Independent Schools Guide 2024: Lights, camera, action at Haileybury 

From The SpongeBob Musical and Wizard of Oz Jr to Twilight Concerts and Aria Nights, creative performances staged in front of capacity audiences are an integral part of the performing arts program at Haileybury.

The SpongeBob Musical brought colourful sets, outlandish costumes, stand-out acting and choreography, and spectacular sound effects to the stage of Aikman Hall at Haileybury’s Keysborough campus.

The energetic production was nominated for a list of Lyrebird Awards that recognise performing arts excellence, and won awards for best sound and best solo song (male role).

Work is already underway on the 2024 Senior School production, The Addams Family, which promises to be another theatrical and musical extravaganza.

Haileybury’s performing arts opportunities begin in Prep, with all students taking part in drama classes until Year 9.

Students can then choose to continue their performing arts journey.

“It’s well recognised that being involved with performing arts fosters better communication skills, creativity and collaboration, and builds confidence,” says Nick Waxman, Head of Theatre Studies, Drama and Dance.

“These are 21st-century skills, and they are valuable currency for young people when they leave school.”

Inclusivity is also a key element of performing arts at Haileybury. Students may be seasoned dancers, actors or musicians, or may never have stepped on a stage or picked up an instrument.

“If students are hesitant, our teachers find ways for them to fit in,” Waxman says. “Each student’s input is valued and celebrated.”

Haileybury’s music program is equally all-encompassing. Director of Performing Arts Rod Marshall has been at the school for 21 years and has seen involvement in the program rise to the point where just over 25 per cent of students now have a weekly private music lesson at school.

“While there is a strong academic focus among families, they also want to see their children being part of the rich performing arts culture at school,” Marshall says. “They want their children to connect with other children and to develop character.”

Music is part of the classroom from the early years, with a compulsory Year 2 String Program for budding violinists and cellists.

In Year 5, a Band Program sees students pick up a percussion, brass or woodwind instrument. The school also has a strong record in VCE music.

Across the school year, there are opportunities for musicians of all ages to showcase their talents.

Haileybury

Haileybury Keysborough

855 Springvale Road, Keysborough, VIC 3173

Enquiries: 9904 6000

Haileybury Brighton

120 South Road, Brighton East, VIC 3187

Enquiries: 9904 6004

Haileybury City

383 King Street, West Melbourne, VIC 3003

Enquiries: 9904 6008

Haileybury Berwick

138 High Street, Berwick, VIC 3806

haileybury.com.au

Enquiries: 9904 6006

admissions@haileybury.com.au

Years: ELC-Year 12

Denomination: No religious affiliation

Gender: Co-educational

Fees: $21,345 (ELC) – $37,900 (Year 12)

Boarding: No

Scholarships: Academic, Haileybury Excellence (General Excellence, Indigenous, Music), Haileybury Foundation Scholarships (incorporating Socio-Economic)

ATAR (median for 2023): 89.4