The Schools Spectacular is back.

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 show, with the theme “Creating the Magic”, will include 4,700 students from schools spanning the geographic spread of the state.

Some 350 schools will take part as the event heads to Qudos Bank Arena on 25 and 26 November.

With preparations for the event well under way, The Arts Unit managed to provide us with a sneak peek of the incredible show that lies ahead.

Featured Artist, Maddie Stead (Northern Beaches Secondary College, Manly Campus), has already been singing up a storm and looks set to wow audiences.

A range of schools from around the state have already converged on Sydney for rehearsals, whilst others dialled in remotely including four dancers from the 29- student population at Matong Public School, students from Cowra High School and Bletchington Public School.

The boys’ hip hop ensemble has been doing big things – quite literally – with 100 dancers featuring in a special performance that included Nowra Public School, Bogangar Public School, Faulconbridge Public School and Orana Heights Public School.

The Hunter Signing Choir, Nepean Creative and Performing Arts Signing Choir plus Chertsey Public School Signing Choir also travelled to the arena especially for the day.

In all, over 1,500 students laid down their moves in rehearsals, many of them experiencing the thrill of the Spec for the first time.

And with more than three weeks still to go to sharpen their acts, there’s plenty of time to deliver one of the most anticipated events on the public school calendar.

“It really is a flagship event for the Department and represents the values of public education, giving every student from every school the opportunity to be engaged and challenged," NSW Department of Education’s Secretary Georgina Harrisson said.

“It is fantastic that we are able to bring everyone together at the end of this school year and celebrate the talents and dedication of our staff and students in the performing arts in a way that only the Schools Spectacular can.”

This year’s show will feature a 2,100-person voice choir, 2,200 dancers, a 100-piece symphony orchestra, 250 students from the signing choir, stage bands, VET crew and specialist ensembles, under the guidance of 600 teachers.

Students from Kindergarten to Year 12 will be represented.

Schools Spectacular tickets are available here through the Ticketek site while group bookings and further information can be obtained from: www.schoolsspectacular.com.au/tickets/

Schools Spectacular is produced by The Arts Unit at the NSW Department of Education and proudly sponsored by Telstra, the NSW Teachers Federation, School Bytes, RØDE, Smartsalary, Teachers Health, ASM Global and the Seven Network.