The Arts and Design
A Dynamic Start to Arts and Design at Oakleigh Grammar
The Arts and Design faculty has come alive with energy and creativity as students embark on an exciting year of artistic exploration. Across all year levels, students are engaging in a diverse range of subjects, including Visual Art, Design (Product and Food), and Performing Arts.
This year, the Year 9 curriculum has expanded to introduce new and innovative subjects such as 2D and 3D Art, Music and Theatre Production, Food Science and Technology, and Design for the Future, allowing students to further refine their artistic and design capabilities.
The Arts and Design curriculum across the Middle Years Programme (MYP) has been carefully shaped to foster both subject-specific and transdisciplinary skills. Students are encouraged to think critically, collaborate effectively, and express themselves creatively. Through the process of idea exploration, skill development, and presentation of finished works, they gain confidence in their abilities and a deeper appreciation for the creative process.
It has been wonderful to observe students embrace these subjects with enthusiasm, taking on challenges that stimulate their creativity, critical thinking, and aesthetic awareness. By making and responding to artworks, they not only develop technical skills but also gain insight into artistic practices and their broader significance.
In the Arts and Design classrooms, students are:
Communicating ideas and personal experiences – Through various artistic forms, students represent their imagination, observations, and perspectives, sharing meaningful reflections on their individual and collective worlds.
Engaging with a range artistic traditions – From learning about Australia’s rich artistic heritage, including the traditional and contemporary works of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, to exploring global cultures and art movements, students develop a deeper appreciation for artistic expression across time and place.
Innovating with emerging technologies – Whether in visual arts, music, theatre, or design, students experiment with new and evolving technologies to push the boundaries of creativity while demonstrating empathy for multiple viewpoints.
Connecting with the world of professional arts – By studying the works of artists, designers, and performers, students gain insight into artistic professions, understanding the roles of artists and audiences in shaping cultural narratives.
The Arts and Design program at Oakleigh Grammar continues to provide students with enriching experiences that nurture both artistic excellence and personal growth. As they explore, create, and share their work, they are not only developing technical skills but also cultivating a lifelong appreciation for the arts and their role in shaping society.
Rebecca Bettiol
Learning Leader - Arts