic studies
• Maintain a balanced timetable while undertaking advanced dance training
One of the key advantages of this model is that students maintain a balanced academic timetable, with minimal impact on their regular schedule to allow access to specialist dance training. Many external programs require students to be absent from school for an entire day
QCE and ATAR Information
Successful completion of vocational qualifications contributes towards a student’s Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and can support ATAR eligibility. Students may benefit through QCE credit accumulation, contribution towards ATAR eligibility, nationally recognised qualifications, and enhanced tertiary entrance and employment applications. Universities and higher education institutions may allocate you a selection rank depending on the level of qualification completed. As an indication, Certificate III in Dance may contribute to an ATAR equivalent of approximately 68, while Certificate IV in Dance may contribute to an ATAR equivalent of approximately 74. Additional admissions policies may also apply for recent Year 12 graduates with completed VET qualifications. For more information visit the QTAC website.
Senior Program Structure
Students participate in:
• Offsite Training
u Half-day specialist training at Queensland College of Dance studios
u Classes delivered by industry professionals
• School-Based Lessons
u Two additional lessons per week at Wavell State High School
u Completion of qualification requirements, assessment, theory and practical components
This hybrid delivery model provides students with both elite training opportunities and ongoing
COURSE OVERVIEW
CUACHR311 Develop Basic Dance Composition Skills
CUADAN331 Integrate Rhythm into Movement Activities
CUAIND311 Work Effectively in the Creative Arts Industry
CUAPRF317 Develop Performance Techniques
CUAWHS311 Condition the Body for Dance Performance
CUACIR301 Perform Basic On-Ground Acrobatic Techniques
CUADAN313 Develop and Apply Dance Partnering Techniques
CUADAN314 Develop Dance Improvisation Skills
CUADAN315 Increase Depth of Jazz Dance Techniques
CUADAN318 Increase Depth of Contemporary Dance Techniques
CUADAN319 Increase Depth of Street Dance Techniques
CUAPRF314 Develop Audition Techniques
CUAWHS211 Develop a Basic Level of Physical Fitness for Dance Performance
CUACHR413 Develop Choreography Skills
CUADAN313 Develop and Apply Dance Partnering Techniques
CUADAN417 Develop Expertise in Dance Performance Techniques
CUAPRF414 Develop Movement Skills for Performance
CUAPRF415 Rehearse for Performances
CUAWHS411 Apply Movement and Behavioural Principles to Conditioning
CUADAN419 Develop Expertise in Contemporary Dance Techniques
CUADAN432 Improvise Advanced Dance Sequences
CUADAN415 Develop Expertise in Street Dance Techniques
CUADAN423 Develop Expertise in Lyrical Dance Techniques
CUAPRF314 Develop Audition Techniques
CUACHR311 Develop Basic Dance Composition Skills
CUACIR301 Perform Basic On-Ground Acrobatic Techniques
Contact us for further information
Dance Excellence Coordinator
Faith Simpson
T: (07) 3350 0387 E: arts@wavellshs.eq.edu.au
WAVELL STATE HIGH SCHOOL
T: (07) 3350 0333
A: Telopia Avenue, Wavell Heights QLD 4012
W: www.wavellshs.eq.edu.au
Principal Email: principal@wavellshs.eq.edu.au
Enrolments
Email: enrolments@wavellshs.eq.edu.au
Scan QR code to enrol:
RTO PROVIDER
Queensland College of Dance (RTO 1476) E: admin@qldcollegeofdance.com.au
T: (07) 3733 0900
A: 26 Glentanna Street, Kendron QLD 4031 W: www.queenslandcollegeofdance.com.au
