Secondary School & VET
Where school meets stage, and dancers design their future
Secondary Rockit is where young people in Years 9–12 deepen their technique, discover their artistic voice and build real‑world skills that support school, SACE and pathways beyond graduation. At Rockit, our SACE Dance students consistently achieve outstanding results, and have received feedback from such artists such as Stephanie Lake (Stephanie Lake Company) commenting on their ability to ask insightful, intellectual questions and willingness to learn.
The Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management (run through ATOD) develops technically strong, well-prepared teachers who can plan, deliver and manage high‑quality classes and programs. Rooted in inclusivity, artistry and community, the course trains educators to create welcoming spaces for all bodies and abilities, nurture creative expression, and build vibrant dance communities both inside and beyond the studio.
Dance training can open a wide range of employment pathways both inside and outside the studio. Many dancers go on to work as professional performers in companies, commercial projects or musical theatre, while others move into creative roles as choreographers, rehearsal directors, arts managers, producers and creatives behind the scenes. Some choose to become dance teachers in private studios, sharing their skills with recreational and advanced students, or follow an education pathway to become specialist high school dance teachers or primary school educators who integrate dance and movement across the curriculum. The discipline, body awareness and understanding of movement developed through dance also lead many into allied health careers such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, Pilates and yoga instruction, exercise physiology and other wellbeing-focused professions, where their deep knowledge of the moving body becomes a powerful asset.
ACARA Year 9-10
ACARA Year 9–10 Dance is delivered as a rigorous yet supportive program where students extend their technical skills, creativity and critical thinking through the lens of the Australian Curriculum. Classes balance structured technique with choreography, composition and performance tasks, giving students regular opportunities to create and perform original work, respond to professional pieces and collaborate with peers. We focus strongly on building confident, reflective young artists who can talk about dance using subject-specific language, connect their work to social and cultural contexts, and meet (and exceed) the achievement standards for Year 9–10 Dance while still feeling inspired, safe and part of a positive creative community.
SACE Stage 1 & 2
SACE Stage 1 and 2 Dance offers a high-support, high-expectation environment where students refine technical skills, choreograph original work and develop sophisticated analytical responses that meet the demands of senior secondary study. Through intensive practical training, creative tasks and guided reflection, students learn to craft polished performance pieces, articulate their artistic intentions and connect their work to broader social and cultural contexts, with outstanding success—over 90% of our SACE Dance students achieve an A-grade result, setting them up strongly for tertiary pathways and future careers in the arts and beyond.
“Our daughter has literally ‘come alive’ as a passionate, skilled performer…
Her technical ability and strength as a dancer has greatly improved and she is so much more expressive.”
Kathryn, Rockit Mum
VET
Certificate IV Dance Teaching and Management
Earn 95 SACE Stage 2 points through the VET program
The Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management (delivered through ATOD) at Rockit is designed for dancers who are ready to step into teaching and leadership with confidence. This nationally recognised qualification develops practical teaching skills, classroom management, choreography and the fundamentals of running dance programs, all within Rockit’s inclusive, artistry‑driven and community‑focused environment.
Across the course, trainees will:
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Develop safe, effective teaching practices for a range of ages and abilities, with a strong focus on inclusive and trauma‑aware approaches.
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Learn how to plan, deliver and evaluate engaging dance classes, including warm‑ups, progressions, choreography, feedback and reflection.
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Build skills in communication, leadership, behaviour guidance and creating a positive, supportive studio culture.
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Gain an introduction to the business side of dance: basic administration, customer service, policies, risk management and understanding their role within a professional studio.
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Explore choreography and creative process so they can design class activities and performance pieces that are artistically rich and age‑appropriate.
Trainee teachers at Rockit have the opportunity to apply their learning in real studio settings, assisting and co‑teaching under the guidance of experienced educators. This hands‑on experience, combined with ATOD’s structured coursework, prepares graduates to work as confident studio teachers, assistant teachers or emerging program leaders, and provides a strong foundation for further study in education, community arts, health and wellbeing.
The next step...
Secondary & VET Rockit is where young people in Years 9–12 deepen their technique, discover their artistic voice and build real‑world skills that support school, SACE and pathways beyond graduation. Our programs are designed to challenge, inspire and support students while keeping dance a positive, motivating part of their week.
In every secondary and VET class you’ll see:
- A structured but dynamic class format that builds technique, strength and performance quality.
- Longer combinations and focused training blocks to develop stamina, memory and discipline.
- Clear demonstrations with layered progressions for different ability levels.
- Constructive, respectful feedback that encourages growth without intimidation.
- A supportive environment where students are encouraged to take ownership of their training and learning.
We also focus on life-ready skills that extend beyond the studio: resilience, time management, self‑discipline, teamwork, goal setting and confidence in self‑expression.
Progress you can see
We believe in developing well-rounded dancers, while still delivering clear, measurable progress.
By the end of a typical year, many students will:
- Demonstrate improved strength, flexibility and technical control across their chosen styles.
- Retain and perform complex choreography with confidence and precision.
- Apply corrections independently and show noticeable growth in performance quality.
- Develop artistry through dynamics, musicality and emotional expression.
- Work collaboratively in group pieces while also building individual performance presence.
Across the year we provide:
Performance opportunities through studio showcases, assessments and major productions.
Ongoing feedback from teachers to support individual progress, academic goals and pathway planning.
How to join the Secondary program
Interested secondary students (ACARA/SACE pathways) will need to first speak with their school about joining the Secondary Program at Rockit. The Rockit Director is happy to speak directly with the relevant year level coordinator or leader to explain the program, expectations and how it can support the student’s learning. The Director can also assist with the enrolment process through the child’s school to ensure everything aligns with school requirements and timetables.
How to apply for VET
Applications for the VET Dance program should be made directly to the Rockit Director. Students must meet specific technical skills and readiness, as outlined by ATOD and the Director, before being considered for the program. Entry may include a skills assessment or class observation so we can ensure each student is placed where they can succeed and be safely extended.
Why Adelaide Hills families choose Secondary & VET Rockit
- A trusted local studio that supports teenagers through both dance and personal development.
- Experienced teaching team who understand how to motivate and engage senior students in both practical and academic dance.
- A strong focus on respect, confidence and creating a safe, inclusive space.
- Programs that balance technique, creativity, wellbeing and meaningful education pathways.
For more information about the Secondary or VET program, email admin@rockitpa.com.au
“Her confidence has just sky rocketed. Enrolling her was the best thing I have ever done.” – Gemma