Performing Arts Niche

Nurturing the Heart, Stage, and Soul: Performing Arts at SACSS

The Performing Arts at St. Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School (SACSS) is more than just a tradition; it is a legacy of excellence that dates back to the early 1950s. What began as year-end concerts and Christmas plays has evolved into a comprehensive, forward-thinking Performing Arts Education (PfE) niche that empowers every Canossian to lead and serve with grace.

Our Heritage: From Classroom to Center Stage

In 1998, inspired by the transformative power of drama, our former Principal, Sister Cecily Pavri, integrated the Performing Arts into the formal curriculum. This visionary move culminated in 2004 with the official launch of our niche area and the birth of our signature biennial festival, Arts Alive! Today, our PfE curriculum—comprising Music and Drama for all Lower Secondary students—is designed to nurture interest, build self-confidence, and expose students to a diverse world of artistic expression. This foundation is further strengthened by our eight Performing Arts CCAs, which consistently achieve top honors at the Singapore Youth Festival and prestigious international competitions.

Empowering Future-Ready Canossians

As the landscape of education and the creative industries evolves, so does SACSS. Our department vision is to empower future-ready Canossians of influence through performing arts, fostering creativity, resilience, and leadership rooted in compassion and competence.

We are committed to a curriculum that aligns with our school vision of producing "Canossians of Influence" who Lead and Serve:

Passion & Pathways: To support students eyeing careers in the creative industries, we have established strategic partnerships with LASALLE College of the Arts since 2025. Students gain direct insight from industry professionals and experience the rigors of higher arts education.
Project-Based Learning (PBL): Through intentional Project-Based Learning, students become agents of their own discovery, building the resilience and critical thinking skills necessary for the 21st century.
Cognitive Growth & 21CC: We have enhanced our Schemes of Work (SOW) to focus explicitly on 21st Century Competencies and Metacognition. By reflecting on their own creative processes, students develop a deeper understanding of how they learn and create.
Art for the Community: Our students don’t just perform for applause; they perform for a purpose. Through Values-in-Action (VIA) and Service Learning, students use their artistic talents to build community and serve others, embodying the Canossian spirit.

A Gateway to the Creative World

The SACSS PfE niche provides a forward-thinking foundation to meet the demands of modern arts schools and the creative economy. Beyond the classroom, our students engage in:

Industry Immersions: Visits to SOTA, the University of the Arts Singapore, and various creative industry hubs.
Professional Mentorship: Talks and workshops led by practicing professionals to bridge the gap between school and the professional stage.

"At SACSS, we provide a holistic performing arts education that nurtures artistic growth and 21st Century Competencies, preparing students to lead, collaborate, and serve with passion and purpose."

Whether our students choose to grace professional stages or pursue other paths, they leave SACSS equipped with the creativity, collaboration, and communication skills to influence the world for the better.