CAPA Faculty 

General Announcements 

Workshops provide opportunities for students in Years 5 to 10 to develop visual art making skills through participating in intensive workshops, encompassing:

• Validation of the importance of visual arts.

• Understanding of subject matters explored in artmaking, especially art as a tool to communicate contemporary issues.

• Experimentation with a variety of artmaking substances.

The two day workshop is delivered by a local artist and supported by FGHS art teacher Alana Parker. Watch this space for more details to come!

Students Exhibit Creative Talent at Youth Week Art Showcase

On April 10, 2025, the Maitland Youth Express office transformed into a vibrant gallery space, celebrating the creativity and voices of young people aged 12 to 30.

This exciting event provided a valuable opportunity for our students to present their work to the wider community, alongside other emerging young artists from the region. With entries across a variety of mediums – including painting, drawing, and photography – our students embraced the chance to express their unique perspectives and artistic passions.

We congratulate all those involved!

The cast have been rehearsing their lines, learning their choreography and warming up their voices ready to perform in late Term 2. The band have been tuning their instruments and learning the songs to play on the night and the prop artists have been busy building and creating the scenery. 

Tickets are on sale now for $10 through Student Services … Make sure you get yours before they sell out!!!

Musical Rehearsals

While most were relaxing over the Term 1 holidays, our incredible musical team was hard at work! The cast, dancers, and band gave up their break to rehearse tirelessly, pouring their energy and passion into every moment. Now, they're more than ready to bring the stage to life — and they're gearing up to rock the house down!

 Musical Sneak Peek 

The FGHS student body got a thrilling sneak peek of the upcoming musical at the PBL assembly! The crowd couldn’t help but rock out to 'Here I Go Again' as the cast and band lit up the stage with an electrifying performance. It was just a taste of what’s to come — and it left everyone wanting more!

This excursion wasn’t just about entertainment - it was a rich High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) experience that allowed students to deepen their understanding of the possibilities within the Creative Arts.

Seeing a professional production of this calibre gave students insight into the high-level skills, collaboration, and innovation that go into bringing a major musical to life. It extended their learning by exposing them to the many career pathways in the creative industries -  from performers, musicians, and choreographers, to directors, costume designers, set builders, and lighting and sound technicians.

The energy, professionalism, and sheer spectacle of MJ: The Musical left a lasting impression on every student who attended, inspiring them to dream big and think deeply about the artistic and professional possibilities their CAPA subjects can unlock.

This incredible program brings together gifted and passionate Stage 5 Drama students from across the state to collaborate, create, and learn in an inspiring and supportive environment. Guided by industry professionals and experienced teachers, they'll have the chance to sharpen their skills, build connections, and take their performance work to the next level. What an amazing opportunity — well done!

Enter Swoop Physical Theatre — swooping in (literally!) with a high-impact workshop that had students moving, thinking, and devising in new ways. With a focus on physical storytelling and group dynamics, this workshop became an energising and inspiring kick-start for our HSC Drama students’ Group Performance.

Drama

Year 10 Drama

Our Year 10 Drama students wrapped up their Masked Theatre unit with some thrilling and memorable Basel Mask performances that brought bold characters and physical storytelling to life.

This term, they’re travelling back in time to the dramatic world of Ancient Greek Theatre. From exploring the grandeur of the Theatre of Dionysus to unlocking the power of the Chorus and uncovering the secrets behind Greek Tragedy and Comedy, students are set to discover the roots of drama in all its epic, emotional glory.

Year 11 Drama

Our Year 11 Drama students have been delving into the Australian play Jasper Jones, exploring its powerful themes and the social context of Australia during the 1960s and 70s. This term, students are stepping into the creative roles behind the curtain, experimenting as set designers, costume designers, directors, and promotional designers. 

As part of their learning, students will also take to the stage to perform selected scenes from Jasper Jones, showcasing their collaborative vision and growing performance skills in their upcoming assessment task.

While the planned excursion to see Macbeth was unfortunately cancelled due to inclement weather, there are plans for students to attend a live theatre production later in the year. Stay tuned!

Year 12 Drama 

Last term, our Year 12 Drama students completed their assessment on Significant Plays of the 20th Century and delivered outstanding results across the board — a testament to their hard work, creativity, and growing confidence on stage.

This term, students have launched into their Group Performances with fresh energy and sharp focus. These collaborative pieces are a key component of their HSC practical exam and offer a fantastic opportunity to explore ensemble storytelling, character work, and original theatrical ideas.

Alongside this, students are continuing to develop their Individual Projects, refining their skills in performance, scriptwriting, design, or critical analysis.

With the HSC fast approaching, now is the time to stay committed — not only to performance rehearsals but also to consistent study routines. Keep setting goals, supporting one another, and striving for your best.

You’re on the home stretch, Year 12 — stay focused, stay inspired, and keep up the momentum. You’ve got this!

Support Drama: 

This year, our Support students have been diving headfirst into the exciting world of Drama — and what a creative journey it’s been so far! In Semester One, they explored the magic of stop motion, bringing their own Lego animations to life with some seriously impressive results.

Now, they’re stepping into the vibrant world of theatre production. Students are taking on the full creative process: designing sets and lighting, writing original scripts, and building their own props — all culminating in a performance that is entirely their own.

Drama is alive and thriving in Support this year, and we can’t wait to see what they create next!

MUSIC

Year 8 Music

Our Year 8 Music students are embarking on an exciting journey through the rich history and sounds of Blues music. They are exploring legendary artists like Bessie Smith, known as the “Empress of the Blues,” and Muddy Waters, a pivotal figure in shaping modern blues and rock music.

As part of their learning, students are challenged to master the iconic 12-bar blues chord progression on either piano or guitar. This hands-on approach not only helps them develop instrumental skills but also deepens their understanding of the genre’s unique structure and emotional expression.

We’re thrilled to see our young musicians connecting with such a foundational style of music that has influenced countless genres around the world.

Year 9 Music

Our Year 9 Music students have been fine-tuning both their theoretical understanding and practical skills as they work towards individual and group performances. In the classroom, students are diving into the world of Western standard notation — exploring how pitch, rhythm, and intervals shape the character and quality of music. Some students are embracing solo practice on their chosen instrument, working steadily towards mastering a single piece, while others are collaborating in small groups to prepare ensemble performances.

The theory content is layered and complex, encouraging students to build a strong foundation in how music functions and how to apply that knowledge in real-world contexts. Students have experimented with using the software Song Maker to create a range of musical pieces, click on the link to have a try yourself! During practical lessons, students have been developing strategies to learn songs efficiently and perform them confidently with their peers.

It’s been fantastic to see the mix of focus, creativity, and teamwork coming through in rehearsals. We look forward to hearing these musical efforts come to life in the weeks ahead!

Year 10 Music:

Our Year 10 Music students have been diving into the world of digital music production, learning how to compose using digital audio workstations. Through hands-on exploration of music software Abellton, students are discovering how to layer virtual instruments, experiment with loops, and build their own original musical ideas from the ground up. Give it a go on the link provided! 

Their major goal this term is to produce a complete piece of music — a track they can proudly download, keep, and share. Alongside their digital work, students have also been growing their performance skills. Moving beyond solo practice, they are now rehearsing in small groups, building confidence and learning to perform as a cohesive ensemble.

It’s been exciting to watch students bring creativity and collaboration into both their digital and practical music-making. We can’t wait to hear the final results!

Year 11 Music

Our Year 11 Music students are broadening their musical horizons by studying large ensembles from a variety of genres and cultural backgrounds worldwide. Through this exploration, they are gaining insight into the diverse origins and unique characteristics of ensembles across different musical traditions.

Building on their research, students will create and deliver their own viva presentations, showcasing a large ensemble of their choice. This project encourages independent learning, critical thinking, and presentation skills.

Additionally, Year 11 will soon be undertaking their first aural exam, an important milestone that will develop their listening skills and deepen their understanding of music.

We wish them the best of luck as they continue to grow as confident and knowledgeable musicians!

Year 12 Music

Our Year 12 Music students are showing strong focus and dedication this term as they prepare for their upcoming performance and aural assessments. From refining their repertoire in rehearsals to deepening their understanding through listening and analysis of a wide range of musical styles, students are working hard to elevate both their practical and theoretical skills.

It’s been inspiring to see their commitment and drive as they push themselves to perform with confidence and musicality. With the HSC on the horizon, students are embracing the challenge and continuing to grow as thoughtful, expressive musicians.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Year 9 Photography

Our Year 9 Photography students have been sharpening their digital editing skills using Adobe Photoshop. Through hands-on workshops, they’ve explored a range of tools and techniques to manipulate and enhance images — from colour correction and layering to more advanced effects.

These skills will soon be applied in an exciting creative challenge: appropriating a famous, iconic photograph and transforming it with their own unique twist. This task not only strengthens students’ technical abilities but also invites them to think critically about authorship, meaning, and originality in photographic art. It’s been exciting to see students bring bold ideas and fresh perspectives to their digital practice.

Year 10 Photography

Our Year 10 Photography students explored the layered world of Double Exposure, using digital techniques to create powerful and symbolic images through blending multiple photos. They examined how contemporary artists use double exposure to tell complex visual stories and experimented with blending portraits, landscapes, and textures to express personal themes. 

This term, they’ve shifted their focus to the innovative work of David Hockney, experimenting with his unique “joiners” technique. By assembling multiple images into creative photo collages, students are reimagining time, space, and perspective — and the results are both playful and striking.

The Hockney unit has been a fantastic opportunity for students to consider how photography can be both documentary and expressive — capturing the real world while reinterpreting it through an artistic lens. We are excited to see how students continue to push the boundaries of photographic art in the weeks ahead.

Year 11 Photography

Our Year 11 Photography students have been delving into major movements in photographic history, with a particular focus on Modernist techniques. From sharp focus and dramatic angles to bold geometric compositions and abstracted perspectives, students are learning how early photographic pioneers challenged traditional ways of seeing.

Building on this foundation, students are now applying their knowledge in the digital realm — using Adobe Photoshop to craft surrealist-style photographs that blur the line between reality and imagination. This unit invites students to experiment boldly with visual storytelling and explore the expressive potential of photography as both an art form and a conceptual tool.

Year 12 Photography

Our senior Photography students are exploring the theme of change through a thoughtful and visually engaging unit. From slow transformations in nature to sudden shifts in people and places, students are learning how to plan, shoot, and edit images that tell compelling visual stories.

In addition to their still photography, students are also creating a 10-second time-based film that captures movement and transformation in a creative and conceptual way. This unit challenges students to refine both their technical skills and their ability to communicate complex ideas through visual media—foundational skills as they begin developing their final bodies of work.

VISUAL ARTS

Year 7 Visual Arts: From Op Art to Pop Art

Our Year 7 Visual Arts students have had a vibrant and hands-on start to high school art this year, exploring everything from visual illusions to bold expression. In Term 1, students were introduced to the Elements of Art, laying a strong foundation in line, shape, colour, texture, value, and space. They applied this knowledge to create optical illusion artworks, where careful use of contrast, repetition, and design created striking visual effects that played tricks on the eye.

This term, they’ve jumped into the world of Pop Art and graffiti through the energetic style of Keith Haring, learning to draw the human figure in bold, expressive ways. Soon, they’ll turn to abstract art, inspired by Australian artist John Coburn, using shape and colour to explore emotion and imagination. Later this term, students will explore abstract art through the work of Australian artist John Coburn. They will look at how Coburn used shape, pattern, and colour to express spiritual and emotional ideas, and then create their own abstract compositions inspired by his unique style.

Year 8 Visual Arts: Street Art Meets Self-Expression

Our Year 8 Visual Arts students have been diving into an exciting and dynamic unit combining Street Art and Photography. This term, students have explored new artistic processes that blend contemporary urban art techniques with historical photographic practices — and their creativity is shining through!

Students have learned how to design layered stencils and safely use aerosol paint to echo the visual language of urban art. At the same time, they’ve discovered how to create striking blue-toned cyanotypes using sunlight and treated paper.

Their major project brings these skills together in a powerful self-portrait, blending photography and stencil art to symbolise identity, environment, and personal meaning. It’s been wonderful to watch Year 8 students grow in both confidence and technique as they experiment with bold design, colour, and composition in this innovative project. Stay tuned to view students’ artworks in the next newsletter edition. 

Year 9 Visual Arts: Expressing Emotion Through Clay and Colour

Our Year 9 Visual Arts students have been exploring creativity through the expressive styles of Pablo Picasso and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Inspired by these iconic artists, students recently completed striking clay masks that experiment with symbolism, bold form, and vibrant colour.

This hands-on project encouraged students to apply their knowledge of the Elements of Art to communicate ideas, mood, and personal meaning through three-dimensional design. From expressive line work and texture to vivid colour choices and shapes, each mask reflects a unique voice and growing confidence in visual storytelling.

In addition to artmaking, students have been developing their critical and historical skills, analysing artworks and discussing how artists express ideas to an audience. We’re excited to see how they continue building their artistic voice as the year unfolds.

Past example

Year 10 Visual Arts: From Vanitas to Visionary Surrealism

Our Year 10 Visual Arts students explored the rich symbolism of Vanitas still life, creating detailed artworks that reflected on time, mortality, and meaning. They developed refined drawing and painting techniques to create highly detailed compositions filled with symbolic objects representing life, death, and the passage of time.

Building on those conceptual foundations, students are now shifting into the dreamlike and imaginative world of Surrealism. This term’s focus is on creating a surrealist-inspired abstract eye, using mixed media techniques to explore emotion, symbolism, and subconscious imagery. Students have been encouraged to think beyond realism, embracing unexpected juxtapositions, vivid colour palettes, and personal symbolism to bring their inner world to life.

Year 12 Visual Arts: Developing Major Works with Purpose and Passion

Our Year 12 Visual Arts students are well underway in developing their HSC Body of Work — a personal and creative journey exploring a concept of their own choosing through sustained artmaking, research and reflection.

Recently, students participated in their first Progress Interview, presenting their ideas, research, material experimentation, and early artistic direction. These interviews offered valuable insight into each student's creative process while building confidence in discussing their work and responding to feedback.

We’re proud of the maturity and focus students have shown so far, and we look forward to seeing their ideas evolve into powerful final works in the months ahead.

Samantha McGaw

Photography and Visual Arts Teacher