In this episode of "Dare to Be More," we sit down with Lisa Jingha, Head of Department — Dance, Drama and Entertainment at MLC School, to explore how the performing arts do far more than put girls on a stage. From the compulsory Drama and Dance programme in Years 7 and 8 through to HSC and IB Theatre pathways, Lisa reveals why these subjects are among the most academically demanding on offer — and why the skills students gain translate directly into confidence, communication, and capability across every area of life.
Featured Guest: Lisa Jingha, Head of Department — Dance, Drama and Entertainment at MLC School
In This Episode, You'll Discover:
- Why Drama and Dance are compulsory in Years 7 and 8 at MLC — and how the programme is carefully scaffolded to include every girl, regardless of prior experience
- How the performing arts develop collaboration, confidence, and communication skills that employers consistently rate as their most valued attributes
- The full range of HSC and IB Theatre pathways available at MLC, including seven distinct HSC projects that cater to performers, writers, designers, and filmmakers alike
- The extraordinary post-school outcomes for students — including multiple NIDA acceptances and the story of the first woman admitted straight from school into NIDA's production course
- What parents need to understand about choosing Drama or Dance as an HSC subject — and why MLC's results in these subjects rival those of traditional academic disciplines
Key Topics Discussed:
- The structure and philosophy of the Dance, Drama and Entertainment programme from primary school through to Year 12
- How MLC caters for the full spectrum of students — from highly experienced performers to those who have never set foot on a stage
- The academic rigour of HSC Drama and IB Theatre, and MLC's exceptional results
- Performance highlights throughout the school year, including the middle years production, senior school production, and the annual Dance Showcase
- How performance skills — voice projection, empathy, collaboration, and presence under pressure — prepare girls for careers far beyond the arts
About MLC School: MLC School is a leading independent girls' school in Sydney, committed to empowering young women through academic excellence, character development, and innovative education. Our mission is to inspire girls to dare to be more.
Connect With Us:
- Website: mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au
- Instagram: @mlcsydney
- Facebook: @MLCSchoolSydney
- LinkedIn: MLC School
Co-host: Anthony Perl
Produced by: 'Podcasts Done for You'
Hashtags: #PerformingArts #DramaEducation #GirlsEducation #MLCSchool #DareToBeMore #CreativeEducation #EmpoweringGirls
