The Arts and Design
House Arts Competition
Junior School Art
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
-Helen Keller
The above quote resonates as we reflect on our achievements in Visual Art at the end of Term 3.
I will shine a light on my year 3 students. They did Picasso and Melinda Harper-inspired art activities in pairs and groups of 3, recycling and repurposing resources such as cardboard, and lids of bottles and cans. These hands-on art activities released synergy and provided ‘added value’- achieving more than either party could have achieved alone or working separately. Students were immersed in exchanging information and ideas, leading to improved decision-making. The outcomes displayed the expansion in skills and knowledge of partners.
My early finishers in Years 4 and 5 also worked collaboratively on their project, ‘Great Barrier Reef’ producing some interesting artworks. We are very proud of their efforts!
Vibha Tripathi
Junior School Art Teacher
Middle School Art
This semester in Art has been an exciting journey as students from Year 6 to 9 immerse themselves in their creative projects for the upcoming Art and Design exhibition in November. The art room has been buzzing with energy, with students exploring diverse mediums like sculpture, textiles, and still life drawing. Each class has been hard at work, developing their skills and pushing the boundaries of their creativity. From intricate hand-sewn textiles to stunning still-life compositions and imaginative 3D sculptures, the anticipation is building for what promises to be a truly inspiring showcase of talent!
Year 6 Product Design: Crafting Time-Telling Solutions Inspired by culture and communities
This term, our Year 6 students at Oakleigh Grammar have embarked on a creative and culturally inspired journey in Product Design, focusing on creating time-telling solutions with a unique twist. Drawing inspiration from different cultures and the needs of diverse communities, students were tasked with designing and constructing clocks that not only functioned as timepieces but also reflected cultural heritage or addressed specific user needs.
As part of the design process, students explored the influence of various cultures on timekeeping methods, from ancient sundials to modern-day clocks. They delved into the cultural significance of time in different societies and how design elements can represent traditions and values. For instance, some students incorporated patterns and colours inspired by Greek, Indigenous Australian, or Asian art forms, while others focused on creating clocks that catered to the specific needs of certain groups, such as easy-to-read designs for younger children or elderly users.
Students are keeping detailed design journals, where they documented their research, the cultural elements they wished to highlight, and the specific needs of the people they aimed to serve with their clock designs. This thoughtful reflection helped them develop a deeper understanding of how design can be influenced by both cultural heritage and functionality.
The final presentations, in Term 4 will allow for our students to express and share stories and cultural significance behind their designs.
We are excited to see the final products and celebrate the students' hard work, cultural insights, and innovative approaches to creating time-telling solutions for people in diverse communities.
See progress photos from our classroom.
Inneke Smit
Spotlighting Bullying - Arts Exhibition
Year 6 student, Dhey S, recently showcased his artistic abilities at an important community event—the South Eastern Suicide Prevention Network (SESPN) Art Exhibition, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Oakleigh Clayton Huntingdale.
This year's exhibition carries the poignant theme, "Spotlighting Bullying… Hope for the Future."
The SESPN, part of the wider Wesley LifeForce Networks, is a voluntary group dedicated to raising awareness and preventing suicide in our community. Through the power of art, this exhibition aims to highlight the social issues, such as bullying, that can contribute to mental health challenges. Dhey’s artwork, along with others, plays a vital role in fostering hope for a brighter, more compassionate future.
We are incredibly proud of Dhey’s contribution to this meaningful cause and commend him for using his talent to bring light to such an important issue.
