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Media Release
TAFE NSW St Leonards | 9 June 2026
Students reimagine the Australian Museum in spectacular showcase
‘It has been incredible to watch students grow in confidence, creativity and capability, as they worked alongside industry partners to bring this ambitious project to life.’
Anna Messariti, Director, Bradfield Senior College
Year 11 students at Bradfield Senior College, based at TAFE NSW St Leonards, transformed their campus into an immersive living museum last Thursday night. Presenting STEP INSIDE: A Night at the Museum, they took their inspiration from the iconic collections and exhibitions of the Australian Museum.
More than 170 students explored themes of biodiversity, culture and the natural world, working together in creative skills groups. The collaborations produced impressive works across music, visual arts, dance, drama, film, fashion, poetry, digital art and research for immersive film elements. Each was developed alongside industry professionals and Australian Museum's curators, collection managers and scientists.
Music students provided a standout performance. Their work included composing original scores for immersive films alongside First Nations composer Troy Russell, Pasifika composer Sisi'uno Helu, teaching artists from TAFE NSW Eora as well as Excelsia University College.
The event marks the conclusion of Bradfield Senior College’s TAFE NSW Certificate II in Workplace Skills, a Year 11 project-based learning program across 16-weeks. It culminated in a public showcase that mirrors real-world industry practice. Working to a professional creative and operational brief, students delivered a large-scale public event while building technical capability, academic skills, professional portfolios and industry experience.
Director of Bradfield Senior College, Anna Messariti, said the event is a true celebration. It powerfully showcases the students’ talent and capacity to deliver a large-scale project outcome for a notable institution such as the Australian Museum.
‘It has been incredible to watch students grow in confidence, creativity and capability, as they worked alongside industry partners to bring this ambitious project to life,’ said Ms Messariti.
‘Our Workplace Skills project provides valuable real-world experience. It equips students with the practical, technical and collaborative skills they need, for future study and careers in creative industries.’
Richard Dilly, Director of Experience and Engagement at the Australian Museum, praised the collaboration with Bradfield Senior College and the quality of the student work.
‘After six months of working together, the result is a wonderful showcase of work to the highest standard,’ Mr Dilly said. ‘The students and teachers are to be commended for their creativity, artistry, ambition and imagination.
‘Opening our collections, our practices and our people to Bradfield's students is an investment in two things - the next generation of cultural and creative professionals, and the fresh thinking that keeps a 200-year-old institution on its toes.’
Bradfield Senior College
Since 1993, Bradfield Senior College has redefined senior secondary education by integrating the Higher School Certificate (HSC) with Vocational Education and Training (VET), giving students real-world experience in creative industries. Jointly funded by the NSW Department of Education and TAFE NSW, the college is based at the TAFE NSW St Leonards campus. In 2025, Bradfield Senior College was awarded Silver in the School Pathways to VET category at the Australian Training Awards, recognising excellence in delivering vocational education pathways for secondary students.
Media contact: Melanie O’Connell, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.
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