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At Footscray High School, the Arts are at the heart of our creative identity — a place where imagination, expression, and collaboration flourish. From the studio to the stage, our students engage in authentic creative practice that builds confidence, empathy, and connection with the wider community.
Our Visual Arts, Media, and Design programs invite students to explore their creativity through a rich variety of media. From painting and drawing to photography, digital design, ceramics and sculpture, students develop both technical skill and personal voice.
Classroom learning is complemented by a vibrant calendar of exhibitions and showcases that connect our young artists to real audiences. The Senior Art Exhibition at the Bluestone Church celebrates the creative achievements of our senior students, while the Junior Art and Technology Showcase highlights the innovative and experimental work of Years 7 to 9. Our Footscray Annual Film Festival (FAFF) transforms the Kinnear Theatre into a cinema for the night, celebrating short films produced by students in our Media program.
These experiences ensure our students not only make art, but also see themselves as part of a thriving creative community.
The Performing Arts at Footscray High School are a dynamic expression of creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Through Drama, Theatre Studies, and Dance, students explore performance as both an art form and a way to connect with others – developing voice, movement, and storytelling skills that resonate far beyond the stage.
Whether you’re a musician, actor, dancer, or interested in behind-the-scenes roles like sound and light technicians, prop designers, or costume and makeup artists, we have a place for you.
Students rehearse and perform, bringing productions to life with creativity and professionalism. VCE Theatre Studies production offers senior students a chance to design and stage a full play for a public audience. Drama classes at Years 9 and 10 regularly perform for friends and families, giving every student the chance to share their work. Our Dance students perform across a range of styles, participating in showcases, concerts, and special events throughout the year.
Our school hosts two musicals annually, catering to both our Senior (Years 10–12) and Junior (Years 7–9) students. In addition to these musicals, our students participate in a wide array of dance, drama, and musical performances throughout the year — both within the school and at external community events. Together, these experiences foster not only artistic excellence, but also a strong sense of teamwork, pride, and belonging within our creative community.
The music programs are extensive, offering a range of musical experiences to students, with an emphasis on developing performance skills to a level of excellence. Has been designed for both students with a serious interest in music and those who want to pursue music as a recreational pastime.
Students can actively participate in various group performances, including string and jazz ensembles, rock bands, stage bands, concert bands, and choral groups.
We are proud to maintain a robust classroom music program that includes all Year 7 and 8 students. As of Year 9, music becomes an elective for interested students, offering them an enriched musical journey. Additionally, many elect to participate in our extensive instrumental music program. This program operates within the school day. Students are withdrawn from normal classes, on a rotation basis.
Our Instrumental Music program continues to thrive, welcoming students from Year 7 to 12. We teach a wide range of instruments, including strings, percussion, brass, woodwind, and voice. Our dedicated specialist teachers provide weekly lessons, and students actively engage in ensemble performances. Our current ensembles, such as the concert band, stage band, string ensemble, percussion ensemble, rock bands, and choirs, provide ample opportunities for students to hone their musical talents.