Visual Art
Prep
Transdisciplinary Theme:
Where We Are in Place and Time
Central Idea: Art of different cultures expresses traditional values, celebrations, and ways of life.
This term in Visual Arts, Prep students are exploring how art connects us to cultures around the world and helps us understand different traditions, celebrations and ways of life. They are discovering how art is used to mark special events and how different cultures use unique techniques, materials and patterns to express meaning.
Through a variety of hands-on creative experiences, students will experiment with pattern, texture, construction and design, drawing inspiration from diverse cultural art forms. They will explore how colour, shape and detail can communicate stories and traditions in visual ways.
As they engage with the concepts of Connection and Form, students are developing as Inquirers and Reflective learners—curiously exploring new ideas and thoughtfully responding to the rich diversity of art across cultures. We look forward to a colourful and engaging term of creativity, discovery and cultural appreciation.
Year 1
Transdisciplinary Theme:
How We Organise Ourselves
Central Idea: Artists depict food in imaginative and creative ways
This term in Visual Arts, students are exploring how artists represent food in both realistic and imaginative ways. They are investigating how colour, shape and artistic techniques can transform everyday objects into creative artworks, and how well-known artists use food as a subject to express ideas and imagination.
Through a variety of creative experiences, students will develop observational drawing skills while also experimenting with printmaking, collage and sculpture. They will explore how different materials and approaches can capture detail, form and personality in their artworks.
As they engage with the concepts of Function and Change, students are developing as Inquirers and Thinkers—curiously exploring new techniques and making thoughtful artistic choices. We look forward to a fun and engaging term filled with creativity, experimentation and imaginative interpretations of food through art.
Year 2
Transdisciplinary Theme:
How the World Works
Central Idea:
Perspective, pattern and form create illusions of movement
This term in Visual Arts, students are exploring how artists create the illusion of movement through pattern, colour and form. They are investigating how optical illusion artists use visual elements to trick the eye, and how changes in perspective can make images appear to move or shift.
Through a range of creative experiences, students will experiment with pattern, shape and colour to create dynamic and engaging artworks. They will also explore how form and construction can suggest both real and imagined movement, combining visual design with three-dimensional thinking.
As they engage with the concepts of Perspective and Form, students are developing as Open-minded Inquirers—curiously exploring how art works and confidently experimenting with new ideas. We look forward to an energetic and imaginative term of creativity, where movement and illusion come to life through art.
Year 3
Transdisciplinary Theme:
Where We Are in Place and Time
Central Idea: Yolngu people in Arnhem Land, Australia, live by the seasons and their deep connection to their land
This term in Visual Arts, students are exploring the rich cultural traditions of the Yolngu people and their deep connection to land, seasons and storytelling. They are investigating how artists use symbols, patterns and materials to share knowledge, history and cultural meaning through their artwork.
Through a range of creative experiences, students will explore traditional techniques, natural forms and patterned design inspired by seasonal changes. They will develop an understanding of how art reflects ways of life and the importance of respecting and learning from Indigenous perspectives.
As they engage with the concepts of Connection and Function, students are growing as Open-minded and Caring learners—developing appreciation for culture, creativity and the stories that connect people to place. We look forward to a meaningful and enriching term of artistic and cultural exploration.
Year 4
Transdisciplinary Theme:
How We Express Ourselves
Central Idea: Picasso communicates through abstract form and perspective
This term in Visual Arts, students are exploring how artists like Picasso use abstraction, perspective and symbolism to communicate ideas and emotions. By studying his influential work, students are discovering how artistic choices can shape the way viewers respond to and interpret an artwork.
Through a range of creative experiences, students will experiment with tone, composition, shape and form to express meaning in abstract ways. They will explore how simplifying, distorting and reimagining images can create powerful visual messages.
As they engage with the concepts of Form and Perspective, students are developing as Thinkers and Open-minded learners—analysing artistic influences while confidently expressing their own ideas. We look forward to a bold and thought-provoking term of creativity inspired by Picasso’s unique visual language.
Year 5
Transdisciplinary Theme:
How the World Works
Central Idea: Cultural perspectives through art and nature's elemental forces—fire, earth, water and air
This term in Visual Arts, students are exploring how artists interpret the natural elements and the powerful forces of nature through different cultural perspectives. They are investigating how fire, earth, water and air can be represented through a variety of artistic techniques, and how natural events can inspire creative expression.
Through a range of creative experiences, students will experiment with different materials and processes to explore movement, texture, pattern and form. They will consider how artists respond to nature and how these responses can communicate emotion, energy and change.
As they engage with the concepts of Connection and Change, students are developing as Reflective and Balanced learners—thoughtfully exploring how art connects us to the natural world. We look forward to a rich and engaging term of creativity inspired by the elements.
Year 6
Transdisciplinary Theme:
Where We Are in Place and Time
Central Idea: Modern Australian Aboriginal art reflects community life and cultural traditions
This term in Visual Arts, students are exploring how contemporary Australian Aboriginal artists share stories of community, culture and identity through their work. They are investigating how traditional techniques, symbols and motifs are reinterpreted in modern ways to reflect both cultural heritage and present-day experiences.
Through a range of creative explorations, students will experiment with pattern, colour, form and storytelling, inspired by diverse Australian Aboriginal art practices. They will consider how art can communicate personal and cultural narratives, and how connection to place and community is expressed visually.
As they engage with the concepts of Change and Connection, students are developing as Thinkers and Caring learners—thoughtfully reflecting on the meaning behind artworks while building respect and appreciation for Australian Aboriginal cultures. We look forward to a meaningful and inspiring term of creativity, connection and cultural understanding.