Year 9 Electives - The Arts

The Arts

Art Practices

Course Description:

Students will investigate a variety of art experiences which will further develop their artistic skills and knowledge. They will engage on a journey of discovery, experimentation and problem solving using visual language, techniques, technologies and practices. Some methods explored will include printmaking, painting, collage, photography, drawing and sculpture. Students will analyse and evaluate artwork and discuss the influence of history, culture and society in art practices by studying selected art movements.

Assessment:

• Visual Diary entries
• Sketching, experimentation and planning
• Finished artwork
• Self assessment, reflection and evaluation
• Written analysis and evaluation of artwork, influences, movements and exhibitions

Ceramics

Course Description:

Students will have the opportunity to explore a range of hand building techniques and skills such as spin, coil and slab construction. This will be followed by the production of a folio of finished pieces, which showcase the individuality and creative expression of each student. Works produced will be function, decorative, and sculptural in nature. Students will immerse themselves in investigating different ceramic artists, whilst developing a variety of building processes and techniques. 

Assessment:

• Practical assessment: folio of final pieces
• Peer assessment: classroom discussion on construction issues/areas for improvement
• Self assessment: individual reflection on each ceramic piece with problems and solutions recorded for each project

 Music Performance

Course Description

This unit is ideal for students who sing or play an instrument of their choice, and are looking to develop their performance, composition, and musicianship skills. Students will perform both individually and in groups, performing and writing contemporary music in a variety of styles. Students will have the opportunity to explore songwriting techniques and increase their theoretical understanding and aural skills.

Assessment

• Group and solo performance

• Contemporary music styles

• Composition and theory

Drama & Theatre Studies 

Course Description

This study introduces students to the different production roles of Actor, Director and Designer (set, props, costume, make-up, lighting, sound) involved in producing theatre for audiences. Students collaborate to interpret scripts creatively and imaginatively from historical eras and theatrical movements, while developing and refining transferable proficiencies in active analysis, evaluation, critical thinking, communication and innovation. Areas of study include:

• Introduction to historical theatre styles and conventions

• Exploring production roles

• Interpreting historical scripts

Assessment

• Folio, research and dramaturgical documentation

• Presentation of theatrical interpretation

• Participation and preparation

Drawing the World Around You

Course Description:

In this subject students are given the opportunity to explore a wide range of drawing techniques and further enhance their existing drawing skills. This subject explores a number of drawing methods and techniques which encourages each student to experiment and learn how to represent everyday objects and communicate their own creative ideas by using drawing. The emphasis will be on learning how drawing can be employed as a useful communication tool, as an art method, as a possible career and form of art therapy while developing the student's confidence in their drawing skills. Drawing methods such as drawing from observation, contour drawing, cartoons and caricatures, drawing with pen, ink, pastel and charcoal will be explored. Selected areas of art history will be studied to gain an understanding of how drawing has been influenced by different cultures, times and beliefs. 

Assessment

• Visual Diary entries
• Sketching, experimentation and planning
• Finished artworks
• Analysis and evaluation

Media: Digital Dimensions

Course Description:

Creativity comes in all shapes and forms, and in ‘practical performance’ students get a chance to try their hand at a big range of the latest technologies and art forms – from comic book designs to photography, theatre performance and a school TV production.

Assessment:

• Practical activities that will enable students to create products in a diverse range of mediums
• Collaborative and individual tasks that require students to take on roles with parallels in art, media and performance industries
• Opportunities to use the latest technologies to create exciting media products
• Teacher, peer and self assessment of collegiate activity and work

Music Technology

Course Description:

Music Technology has a focus on the technical aspects of the music industry alongside musical performance practice. Students will learn in detail about PA sound systems and microphones for live audio production and how to work with different instruments and performers to achieve the best results. Students will create recordings and engage with digital audio software for sound production and composition, including and expanding on musicianship techniques from instrumental practice.

Assessment:

• PA setup and operation
• Digital production and recording techniques
• Composition and songwriting
• Music theory and aural studies

Visual Communication Design

Course Description:

In Visual Communication and Design, students are introduced to developing skills and practices to effectively communicate ideas and messages. This subject includes the use of design thinking skills, ICT skills and problem solving using the design process. Drawing conventions and the use of design elements and principles are major areas studied. Students will explore a range of materials, media, methods and technologies to plan and make visual communications for specific purpose and audiences. Tasks will delve into investigating, making, analysing and evaluating how a designer generates, develops and presents their design ideas. Original work produced by the students will give them the opportunity to experience the role of a designer and produce posters, package designs, technical drawings and drawings from observation and brands.

Assessment:

• Visual Diary entries and annotations
• Demonstration of the understanding of the design process and drawing conventions
• Finished designs
• Research, refection and evaluation