Visual Arts

I am sitting in the senior art studio as I write this article. The art studios always seem to be buzzing with classes, electives or senior students working away in their study breaks or at lunchtimes. There is a piano in the room and often a guitar floating about, some couches and a beautiful courtyard outside. I am constantly amazed at the diversity of talents of students at Preshil - someone takes a break from their painting, plays a bit of piano and then jumps into a critical conversation about a great film they have just seen, before walking back to pick up their paints. They are each other's models and muses, and they act in and compose music for each other's films. I feel so blessed to work in such a creative, dynamic and student-centred school. 

Both Greta and Margaret Lyttle recognised the importance of an Arts education; in the Courage book (2010), Greta is quoted, “Art, music, drama are not the frills of education but an integral part of it; the part, indeed which helps the soul to blossom.” 

Students at Preshil can participate in Visual Arts from Years 7-12, and from Years 9-12 a range of pathways is offered including Visual Arts, Media and Film. This year, eight students in Year 11 and seven in Year 12 have chosen Visual Arts as one of their IB Diploma subjects. Each student is invited to set up their own space in the senior art studio.

Last Tuesday, Visual Arts students in Years 11 and 12 visited the combined IB Visual Arts Exhibition at Glen Eira City Council Gallery. The exhibition showcases a range of artworks from the class of 2020 from schools across Victoria and Tasmania. Year 11 students are currently exploring the concept of Identity and Year 12s are working in a more nuanced and individual way towards their final exhibition to be held in Term 3. 

As part of the IB Diploma Visual Arts course, students complete three major assessment tasks. They create and curate their own exhibition, complete a critical comparative study of three artworks from different cultures and times and compile a portfolio showing their experimentation with a range of materials, techniques and ideas. The IB Diploma's emphasis on inquiry and student-centred approaches to education aligns well with Preshil's philosophy. Greta Lyttle is quoted as saying “... education should provide for self-expression. Education should develop initiative, independence, imagination, love of beauty.” Courage book (2010).

Natalie Kunst

Visual Arts teacher and MYP Coordinator

natalie.kunst@preshil.vic.edu.au