Focus On

 

Learning in Visual Arts is so much more than simply acquiring skills—though these are important. If we stop there, we miss the depth and breadth of what art is. Art helps us make sense of our thoughts and beliefs, challenge and communicate ideas, and reflect on both the artist’s intent and the viewer’s response. At its heart, art connects deeply to who we are as humans and to our Creator God.

At MECS, the Visual Arts program is underpinned by the Threads, which provide a rich framework to embed Christian education into every creative experience. Here are just a few examples of how these Threads have come alive in our Secondary classrooms this year.

Year 7 – Linocut Printing (Awe Dweller) 

Year 7 students began the year with a linocut printmaking unit shaped by the biblical signpost “Carving out moments of awe”. Students reflected on experiences or memories that evoked awe—whether in creation, in beauty, or in personal moments. Linocut is a slow, reflective process that demands persistence and attention to detail, and through it students were invited to dwell deeply in their chosen moments of awe, expressing them in carefully carved designs.

Year 8 – Observational Drawing (Awe Dweller)

 Year 8 students also began with the Awe Dweller thread, guided by the signpost “Marvelling at creation, delighting in the Creator”. Students selected natural objects—a flower, fruit, or animal—and looked closely, noticing intricate details they had never seen before. Through six carefully observed close-up drawings, they discovered the wonder of God’s intricate design in creation and reflected on His creativity as the Master Artist.

Year 8 – Create to Advocate (Justice Seeker)

Later in the year, Year 8 students explored the Justice Seeker thread through the biblical signpost “Create to advocate”. They studied political and protest art before creating their own works on social justice issues close to their hearts. Using the medium of their choice, students learned to communicate abstract ideas visually—an ambitious challenge they embraced with passion and courage.

Year 10 – Mixed Media (Creation Keeper)

Year 10 mixed media students engaged with the Creation Keeper thread, either explicitly by exploring environmental issues or implicitly through their choice of materials—recycling, reusing, and experimenting with eco-friendly alternatives. Their work demonstrated both creativity and thoughtful stewardship.

VCE Art: Creative Practice (Justice Seeker)

Even within the structure of VCE, the Threads offered meaningful connections. Unit 2 students worked with the theme “Creativity, Collaboration & Compassion” and explored what it means to be a Justice Seeker. Collaboration became a powerful part of their process—whether working together, engaging cross-disciplinary ideas, or intentionally involving the viewer in their work.

Year 8 Visual Communication & Design

In VCD, students explored the Threads by designing posters that visually communicate their meaning. This required not just design skill, but thoughtful reflection on how to capture each Thread’s essence.

These examples are just a glimpse of the clever, creative, and thoughtful work happening in Secondary Visual Arts. Through skill, imagination, and the framework of the Threads, our students are not just making art—they are learning to see the world with wonder, compassion, and hope.

Alyce Vanderjagt

Secondary Teacher