When BSSC Year 12 student, Kaled Dunn-Goudge, was asked to think of a term that best describes senior, he chose the word, “creativity”.
“The subjects on offer and the talent among staff and students here; the way people inspire one another makes you want to invest yourself and get your creativity really flowing.”
Kaled says expert teaching is what he likes most about the college.
“My teachers are so experienced and dedicated and build strong, positive relationships with students—always encouraging us to try something new.”
He studies music externally as part of his VCE program and is also enrolled in English, Music Performance: Repertoire, Music: Composition, Theatre Studies, and Drama.
Does he have a favourite subject? He says this changes according to what’s going on at the time.
Recently Theatre and Drama have been especially enjoyable as Kaled performed the role of ‘the butler’ in the Drama students’ wonderful production of the stage play ‘Clue’.
Kaled was part of the back-stage crew for the alternate team presenting the play.
This, and other experience on stage and as support crew, have confirmed he always wants to be involved in theatre and is specifically keen to work backstage.
An Arts Leader at BSE, college productions taught him a great deal about acting, lighting, sound, and music production.
BSE also brought his inspiring Advisor, Art teacher Alanah Brand, into his life as well as Music teacher Stephen Briggs—nicknamed “Briggsy”—who was pivotal in helping Kaled realise how enjoyable and important backstage roles are.
Kaled has been very fortunate to have the support of his family as he has pursued an artistic academic program.
Despite all this success, he is not presently aiming for a career in the theatre. This said, he does admit if he was offered a chance to work with lighting on Broadway, he’s a definite ‘yes’.
“I’ve always enjoyed helping other people so I’ve decided to do a course at TAFE to become an Independence Support Worker.
“This will give me a way of supporting myself with meaningful work which also leaves me plenty of time to be involved in community theatre.”
Kaled’s realisation that helping others can enrich life was brought home to him both gradually—through long involvement with the Scouting movement—and powerfully through a potential emergency situation which developed during a Scout Jamboree.
Jamborees bring together huge numbers of scouts from across age-groups and from a variety of locations. At the Victorian Jamboree held at the end of Covid, Kaled had a leadership role which he relished.
However, Mother Nature provided a further challenge for the gathering.
“Most of the scouts were off on various activities when we got this message that we had around 50 minutes to prepare for a serious and potentially damaging windstorm.
“I was so impressed watching the way everyone at the vast campsite jumped straight in and worked so hard to reinforce all the tents.”
Music is Kaled’s other priority and he’s been playing saxophone since he was in primary school at Camp Hill Primary School.
“My music teacher really inspired me and got me dedicated to the saxophone,” Kaled says. “Then when I was in Year 11 my mum gave me her saxophone.”
These days BSSC staff and students often get to hear Kaled at Open Mic concerts in the plaza.
Teaching himself piano also allows him to have another instrument track he can easily incorporate into compositions.
“I often start with the rhythm and build from there.”
Music is how he destresses and is the perpetual soundtrack to his homework—he’s one of those people who approach homework intent to work until the work’s done.
When he has downtime, big bands and musicals are favourites. Over the last four years he’s been following Jorge Rivera-Herrans, who is writing the score and lyrics for an adaption of the Greek epic poem, ‘The Odyssey’ that he’s titled ‘Epic’.
(Epic is available online via Youtube and other streaming services.)
Kaled says the standard of the performances and the magnificent musical score have had him rivetted since he discovered it.
While talented people such as Rivera-Herrans impress Kaled, he says anyone who is kind, caring and looks out for others, makes a difference in the world.
He’s also grateful for everyone who has pushed him to be his best self and he is proud to have been able to recognise there’s value in being a ‘work-in-progress’ towards a better version of himself.
“I have also been fortunate to work with wonderful teachers, fellow-students and cast members of musicals I’ve been in. I wouldn’t be where I am now without their influence and encouragement.”
If Kaled could go back and give his twelve-year-old self some advice, he says; “Get into casual suit fashion.”
He’s found the ‘look’ that works for him and wishes he’d been an earlier adopter!
At a more philosophical level, he also says, “Keep looking out for others and they will look out for you.”
