Visual Arts
Visual arts is a mandatory course for Stage 4 and elective in Stage 5 where students develop their critical understanding of the artist and different points of view of the visual arts. They also develop their art-making practice, using a variety of materials and techniques.
Visual Arts in Years 7 and 8
In Years 7 and 8 all students study Visual Arts. This foundation course is primarily about creating artworks in at least two of the 2D, 3D and 4D expressive forms. Students are also introduced to the practices of art criticism and art history and the concepts of practice, the conceptual framework and the frames:
- 2D forms include flat works, for example, painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, digital imaging and collage.
- 3D forms include works that involve volume and mass and exist in space, for example, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and fibre, designed objects and environments.
- 4D forms include works that exist in real and virtual time, for example time-based works, film and video, digital animation, documented forms, multimedia and performance works.
Students are required to keep a diary to record the ideas and intentions explored in their art making and to engage in drawing as a sustained practice. This is called a Visual Arts Process Diary (VAPD).
There are 2 enrichment classes for students who are gifted and talented in Visual Arts.
Image:Little brother by H Lee
Image:My father by B Lee Year 10
Visual arts Years 9 and 10
In Years 9 and 10 a Visual Arts elective course may run depending on student choice. This course provides for more extensive learning in the Visual Arts. Students continue to develop their understandings and skills using the concepts of practice, the conceptual framework and the frames in 2D, 3D and 4D forms. Students are required to keep a Visual Arts Process Diary which provides evidence of the decisions and actions made by students in the production of their artworks.
Visual arts preliminary and HSC courses
The Preliminary course in Year 11 offers broad-based experiences in visual arts and the HSC course has a more sustained, independent and interpretative focus. Students are expected to work in at least two expressive forms in the Preliminary course and in the HSC course they are required to make and submit for external assessment a Body of Work in one or more expressive forms.
The course aims to develop knowledge, skills and understanding in art making and art criticism and art history. By the end of the HSC course students should have an informed understanding and knowledge about past and present practices in the visual arts. The conceptual thinking and practical skills developed should empower students to participate in the world as creative practitioners, informed consumers and astute appraisers of the concepts and aesthetics underpinning art and design. Students are also required to keep a Visual Arts Process Diary.
Image:My father by M Lee Year 10
Assessment in visual arts
Years 7 and 8 visual art assesment
During the mandatory Visual Arts Course students are expected to produce artworks and a detailed record of the development of art work. This is called the Visual Arts Process Diary (VAPD). There is also an end of course examination.
Years 9 and 10 visual art assessment
Students undertaking the elective course have specific projects, research, assignments and practical work in Visual Arts. Students are required to keep a VAPD. There is a mid year and end of year examination.
Years 11 and 12 visual art assessment
There are mid year and end of year examinations as well as specific assessment tasks. The assessment tasks are weighted according to NESA guidelines. Senior students are expected to produce a body of work (this can be several pieces of art work) for Higher School Certificate assessment. A Visual Arts Process Diary must also be kept and it is assessed throughout the course.
Arts facilities
Our arts facilities include:
- three fully equipped Visual Art rooms
- two kilns
- a printing press
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