Arts - Visual 

There are no compulsory studies in this learning area. All studies are electives.

However as stated in the Guidelines for Course selection, at least one unit must be selected from The Arts at year 9. 

The Arts Visusla include the strands of Art, Ceramics, Media & Visual Communicatin Design.

Art

Aim

During this unit students will develop practical drawing, painting, collage etc techniques by exploring a broad range of materials and technologies. Students will be encouraged to experiment with the application of media and consider their work in the context of understanding art traditions and contemporary practices. 

Content

Students will work on a series of projects that will extend their practical skills in creating two and three-dimensional artworks. They will learn about the appropriate use of a range of materials and techniques. The works of past and present artists will be investigated and used as a source of exploration and inspiration. Students will learn to analyse and interpret art works through a variety of assignments 

Assessment

Assessment tasks will be a folio of practical work, visual diary, research assignments, self-evaluations, class notes and class discussions.

Ceramics 

Aim

The focus of this unit is on the development of creative design skills and on interpreting these using a variety of hand building, decorative colouring and glazing techniques. 

Content

The course will focus on the principles of creative design and the extension of practical skills. Students will use basic coil and slab hand building methods and decorative, glazing and firing techniques. They will produce a number of colourful, well-built and imaginative artworks. Students will have the opportunity to use the pottery wheel to create small vessels. 

Assessment

Assessment tasks will be a visual diary, finished artworks, a research assignment, class notes and class discussions.

Media

Aim

This course aims to:

• Develop an understanding and appreciation for media and society
• Introduce and experiment with a range of media equipment and technologies 
• Develop individual/group problem-solving skills 
• Develop analytical skills in reading a variety of media products

Content

The course will focus on two media forms: photography and video production. Students may also cover areas of the media such as advertising, print production and podcasting. Students will work individually to produce a photographic folio and video/audio production in analogue and digital formats consecutively. Students will develop an appreciation for film through an analysis of a variety of films, and work with peers to develop skills in camera work and film processing. 

Assessment

Assessment will be a photographic folio, video/audio production and accompanying paperwork, including research tasks and analysis. 

Students will need to purchase Ilford photo paper to complete their photography CAT. 

Visual Communications Design

Aim

The unit of study introduces students to a variety of design disciplines, with a focus on graphic design. Students undertake tasks that are reflective of real-life design problems and in doing so, come to appreciate the role of designers within our community. 

Content

Students explore a variety of tasks using the design process as a framework for the development of their ideas and technical skills. They develop skills in two and three-dimensional drawing styles and begin to familiarise themselves with industry standard design software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. They learn a range of thinking techniques and strategies used by designers to enrich and expand on the quality of their ideas and ability to solve design problems. Topics at this level include design elements and principles, the design process, interior design, architectural design and identity design. 

Assessment

Students will be assessed on written and developmental work as well as the final presentations produced in response to each set design task. The process of idea development and visual documentation will also be assessed.