The 2025 Schools Spectacular: A Showcase of Technical Skills
The Qudos Bank Arena was abuzz with excitement as 6,000 public school students took center stage at the annual Schools Spectacular. While the main performances dazzled the crowds with dance, singing, and acrobatics, behind the scenes, over 150 vocational education and training (VET) students showcased their technical prowess.
Students from Years 11 and 12 traveled from across the state to manage a range of technical aspects, from cameras and audio engineering to lighting, production, styling, and even operating the popular tiny café. One school that stood out in VET participation was Karabar High School, where 11 students gained hands-on industry experience throughout the event.
One of these students, Jack Merton, worked as a vision specialist, operating a camera for the IMag screens and projecting performances around the arena. Jack's enthusiasm for the course was evident, as he described it as 'fun and interactive,' allowing him to get hands-on experience with cameras and learn about large-scale technical aspects of a show.
Accompanying Jack was Karabar High School's music and entertainment teacher, Stephen Barrett, who served as the 2IC for the Schools Spectacular's student production team. Barrett emphasized the value of VET programs, stating that they provide students with the skills and experience needed to enter the industry confidently. He noted that VET subjects cater to a wide range of interests, from mechanics and carpenters to graphic designers and live entertainment professionals.
The Schools Spectacular also featured SpecFest, an entertainment hub run almost entirely by VET students. Eclipse Sound & Vision, the company that provided all the technical equipment for SpecFest, praised the students' enthusiasm and unique training environment. Nicole Neal, director and vision switcher from Eclipse, highlighted the deep-end experience the students received, stating that some had never touched a camera or seen a vision switcher before.
The event's success was also noted by Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education Steve Whan, who attended Schools Spectacular and SpecFest. Whan was delighted to meet with students from Karabar High School, where his children attended and his daughter currently teaches. He praised the students' dedication and skill, stating that their hands-on experiences prepared them for real careers in the entertainment industry and beyond.
The NSW Department of Education is proud to support such programs, recognizing their role in providing essential vocational skills and opening doors to future careers in the live entertainment industry and beyond.
