Charles Campbell College performing arts academy in Adelaide's east hones talents in dance, music and drama

Charles Campbell College was the only South Australian state school presenting an act from 2013 at the Adelaide Fringe festival with students drawing on their talents in dance, music and drama honed at its performing arts academy. 
Images courtesy Charles Campbell College

The Performing Arts Academy at Charles Campbell College, a South Australian state high school in Adelaide northeast suburbs, had its students performing at the city’s Fringe festival every year from 2013.

The school’s arts academy offered a rigorous curriculum in dance, music and drama. Other state high schools – Golden Grove, Mitcham Girls and Seaview – presented dance courses.

Charles Campbell College selective entry performing arts academy could be accessed by students via an audition in Year 7. Private auditions might be conducted for individuals or groups of students at different year levels on request. Students in the selective entry programme pursued studies in a minimum of two areas in dance, drama or music. Aboriginal students with a particular interest and talent in the arts were supported through the audition and throughout their secondary education.

Charles Campbell College in Paradise at the base of the Adelaide Hills was originally opened in 1970 as Campbelltown Technical High School before becoming Thorndon High School in 1973. Another big change loomed in 1990 with the South Australian government education department suggesting Thorndon High School amalgamate with the nearby Campbelltown High School.  The schools combined in 1992 to form Charles Campbell Secondary School and, with continual growth, peaked at about 1350 students in the late 1990s. 

Discussions about a possibly amalgamating with Campbelltown Primary School started in 2007, with an $10.155 million to refurbish the new R-12 school approved in 2009. Charles Campbell College started operating in 2012.