Category 1 & 2 – Combined 
Perfect for teachers who are new to the DP Dance course as well as those with some experience looking to deepen their practice.

• This workshop builds a strong foundation in the IB mission and philosophy and how they underpin the DP Dance course. You’ll explore the guide, syllabus and assessment requirements in depth — from composition and analysis to world dance studies and performance — with opportunities to review and practise marking authentic student work.
• Through collaborative exploration, you’ll strengthen your understanding of how dance can be taught as both art and inquiry. You’ll develop practical strategies to design creative, inclusive learning experiences, refine feedback and assessment practices, and build a coherent course that connects choreography, performance, and research to support student artistry and success.

All IB Workshop bookings are made via our online registration form.

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To complete your booking:

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1. Provide key participant and school details, including your name, contact information, dietary or accessibility needs, and whether you’re an ISTA member.
2. Select the appropriate workshop category (Category 1 OR Category 2)  and share your IB teaching experience.
3. Confirm your agreement to ISTA’s Terms & Conditions, including media consent and account creation.

Once submitted, your booking details are saved and automatically shared with event organisers to ensure a smooth experience.

Arrival and Departure

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IMPORTANT:  Participants must attend ALL workshop sessions in their entirety in order to receive IB Certificate of completion. Please plan travel accordingly.

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🛬 Arrival: Participants should plan to arrive in Sydney by the evening of Thursday 21 May 2026. 

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🛫 Departure: Participants should not plan to leave St Paul’s Grammar School campus  before 1:00pm on Sunday 24 May 2026

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Accommodation

• Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation in Sydney. 
• ISTA recommends booking accommodation near Penrith Train Station.
• Reservations should be made for a 3-night stay, with check-in on Thursday 21 May 2026 and check-out on Sunday 24 May 2026.

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The following hotels/serviced apartments are located near Penrith Station: 

Mercure Penrith

Website: https://www.mercurepenrith.com.au
Address: Panthers Place, Penrith NSW 2750
Walking distance to Penrith Station: ~15–18 minutes (1.3–1.5 km)

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Pullman Sydney Penrith

Website: https://www.pullmanpenrith.com.au
Address: 81 Mulgoa Road, Penrith NSW 2750
Walking distance to Penrith Station: ~15 minutes (1.2–1.3 km)

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Quest Penrith (Serviced Apartments)

Website: https://www.questapartments.com.au/properties/nsw/penrith/quest-penrith
Address: 83 Lord Sheffield Circuit, Penrith NSW 2750
Walking distance to Penrith Station: 2–4 minutes (200–300 m) — closest option

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Astina Suites Penrith

Website: https://astinasuites.com.au/penrith
Address: 21–25 Woodriff Street, Penrith NSW 2750
Walking distance to Penrith Station: ~7–9 minutes (600–700 m)

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ValueSuites Penrith (Serviced Accommodation)

Website: https://www.valuesuites.com.au/penrith
Address: 2–6 Station Street, Penrith NSW 2750
Walking distance to Penrith Station: ~10 minutes (750–800 m)

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The Select Inn Penrith

Website: https://theselectinnpenrith.com.au
Address: 708–710 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750
Walking distance to Penrith Station: ~18–20 minutes (1.4–1.6 km)
(Short taxi or Uber recommended; walkable for some.)

Recommended Travel Routes

• Airport: Sydney International Airport (SYD)
• Closest train station to the venue: Penrith Station  ( 6km from the venue) 
• Closest bus station to the venue: Cranebrook Rd opp Church Lane (Stop ID 274989) or St Paul’s Grammar School, School Grounds (Stop ID 2749277) 
• Participants are recommended to take a public bus or taxi from Penrith Station to the school grounds.
  
  

Local Transportation

All participants — including both visiting and local attendees — are responsible for arranging their own transport within Sydney.

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Please see the Key Documents section for a detailed guide to public transportation for this event.

Estimated Travel Times

• Airport to hotels: ~ approximately 1 hour 30 minutes via Airport Train or Taxi.
• Venue to hotels: ~ approximately 20 minutes by public bus; 12 -15 minutes by taxi
• Venue to Airport: 
  
  • ~ TAXI: approximately 60 minutes under normal traffic conditions
  • ~ BUS/TRAIN: approximately 90 minutes by public bus to Penrith Station and then train to airport 
  • AIRPORT SHUTTLE: -approximately 60 minutes.  Participants may want to arrange a shared airport shuttle to travel as a group to the airport after the close of the final session on Sunday 10 May at 1:00pm
    
    

Visa Requirements

• It is the responsibility of participants and schools to ensure they have the necessary visas for travel to Australia
• If you require assistance or supporting documentation for your visa application, please contact your Event Manager well in advance.
• Visa applications can take time. We strongly recommend starting the process as soon as possible.

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Communication Information

• ISTA business days are Monday to Friday, and we aim to respond to all emails within three business days.
• ISTA staff do not monitor emails on weekends or public holidays. If a staff member is working at an event, response times may be longer than usual.

• Any bookings or amendments taken in the six weeks prior to the workshop are subject to availability.
• Once booked and invoiced, the registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, as per the event's terms and conditions.
• Please note: Late registrants will not be able to order a t-shirt and may not receive a ticket for the dance performance

Workshop Schedule 

• Start: 9:00am on Friday 22 May 2026
• End: 1:00pm on Sunday 24 May 2026

• The workshop runs from 9:00am – 5:00pm on Days 1 and 2, with a full programme of collaborative sessions, practical exploration, and reflective learning.
• On Day 3, the workshop runs from 9:00am – 1:00pm, focusing on assessment, reflection, and next steps before the event closes.

Please note: The IB requires participants to attend all sessions on all days in order to receive their certificate of completion. If you have an unavoidable scheduling conflict, please contact the Event Manager prior to the start of the workshop.

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Specialist Workshop

All participants will engage in a specialist workshop led by an industry expert.

Dance performance: All participants will attend one professional dance performance as part of the workshop programme. Full details will be shared closer to the event.

All registered participants will receive an E-Programme approximately two weeks before the workshops.

This digital guide includes:

• Workshop venue, full schedule and timings.
• Facilitator and artist biographies. 
• Key information to help you prepare and make the most of your ISTA learning experience.

The event fees include tea and coffee breaks each day, as well as lunch on Days 1 and 2.

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Participants should bring:

• Current DP Dance Subject Guide (ask your IB Coordinator if you do not have one)
• Comfortable, movement-friendly clothing 
• Laptop (with charger) or notebook and pencil for note-taking.
• Attire for attending an evening dance performance

📢 Please note: ISTA and the host venue are not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.