The Australian College of Music recognises the hard work of students who achieve good results. There are a variety of awards available to students.
Gold and Silver Excellence Awards
Gold Awards are given for the highest mark obtained in the State and Silver Awards given for the second highest mark obtained. These awards are given for both Speech and Music and are awarded for each grade level and are presented by teachers to their students.
Sheila Birchley Award
This award is granted annually to students in Years 10-12 in honour of ACM’s co-founder, Mrs Sheila Birchley She was a woman of outstanding substance, family dedication, a determined fighting spirit and incredible talents, who initiated and founded the Australian College of Music in 1966. Together with Patrick Ryan, she was responsible for seeking Letters Patent for the ACM which were issued on 16th May 1968. Sheila focused on mandating content for College syllabuses that would be recognised both nationally and internationally. She worked tirelessly and passionately, to provide challenging syllabuses, to secure specific well-qualified, compassionate examiners, to uphold very high standards and to provide feedback and support to students and teachers.
Sheila (a performer, teacher, examiner and adjudicator) gave her talents freely to those who were unable to afford tuition, helped the disabled, brought culture to the communities where she lived and, through encouraging teaching, developed the talents of many. Sheila initiated the annual ACM Awards Night to showcase students’ talents. The Sheila Birchley Award carries with it a $250 gift card to assist the recipient with his or her further study. Several criteria including performance achievement as demonstrated by examination results (both practical and theoretical components), ambassadorial qualities and potential are used in determining the recipient for each particular year.
Patrick Ryan Achievement Awards
These awards are presented annually to students in Years 7-9 in honour of Mr Patrick Ryan OAM, a founding member of this College, and a highly-respected educator and examiner. Criteria used in determining recipients include involvement with the College and consistency in achievement. Teachers can nominate candidates deserving of these awards and outline their work ethic, commitment, and consistency in achievement. Each award carries a $100 gift card to assist the recipient with further study.
Annabel Jessie Garriock Memorial Award of Excellence
This Award celebrates the life of Annabel Garriock, who sadly passed away in 2009 at the age of sixteen. Annabel undertook examinations each year with the Australian College of Music. The presentation of this award recognises the commitment and work ethic of an outstanding Speech candidate who has completed Grade V in Speech and Drama or Speaking and Communicating. This award carries a book prize relating to Australian literature (to the value of $75).
Patrea O’Shea Memorial Award
This award is presented to honour Patrea O’Shea who was a founding member of the college. There would be many people reading this today who were either taught or examined by Patrea. She loved every aspect of performing arts and was a member of many groups and ensembles. Patrea was an examiner for both Music and Speech subjects, then became President and Coordinator of Speech subjects for a number of years. After she retired from these positions, she remained involved in ACM up until shortly before her sudden death. She was a wonderful mentor to many, a gracious and professional lady with a generous heart. Each award carries with it a $100 gift card to assist the recipient in Years 10 to 12 with further studies in music and speech.
Photo courtesy of Fairholme College Toowoomba – Historical Collection.