Creative Arts Mural

After months of planning, painting, and collaboration last year, our Support Unit mural has finally been installed and is proudly on display for the whole school community to enjoy. The vibrant artwork celebrates inclusion, creativity, and the unique strengths of our students, transforming the space into something welcoming and inspiring. It is wonderful to see the hard work and dedication of our students now permanently showcased, reminding us daily of the power of art to bring people together and create a sense of belonging within our school.

HPGE: Year 7 Creative Community Project

Creative Community Project provides students with an enrichment and extra-curricular opportunity that extends beyond the classroom into the wider community. Working with a small group of like-minded students with an artist practitioner to guide and grow students’ art-making abilities and experience. FGHS Creative Community Project is an intensive 2-day artmaking workshop for Year 7 students who demonstrate high potential and talent in the creative domain of visual arts. Students are tutored and guided by an experienced art practitioner while engaging in a community project for the local Beresfield Parish. The workshop will offer students the opportunity to gain new skills to extend their artmaking practice across a range of mediums and techniques in the form of public art. Father Stephen connected with FGHS to offer this community network and authentic artistic development opportunity.

(Street Library Example) - Be sure to check our next newsletter and facebook page for photographs of the finished project.

HPGE: Starstruck!

Many of our students have been enthusiastically preparing for the upcoming Star Struck auditions, demonstrating dedication, teamwork, and resilience throughout rehearsals. As part of this event, they are refining their choreography, technique, and stage presence to deliver a polished and energetic performance. We are incredibly proud of their commitment and can’t wait to see them shine on stage.

The lowdown on VISUAL ARTS - Term 1, 2026

Year 7 Visual Arts

The fundamentals of art have begun with the teaching and learning of the Elements of Art (Line, Shape, Colour, Texture, Space, Value and Form). The Elements of Art provide language for students to write about, interpret and create works of art with layers of meaning. Year 7 has started deeply investigating each element in conjunction with an artmaking workshop.

Year 8 Ceramic and Sculpture

In Year 8, students are transforming everyday objects into striking three-dimensional sculptures. Inspired by artist Alberto Giacometti, students are investigating how line, structure, and materials can bring form to life. Through observational drawing, wire construction, and plaster techniques, they are building their own sculptural artworks, developing confidence in both technical skill and creative expression.

Year 9 Visual Arts

In year 9 students are investigating the artmaking practice of Cubist artist, Pablo Picasso, and Neo-expressionist, Basquiat, in the creation of a self-portrait clay mask which represents each student's ‘inner self’ using an abstract language of signs and symbols. Students have been deepening their knowledge of the Elements of Art and analysing how to represent themselves and their world using structural evidence (using the elements to communicate meaning to an audience).

Year 10 Visual Arts

Year 10 are further developing their artmaking skills in the creation of a still life painting based on the 17th century Dutch still life tradition, Vanitas. Students are investigating this genre of painting and incorporating elements from their contemporary world in designing and painting a still life which explores both traditional and contemporary aspects of morality. Students are being guided through a teacher-led tutorial in underpainting, building layers, further understanding value (tone), form and space in acrylic practice.

Student examples of ‘underpainting’ with acrylic paint and the study of value (tone)

in preparation for their still life painting.

Year 11 Visual Arts

This term in Year 11 Visual Arts, students are immersing themselves in the study of Realism, exploring how artists represent the world with technical precision and conceptual depth. Through intensive observational drawing and painting exercises, students are refining their understanding of tone, composition, and form while analysing the practices of artists such as Gustave Courbet and Caravaggio.

Students are developing their own resolved artworks grounded in careful observation, while critically investigating how realism can communicate truth, atmosphere, and meaning. This unit is strengthening both their technical control and their ability to construct informed, sophisticated interpretations — essential foundations for their HSC Body of Work journey.

Support - Creative Arts

Students are investigating the artmaking practice of contemporary street artists who use a range of processes and techniques in creating aerosol-sprayed works of art. Students are revising their knowledge of the ‘elements and principles of art’, experiencing a deeper understanding of line, texture, shape, space, contrast and emphasis (focus point) and balance while creating a work of art. The students have begun investigating the element, line, and how to use aerosol paint in a safe and successful manner.

Students artworks from S13 exploring line and aerosol on canvas and an example artwork from artist (center) , Barrie J Davies.

A Snap Introduction to PHOTOGRAPHY & DIGITAL MEDIA - Term 1, 2026

Year 9 P&DM

This term in Year 9 Photography, students are stepping behind the lens to master the art of capturing powerful images. As they develop their skills in focus, exposure, lighting, and composition, students are gaining confidence using DSLR cameras and experimenting with manual settings. Through creative photo challenges and hands-on shoots around the school, they are learning how techniques such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and depth of field can transform an ordinary moment into a striking visual story.

Year 10 P&DM

This term in Year 10 Photography, students are exploring the creative possibilities of double exposure and traditional multiple exposure photographic processes. Through this unit, students are investigating the concept of an ‘inner/outer world’, using photography to communicate ideas about identity, emotion, environment, and personal experience. Students are learning how images can be layered and combined to create meaning, developing their technical skills by using photographic editing software to plan, refine, and manipulate their images, gaining a deeper understanding of contemporary photographic processes.

Throughout the term, students are encouraged to think creatively and critically about how visual elements, symbolism, and composition can be used to tell a story. This unit supports students in building confidence with photographic technologies while developing their ability to express complex ideas through photography.

Year 11 P&DM

This term in Year 11 Photography, students are being introduced to the manual camera and essential manual shooting techniques. They are learning how ISO, aperture, and shutter speed work together to control exposure and creative outcomes.

Through a series of practical photographic tasks, students are developing their technical skills while refining their understanding of composition, camera control, and visual decision-making. This unit builds strong foundations in photographic practice and supports students in gaining confidence using the camera in manual mode.

ACTION! Drama takes the stage - Term 1, 2026

Year 9 Drama

Year 9 Drama have been exploring the elements of trust building and what makes a positive and collaborative classroom! They created key protocols for learning and have been embedding these beautifully in their lessons. Recently they’ve explored the history and conventions of Greek theatre. Performing a segment from the tragic play, Oedipus the King, outside in the Japanese gardens. They had to choreograph the paragraph with symbolic movements and draw on the limits of their vocal projection to communicate the content of their speech to their teacher all the way at the back of the oval! They will be continuing to explore the fundamentals of Drama and improvisation through the term, culminating in the creation of an original group performance! Keep on smashing it, year 9!

Year 11 Drama

Year 11 Drama have been developing their skills in improvisation and playbuilding as they begin to prepare for their first Stage 6 Group Performance Assessment Task. They have been learning how to collaborate, improvise and act spontaneously to purposefully manipulate elements of drama to deliver clear and powerful messages to their audience. Each student is working incredibly hard and we are very much looking forward to seeing their final performances at the end of the term!

Year 12 Drama

Year 12 have been working diligently on their new topic- Significant Plays of the 20th Century. They've done a deep dive of modern history and have explored the significant global events that have shaped theatre and audience responses. They're currently engaging in Bertolt Brecht's play 'Mother Courage and her Children' and have explored a range of his alienation techniques through dramatic workshops. They're about to launch into a close study of Tectonic Theatre Company's 'The Laramie Project' and the dramatic style of verbatim. Students will prepare a practical workshop for another Drama cohort as part of their assessment task. Amazing work year 12!

The diverse sounds of MUSIC - Term 1, 2026

Year 8 – Exploring Australian Music

Year 8 are diving into the sounds of Australia! Students are exploring music that reflects our histories, cultures and identities, including works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. They’re analysing songs, performing Australian repertoire, and creating their own soundscape inspired by local stories and places.

Year 9 – Music Around the World

Year 9 are taking a musical trip around the globe! From different cultures and traditions, students are listening, performing and comparing unique rhythms and melodies. They’re building strong aural skills while exploring how music connects to culture and community.

Year 10 – Rock Music

Year 10 are turning up the volume with a deep dive into Rock music! Exploring a range of rock genres, with a strong focus on Australian and First Nations artists, students are unpacking what makes this style so powerful and influential. They’ll use their knowledge to analyse a rock track and confidently identify and comment on the key musical concepts they hear.

Year 11 – Music for Small Ensembles

Year 11 are making big sounds in small groups! From medieval and classical to jazz, musical theatre and funk fusion, students are exploring how different ensembles create unique styles and energy. They are also stepping into the role of composer, creating their own original work for a small ensemble, bringing their ideas to life through collaboration, creativity and plenty of musical groove.

Year 12 – Performance Focus

Year 12 are refining their craft on their chosen instruments, preparing repertoire and developing their performance skills. They are currently working towards their first performance assessment, performing two pieces with confidence and expression.

CAPA staff wish our school and larger community a happy and fulfilling year

Stay tuned to the FGHS socials for up and coming CAPA showcases and

project opportunities!

PD/H/PE