Immersive, integrated, theoretical and experiential
We have developed a Visual Arts program that offers students the opportunity to challenge their creative potential in producing works across different mediums including drawing, painting, ceramics, sculptures, printmaking, photography and digital media.
Visual Arts is a stimulating centre of learning that aims to activate, develop and liberate the creative potential of individual students, and to simulate self-expression through a personal awareness of imagination, intuition, emotion and point of view.
We strive to help students to:
- Exhibit and constantly evaluate one’s own work as well as the work of others
- Develop visual and tactile sensitivity
- Develop powers of observation and become aware of the environment as a source of inspiration for art making
- Develop enjoyment and confidence in the ability to think creatively
- Develop aesthetic appreciation and communicate ideas and opinion
- Realise the expressive potential of a variety of media and its implications.
Years 7 and 8
Visual Arts is compulsory in Years 7-8 with our students experiencing a balanced curriculum of both theory and practice. Students have the opportunity to produce artworks inspired by the artists studied. Exploring a variety of two and three dimensional media whilst studying a variety of themes. Students learn to take on the roles of artist, art critic and art historian.
Years 9 and 10
Visual Arts is an elective course in Years 9-10 with students consolidating their previous experience in art making, art history and art criticism. Students understanding of the Visual Arts is deepened upon and broadened through further use of two and three dimensional media to create more self directed artworks which explore topics related to still life, landscape, portraiture, sculptured vessels, mask cultures, the human form, and contemporary art.
In critical and historical study, students build on their understanding of the Visual Arts through experiencing art first hand during excursions to art galleries. Students further develop and consolidate their critical analysis skills in the exploration and discussion of artists and their artwork.
Years 11 and 12
In their Preliminary HSC year (Year 11), students study a range of artists and artworks based on the syllabus outcomes. Then using a variety of media, students produce works of art that reflect the knowledge and understanding they have gained through studying various artists and their artworks. Topics for study are based on current exhibitions held in galleries attainable to the students such as The Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art, The State Library of NSW, Museum of Sydney and many more. The skills learnt by students in their Preliminary HSC year are strengthened during their HSC year through art critical and art historical practice. It is during the course of this final year of study that the students design, develop, and execute their own body of work exploring their own personal expression as an endeavouring young artisan.