Visual Arts Faculty

From the Co-ordinator of Visual Arts

Stage 5 Students Capture Dee Why at Golden Hour - Year 9PDM Photography Excursion

A warm late‑afternoon glow set the backdrop for an energising after‑school photography excursion to Dee Why Beach, where students traded the classroom for the coastline and transformed theory into hands‑on creative practice. With shifting light, moving subjects and reflective surfaces all around them, the beach became an ideal outdoor studio for experimenting with new technical skills.

Beginning at the surf club, students were challenged to work in full manual mode, applying their understanding of composition and the exposure triangle in real‑time conditions. As the group made their way toward the rockpools, each stop offered new learning opportunities from capturing fast‑moving waves in bright light to exploring angles, leading lines and symmetry along the shoreline. By the time they reached the rockpools, the softer light encouraged more considered shooting, with students adjusting ISO, experimenting with depth of field and using slower shutter speeds to capture water movement with intention.

Throughout the afternoon, students showed impressive curiosity and a willingness to experiment. They reviewed images together, asked thoughtful questions and embraced mistakes as part of the creative process. By the end of the session, many were moving with growing confidence scanning for subjects, adjusting settings instinctively and filling memory cards with textures, silhouettes and small coastal details. As the sun dipped lower, students headed home sandy‑footed and inspired, carrying a renewed enthusiasm for photography and the joy of learning outdoors.

A big thank you to the A Team Ms Mooney, Ms Blundell and Ms “Drama” Wenman for giving up their time to support the Dee Why Beach photography excursion. Their enthusiasm, guidance and willingness to jump in alongside students helped make the afternoon such a successful, energetic and creative learning experience.

A Fresh Look for Our Reception and Curriculum Areas

Our reception area has begun its long‑awaited transformation, with the once‑bare white walls now coming to life as student artworks are installed across key spaces. The makeover is already creating a warm and welcoming first impression for visitors, showcasing the creativity and talent of our Visual Arts students.

Outside Dr Middleton’s office, visitors are greeted by a striking display of Year 9 Vanitas still‑life paintings, each exploring symbolism with impressive maturity. Along the curriculum corridor, large‑scale charcoal self‑portraits by Year 11 students command attention, demonstrating strong observational skills and expressive mark‑making and blending while the Principal’s meeting room now features Year 9 Photography’s charming “Mini Worlds in a Teacup” series small, imaginative scenes that spark curiosity and conversation and Year 10s vibrant animal colour‑study drawings which add energy and personality to shared spaces. This evolving display celebrates the hard work of our students and enriches the visual environment of our school community. Watch this space for more exciting works to be installed. 

Come and Join our Art Clubs 

Year 9 and 10 art club ‘Elevate’ For students who want to extend their creative skills beyond the classroom, building their artist portfolio and enter competitions. Years 9-10 every Friday lunchtime (12.47 to 1.13pm) in room M124 with Ms Mooney. Get your parents to sign you up on the parent orbit bring your friends, creativity and your lunch.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Year 12 Visual Arts 

Extended studio time Monday after school in rooms M124 and M121 until 5.00pm

Year 11 Visual Arts 

Year 11 Visual Arts Friday Art Club lunchtimes in room M121