As a new member of staff at Pacific, I would like to introduce myself and the team responsible for leading the Performing Arts—specifically Drama and Dance—into its next phase of development. Pacific has an established reputation for high-quality performances and programs, and we are committed to both honouring this tradition and expanding opportunities for students through our collective expertise.
I, Mr Adam Starr, join Pacific as a Drama, Media, and English teacher, having taught extensively in both Australia and England. My professional focus centres on the value of a rigorous Arts education and the transferable skills it fosters regarding developing a wholistic education for students. With over 13 years of experience as Head of Performing Arts at Korowa Anglican Girls’ School, alongside similar leadership roles at St Leonard’s College, I bring significant experience in curriculum design and program development. My work with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), including contributions to Drama curriculum development and external examination assessment, has further strengthened my pedagogical practice. Having produced more than 30 school musicals and plays, I look forward to continuing Pacific’s strong tradition of productions that challenge, inspire, and engage students. Alongside our immediate goals, we are developing a five-year vision to position Pacific as a leading school for Dance and Drama.
Miss Nina Abbott joins the team as a Dance and Drama teacher, bringing extensive experience as both a professional dancer and educator. She is committed to building a dynamic and high-quality performance program that provides meaningful opportunities for students to excel both on stage and within the wider community.
Ms Trish Ray brings a strong focus on technical excellence, expressive artistry, and student confidence. With professional experience in Australia and internationally as a dancer and choreographer, she is passionate about fostering an inclusive, supportive, and aspirational learning environment. She will contribute across both Drama and Dance programs.
The Value of Performing Arts Education
Contemporary research consistently highlights the importance of transferable “foundation skills” required for success in 21st-century workplaces. According to Dr Lawrence K. Jones, these include competencies such as communication, collaboration, creative thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, leadership, and self-management. These 17 foundation skills, identified through multiple government-commissioned studies, are increasingly recognised as critical for high-performance work environments.
Dance and Drama education play a unique role in developing these competencies. Within the classroom, students actively engage in communication, interpretation, and collaboration. They learn to articulate ideas clearly, respond to others with empathy, and develop confidence in public speaking and presentation. Drama allows students to analyse human behaviour, manage emotions, and refine interpersonal skills such as negotiation, leadership, and conflict resolution.
Dance complements this by encouraging physical expression, creativity, and cognitive engagement. Studies indicate that participation in dance can improve coordination, memory, and overall brain function, while also contributing to physical health and emotional wellbeing. Importantly, both disciplines promote authentic human interaction—an increasingly valuable experience in a technology-driven world.
In an era characterised by rapid technological advancement, including the rise of artificial intelligence and digital communication platforms, the need for strong interpersonal and creative skills has never been greater. Employers consistently rank communication, teamwork, and adaptability among the most desirable attributes in graduates. Performing Arts education provides a structured and meaningful context in which these skills can be developed and practised.
Preparing Students for the Future
The benefits of Drama and Dance often become most apparent beyond schooling, as students transition into careers and adult life. Whether pursuing professions in the Arts, law, medicine, science, business, or human resources, the ability to communicate effectively, think creatively, and collaborate with others is essential.
Participation in Performing Arts has been shown to positively impact students’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Few subject areas offer such a comprehensive contribution to holistic education. Co-curricular programs, including school productions, further enhance this experience by fostering a strong sense of community, shared purpose, and personal responsibility.
Anecdotally, many former students identify their involvement in school productions and performances as among their most memorable and formative educational experiences. This reflects the enduring impact of the skills and relationships developed through the Arts.
Looking Ahead
At Pacific, we are deeply committed to the value of a high-quality Arts education. In 2026, our focus will include the continued development of creative and critical thinking through innovative and evidence-based teaching practices. By refining our pedagogy and expanding opportunities for student engagement, we aim to further strengthen our programs and outcomes.
At present the team are working feverishly preparing for the upcoming Senior Play Our Town and The Dance Showcase. Students in Middle College can look forward to auditioning this term for the musical that will be held later in the year, this will be announced in the coming weeks. The Senior Musical for 2027 will also audition in Term 4, so we have a busy, yet exciting time ahead.
Reflections on Creativity
We conclude with reflections from Sir Ken Robinson, a globally recognised leader in education, creativity, and innovation:
“Creativity now is as important in education as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status.”
“Every education system on Earth has the same hierarchy of subjects… at the top are mathematics and languages… and at the bottom are the arts.”
“Many highly talented, brilliant, creative people think they’re not—because what they were good at at school wasn’t valued.”
These insights reinforce the importance of ensuring that the Arts remain central, not peripheral, to a well-rounded education.
Mr Adam Starr, Acting Head of Drama and Dance