Year 10 Visual Arts Electives 

ELECTIVES 

Students can choose a MAXIMUM of two electives from this Learning Area. 

ART 

Course Description:        

The Art course covers a wide range of media and techniques, which can include painting, printmaking, drawing and mixed media.  Students will create a range of artworks which communicate, challenge and express their own and others' ideas. Developmental work following the studio process (completed in a Visual Diary) is assessed in conjunction with the finished artwork and is equally as important.  Included in the Visual Diary will be idea development, research of ideas, thumbnail sketches/plans of artworks, experimentation with techniques and media, and a self-reflection after each unit studied.  The development of personal style, originality, creativity, technical and design abilities are major components of assessments for this course. 

Students will respond to theoretical tasks that reflect their practical work. Students will develop skills in critical and creative thinking whilst analysing how artist compositions and practices are influenced by visual art histories and cultural/social contexts.  A range of research, analysis and ‘art’ terminology tasks will be completed. 

Assessment:                      

This subject uses the following methods of assessment: 

• Folio of experimental work completed in Visual Diary 
• Folio of final artworks 
• Art appreciation including research, analysis and terminology tasks 
• Examinations 

Pathway:             

It is strongly recommended that students considering undertaking Art Creative Practice 1 & 2 and/or Visual Communication Units 1 & 2 select this subject. 

Special Requirements: 

Students may be required to attend the local gallery to complete firsthand observation of art works.  

MEDIA STUDIES: Digital Media 

Course Description:        

In this dynamic Year 10 Media Elective, students will explore a wide range of media forms, focusing on videography and photography, to develop an understanding of the powerful relationship between media and its audiences. This subject aims to prepare students for VCE Media, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to analyze media representations and narratives, and create their own engaging media products. 

Throughout the course, students will delve into the structure, nature, and roles of media forms, products, and contexts, learning how they shape the creation, production, and sharing of media. They will investigate media industry institutions and their influence on society, while gaining hands-on experience in media design and production across various media forms.  

Assessment:     

This subject uses the following methods of assessment:  Analysis of media representations and narratives Creation of media products, with a focus on videography and photography Exploration of media industry institutions and their impact on society 

Pathway:             

This course is designed to lead into VCE Media Units 1-4 and is highly recommended for students interested in pursuing careers in media, advertising, film studies, or any roles related to media design and production, such as cinematography, photography, or journalism.  

Special Requirements: 

Students may be required to attend excursions or workshops to develop skills with industry-standard equipment and enhance their understanding of media arts. 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Course Description:        

This course is an introduction to black and white SLR and digital photography theory and practice.  The areas of focus in this course include the analysis and discussion of photographs and how they are constructed; exploration and development of ideas via observation; and research into different styles of photography.  Students will develop skills and techniques in structuring photographs in a chosen theme; taking photographs with SLR and digital cameras; developing black and white film; printing black and white photographs; manipulating digital images; and selecting and presenting photographs for a particular audience. Vocabulary specific to The Arts and Photography is also explicitly taught and assessed. 

Assessment:                      

This subject uses the following methods of assessment: 

• Folio of experimental work completed in Visual Diary 
• Folio of final artworks 
• Photographic analysis tasks 
• Examinations 

Pathway:                             

It is recommended that students considering undertaking Art Creative Practice Units 1 & 2 select this subject.  

VISUAL COMMUNICATION & DESIGN 

Course Description:        

Students use a visual diary to problem solve when developing and refining concepts and ideas for specific visual communications. They experiment with media materials and ICT technologies, design elements and design principles, and develop their personal design style. Working to a brief, students refine and create final presentation pieces for a specified audience.  The written component to the course involves analysis of how designers use visual messages and the stylistic, technical and aesthetic decisions made by designers to create effective communications.  Students will evaluate the ways that cultural, social and political trends impact their own and others’ design decisions.  Appropriate design language is taught to support this work. 

Assessment:                      

This subject uses the following methods of assessment: 

• Design process within Visual Diary  
• Folio of Visual Communications 
• Analysis tasks of Visual Communications 
• Examinations  

Pathway:                             

It is strongly recommended that students considering undertaking Visual Communication Units 1 & 2 and Art Creative Practice Units 1 & 2 select this subject. 

Special Requirements: 

Students may be required to attend relevant excursions to experience design work in an authentic setting.