Arts 

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. 

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, class notes and class discussions.

Media

Aim

This course aims to:

• To develop creative and technical skills to produce work in Media.
• To develop reflective analysis and appreciation of media and society. 
• To develop awareness of the relationship between the media and audiences. 
• To develop individual/group problem solving skills.

Content

This course will focus on further enhancing student skills using media equipment and technologies such as Adobe, Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro and Final Cut. Students will be given opportunities to explore a variety of different media forms, including digital photography and video production techniques. Students also analyse films for meaning and audience engagement. This course is excellent preparation for students considering studying Units 1 & 2 Media at VCE level and/or students interested in careers in photography, journalism, filmmaking and advertising. 

Assessment

A folio of practical work, and a workbook detailing ideas, research and analytical notes.

Visual Communication 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. 

Drama Script & Performance 

Aim

Students will develop skills in acting, blocking and designing for theatre by performing a play. They will also develop the ability to evaluate how the elements of drama and performance styles are used to communicate meaning by analysing a professional performance. 

Content

Students will collaborate to develop, design and perform in a play. Students will explore methods of evaluating theatre and will apply these skills when writing an analysis on a professional performance.

Students will choose a production design area to work in. Some rehearsals may be held out of class time.

Assessment

Students will be assessed on their contribution to the class performance as actors and designers. They will also write an analysis of a professional performance. 

Music: Mainstage

Aim

Have you ever been to an inspiring concert? How is it that these amazing events take place? The lighting, the sound, the staging, the promotion, the performers: we want you to feel some of this magic. This elective will allow you to participate in the ultimate creation of a public concert. 

What if I’m not a confident performer? You may not be comfortable being a performer, but you may relish the opportunity to contribute to the sound production or stage management or the lighting. 

It is going to be different to Year 7 and Year 8 Music. You will take some of the fundamentals from Junior School music and work towards creating live performances on a larger scale.

Content

This elective includes the following:

• Creating engaging musical performances
• Sound production
• Stage management
• Event management
• Promotion and publicity
• Technical aspects of performances

Assessment

Students will be assessed on their contributions towards live musical performances in their chosen field. They will also complete short assessment tasks related to the content of the unit.

Dance Styles & Choreography 

Aim

Students will participate in technique classes and be introduced to a range of different dance styles in this subject. This class will cater for those students who have previous dance experience as well as for those who have never had formal dance classes. 

Content

• Participate in practical dance sessions, which will incorporate a variety of styles and techniques
• Participate in both whole class and small group dances 
• Participate in improvisation classes 
• Learn safe dance techniques and the importance of warm ups and cool downs 
• Learn about the dance making processes 
• Choreograph small group dances 
• Research a dance style

Students will be assessed on their individual dance technique, the ability to choreograph a creative small group work and a research assignment on a chosen dance style.

BYOD Students electing to study VCD will be required to use a laptop, not an iPad. Students who will not have a laptop in Year 9 may still elect to study VCD but will need to contact the school at the time of choosing electives to discuss any support required.

Assessment 

Students will be assessed on their individual dance technique, the ability to choreograph a creative small group work and a research assignment on a chosen dance style.