In this episode of Around the School Table (https://xuno.com.au/podcasts/), host Steve Davis is joined by Darcy Nolan, lower secondary subschool leader at Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School’s Bullengerook campus (https://wordpress.smrss.vic.edu.au/). The school is the setting for the acclaimed ABC documentary This is Going to Be Big, (https://iview.abc.net.au/show/this-is-going-to-be-big) which follows a group of neurodivergent teenagers as they take on the challenge of creating and performing an original high school musical inspired by Australian music icon John Farnham.

Darcy shares how a “yes, and” philosophy helped transform the school’s music program from the humble confines of an automotive shed into a vibrant centre-stage experience. The conversation explores the courage and creativity needed to work under national TV cameras, the importance of student voice and agency, and the remarkable outcomes that emerge when young people are trusted with authentic opportunities.

From the documentary’s origin, sparked by a student’s heartfelt declaration, “This is going to be big” - to the decision to weave John Farnham’s music through a time-travelling storyline, Darcy explains how music, drama, and history combined to empower students. He reflects on building resilience, fostering vulnerability, and adapting productions to suit the diverse needs of the school community.

The discussion also delves into working alongside parents, production crews, and dedicated teaching staff to ensure dignity and respect for all students. With practical insights on encouraging participation, building confidence, and sustaining a positive school culture, this episode offers inspiration for educators and leaders alike.

Whether you’re an education professional, a creative arts advocate, or simply curious about what’s possible when schools embrace bold projects, this conversation with Darcy Nolan is a compelling example of leadership, collaboration, and the transformative power of performance.

Powered by: xuno.com.au

In this episode of <a href="https://xuno.com.au/podcasts/">Around the School Table</a>&nbsp;(<a href="https://xuno.com.au/podcasts/">https://xuno.com.au/podcasts/</a>), host Steve Davis is joined by Darcy Nolan, lower secondary subschool leader at <a href="https://wordpress.smrss.vic.edu.au/">Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School</a>&rsquo;s Bullengerook campus (<a href="https://wordpress.smrss.vic.edu.au/">https://wordpress.smrss.vic.edu.au/</a>). The school is the setting for the acclaimed ABC documentary <a href="https://iview.abc.net.au/show/this-is-going-to-be-big">This is Going to Be Big,</a> (<a href="https://iview.abc.net.au/show/this-is-going-to-be-big)">https://iview.abc.net.au/show/this-is-going-to-be-big)</a> which follows a group of neurodivergent teenagers as they take on the challenge of creating and performing an original high school musical inspired by Australian music icon John Farnham.
Darcy shares how a &ldquo;yes, and&rdquo; philosophy helped transform the school&rsquo;s music program from the humble confines of an automotive shed into a vibrant centre-stage experience. The conversation explores the courage and creativity needed to work under national TV cameras, the importance of student voice and agency, and the remarkable outcomes that emerge when young people are trusted with authentic opportunities.
From the documentary&rsquo;s origin, sparked by a student&rsquo;s heartfelt declaration, &ldquo;This is going to be big&rdquo; - to the decision to weave John Farnham&rsquo;s music through a time-travelling storyline, Darcy explains how music, drama, and history combined to empower students. He reflects on building resilience, fostering vulnerability, and adapting productions to suit the diverse needs of the school community.
The discussion also delves into working alongside parents, production crews, and dedicated teaching staff to ensure dignity and respect for all students. With practical insights on encouraging participation, building confidence, and sustaining a positive school culture, this episode offers inspiration for educators and leaders alike.
Whether you&rsquo;re an education professional, a creative arts advocate, or simply curious about what&rsquo;s possible when schools embrace bold projects, this conversation with Darcy Nolan is a compelling example of leadership, collaboration, and the transformative power of performance.
Powered by:&nbsp;<a href="https://xuno.com.au/">xuno.com.au</a>

Around the School Table" brings together the many voices shaping primary and secondary education across Australia, from principals and teachers to education thought leaders and system innovators. Whether you're in the classroom, the staff room or the boardroom, this is your podcast to be informed, inspired and connected. 

About Xuno 

Xuno Suite is an all-in-one school management system for Australian K–12 schools. It simplifies administration, boosts communication, and supports student wellbeing. Core features include attendance, reporting, payments, incident tracking, and a parent app for real-time updates. Teachers can manage assessments, schedules, and contact families through the platform. Additional modules like Accelerus (advanced reporting) and Student Maps (learning analytics) offer deeper insights. Xuno complies with ACARA and ST4S standards, is locally supported, and trusted by over 500,000 users nationwide. 

Website: https://xuno.com.au/ 

Email: info@xuno.com.au 

Around the School Table" brings together the many voices shaping primary and secondary education across Australia, from principals and teachers to education thought leaders and system innovators. Whether you're in the classroom, the staff room or the boardroom, this is your podcast to be informed, inspired and connected.&nbsp;
About Xuno&nbsp;
Xuno Suite is an all-in-one school management system for Australian K&ndash;12 schools. It simplifies administration, boosts communication, and supports student wellbeing. Core features include attendance, reporting, payments, incident tracking, and a parent app for real-time updates. Teachers can manage assessments, schedules, and contact families through the platform. Additional modules like Accelerus (advanced reporting) and Student Maps (learning analytics) offer deeper insights. Xuno complies with ACARA and ST4S standards, is locally supported, and trusted by over 500,000 users nationwide.&nbsp;
Website: <a href="https://xuno.com.au/">https://xuno.com.au/</a>&nbsp;
Email: <a href="mailto:info@xuno.com.au">info@xuno.com.au</a>&nbsp;

Around the School Table 

Around the School Table" brings together the many voices shaping primary and secondary education across Australia, from principals and teachers to education thought leaders and system innovators. Whether you're in the classroom, the staff room or the boardroom, this is your podcast to be informed, inspired and connected. 

 

About Xuno 

Xuno Suite is an all-in-one school management system for Australian K–12 schools. It simplifies administration, boosts communication, and supports student wellbeing. Core features include attendance, reporting, payments, incident tracking, and a parent app for real-time updates. Teachers can manage assessments, schedules, and contact families through the platform. Additional modules like Accelerus (advanced reporting) and Student Maps (learning analytics) offer deeper insights. Xuno complies with ACARA and ST4S standards, is locally supported, and trusted by over 500,000 users nationwide. 

Website: https://xuno.com.au/ 

Email: info@xuno.com.au 

Around the School Table" brings together the many voices shaping primary and secondary education across Australia, from principals and teachers to education thought leaders and system innovators. Whether you're in the classroom, the staff room or the boardroom, this is your podcast to be informed, inspired and connected.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Xuno&nbsp;
Xuno Suite is an all-in-one school management system for Australian K&ndash;12 schools. It simplifies administration, boosts communication, and supports student wellbeing. Core features include attendance, reporting, payments, incident tracking, and a parent app for real-time updates. Teachers can manage assessments, schedules, and contact families through the platform. Additional modules like Accelerus (advanced reporting) and Student Maps (learning analytics) offer deeper insights. Xuno complies with ACARA and ST4S standards, is locally supported, and trusted by over 500,000 users nationwide.&nbsp;
Website: <a href="https://xuno.com.au/">https://xuno.com.au/</a>&nbsp;
Email: <a href="mailto:info@xuno.com.au">info@xuno.com.au</a>&nbsp;