Art & Technology
YEAR 11 & 12 Top Arts Excursion
Student Reflection
Our Excursion in the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne City for Creative Arts
"Recently, Ms Tate led our combined Year 11 and 12 Creative Arts class on an excursion to the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) in Melbourne’s CBD.
We started the day by catching the train to Flinders Street Station, arriving early enough to grab a snack from the 7-Eleven in Federation Square.
We then met with Ms Tate and walked to National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), where we explored its vast collection of historic and modern artworks.
Our first stop focused on analysing student art portfolios. We were encouraged to observe how VCE students completed their annotations and visual diaries. For privacy reasons, we weren’t allowed to take photos of the portfolios.
Next, we visited the student Top Arts exhibition. It featured videos, sculptures, paintings, and photographs. A video about wolves and artworks exploring identity and culture stood out.
Ms Tate had prepared a worksheet for us to reflect on these pieces, asking us to consider personal connections, cultural context, and what captured our attention.
Later, we gathered upstairs to study iconic works such as The Footballer, a painting of the Sydney Harbour Bridge under construction, and a sculpture by Rodin.
We discussed the visual elements and principles used in these works—though one hyper-realistic sculpture genuinely fooled us into thinking it was a real person!
To end the day, we visited Melbourne’s famous graffiti alley, where Year 11 students focused on photography. A wall memorialising women lost this year left a strong emotional impact on us.
We also visited a nearby church and library to continue building our photo portfolios.
It was an inspiring and eye-opening experience for all." Daniel Le
Ms Suzanne Tate
Art and Technology Domain Leader
Product Design - Materials-Wood Years 7-9
Product Design and Technology focuses on design thinking, creative problem solving and the understanding of product design factors. Students take on the role of designer and apply the design process to achieve a sustainable, functional and aesthetically pleasing design. Solution The objective is to design a product working primarily in wood and wood products incorporating additional materials such as acrylic plastic, glass, metal hardware and fixings.
Students are also trained in the safe use and application of relevant hand and power tool use to safely produce a three-dimensional product.
Product Design Units 3-4
Students in electing Product Design Units 3-4 in Year 12 develop a portfolio exploring sustainable and ethical design through the Double Diamond process. Focusing on eco-friendly solutions and prototyping, it applies cradle-to-cradle principles to minimize environmental impact.
The project showcases innovative thinking, problem-solving, and responsible design practices aimed at creating circular, sustainable systems for a better, greener future.
Mr Rodney Triegaardt
VCE Product Design -Wood