Speech and Drama Studio Term 1 Update
All speech and drama programs conclude this week (with the exception of Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2 group classes which run until the end of Term). As our programs run on eight week terms and this term is a long one with 11 weeks it may feel earlier than usual as Term 2 and Term 3 are only nine weeks.
It has been a fabulous term, filled with creative endeavours and oratory feats, and we are confident that the remainder of the year, will be just as brilliant.
We have witnessed outstanding improvisations and superb impromptu speeches, and we are immensely proud of all our students. You have all stepped up, taken risks, pushed beyond your comfort zones, and allowed your creativity to shine. Your ideas have been clever, your arguments incisive, and, most importantly, you have been absolutely mesmerising (which is the goal).
We shall continue to build on that in the coming terms. We shall refine our skills, polish our techniques, and eliminate weaknesses or limiting qualities, such as verbal fillers and fidgeting. We shall sharpen our strengths and uncover our unique voice. We shall keep honing our craft and showcasing our distinctive strengths on stage as speakers or performers.
Inner West Eisteddfod Update
We are thrilled to have so many students entering the Inner West eisteddfod this year. Invoices are being sent over the next 2 days to those enrolling and payment is due by this Friday 28 March. Invoices will be emailed via SQUARE, our payment site, so please look out for it and check you junk folder. We will be doing a school group entry this year to make it easier for parents and carers and avoid errors with entering the incorrect sections. The invoice from us will reflect the correct section/s your child is entering. Entries into all other eisteddfods including Ryde and Sydney need to be entered directly by the parent/carer. Please note the Parramatta eisteddfod closing date has now passed.
We are looking forward to an exciting eisteddfod season next term.
Term 2 Enrolment
Student enrolment is automatically rolled over each term unless notified otherwise. As per the notices in the newsletter and MLC School App, the deadline to notify of a withdrawal for Term 2 was Friday 14 March, otherwise a full term’s fee will be charged. Existing students are not required to complete another enrolment form, but you do need to make the Term 2 fee payment.
The Term 2 payment link will be emailed to parents on Monday.
Speech and drama programs commence in Week 1 of Term 2, Tuesday 29 April 2025.
ASCA EXCELLENCE AWARDS
The ASCA Excellence Awards are a prestigious recognition of outstanding achievements in speech, communication, and performance. It celebrates students who have demonstrated exceptional growth, confidence, and skill throughout their journey with ASCA. We are immensely proud of all of our students for their dedication, hard work and enthusiasm in Speech and Drama. Every student is deserving of an award, however only a small number of students can be selected each year and are also recommended by the ASCA Examiner.
The Award winners will be presented with their medal and certificate at the ASCA Awards Ceremony held this Saturday 29th March at Ravenswood School for Girls.
Centre Medals:
- Senior – Ella Baker (Year 12) and Nitya Nimalan (Year 12) and Tasha Keeann Wong (Yer 12)
- Junior – Annika Bou (Year 6) and Eloise Dastyari (Year 6)
Studio Medals:
- Senior – Abira Sanan (Year 7)
- Junior – EveHutchison (Year 6) and Sienna Dib (Year 6)
Achievement Medals :
- Junior – Natasha McGuire (Year 4) and Sonia Chung (Year 4)
A huge congratulations to our Year 12 students who completed their ASCA Certificate of Communication and final exam of their ASCA journey. Each student achieved exceptional results all over 90% with one student achieving an outstanding 99.5% and another 99%. These well-deserved results are a testament to the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our students over many years.
The Australian Speech Communication Association (ASCA) is an internationally recognized National Examining Board offering exams in performance and communication. Upon completing ASCA Grades 6-8, students can earn the prestigious ASCA Certificate of Communication, allowing them to use the professional title Cert.Comm ASCA after their name.
This certificate serves as a professional qualification, showcasing advanced oral communication skills. It is particularly beneficial for school leavers, professionals in business, lecturers, public speakers, and individuals in other professional fields. Additionally, it offers an advantage for university applications, as it can contribute extra ATAR points through the Elite Athletes and Performers scheme at selected universities.
This year we have several students sitting the ASCA certificate of Communication and Seven Year 11 students completing their Trinity College of London ATCL Diploma, which is also a professional qualification. We have included more information about the exams below.
Exams will be in Term 3 and Term 4 this year for speech and drama students from Year 3 upwards.
We are waiting on confirmation of Assembly dates to present the 2024 exam certificates. Thank you for your patience.
– Monica Brian
The Speech and Drama Studio Director
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