Arts

Year 10 Nocturnal Photowalk

On a crisp Ballarat evening, a group of enthusiastic Year 10 Photography students set out on a nighttime photographic adventure as part of the Nocturnal Photowalk excursion. Guided by teachers Mr Mark O’Callaghan and Ms Jeanean Pritchard, the students captured the city’s night lights and learned some creative photographic skills. They explored the intersection of light, shadow and movement in Ballarat’s iconic Sturt Street precinct. 

Starting from St Patrick’s Cathedral, the group began their journey eastward with cameras and tripods in hand. The cathedral’s façade and the passing light trails of traffic provided the perfect opportunity for experimenting with long exposure photography—an exciting technique the students had studied in theory but had limited access to during daylight hours.

Throughout the evening, students engaged in a series of photographic challenges, from light trail compositions to mounted, timer-released and handheld techniques, and undertaking light painting adding an extra layer of creative expression. Each task offered the opportunity to reinforce their understanding of ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and light intensity, allowing them to manipulate their camera settings with increasing confidence and control. 

The Photowalk offered students the chance to consider the beauty of Ballarat’s local architecture as a subject or backdrop in their photography; the Impressive Town Hall Clock Tower, the glow of the iconic Palace Regent Cinema lights, and the city’s historic and dimly-lit alleyways. 

As the group moved through the city, the collaboration and energy among the students created a supportive space for experimentation and personal creative responses. The night concluded with memory cards full of potential and fingers numb from the icy air—but spirits high. 

The Nocturnal Photowalk marks a highlight in the Arts Curriculum this term allowing students to apply classroom learning to real-world conditions. It builds not only practical skills in photography but a deeper appreciation for storytelling through light, movement and the urban landscape. 

Yr 9 Skateboard Art: "Symbols of Myself" 

This month, our students embarked on a journey to visually express who they are as individuals. The task: use personal symbols to create a composition that tells a story about yourself. Each artist chose images and designs representing various parts of their lives, resulting in a vibrant collection of self-portraits in symbol form – and the canvas was a skateboard! 

Many students used iconography to represent their loved ones, friends, family, or role models. From aliens, motorbikes, trucks and trains to footballs, the skateboard art contained symbols of personal passions – interests, hobbies, and talents. Several students incorporated indigenous symbols and other symbols that highlight what students stand for and the principles they hold dear. Favorite foods, movies, and even travel destinations and favourite places appeared as symbols in many compositions. These symbols help tell the story of where students feel most comfortable or inspired. Meaningful objects and artefacts such as hockey sticks and boomboxes symbolise treasured memories. 

Through these creative compositions, students have shared a unique glimpse into their identities. Each symbol tells a story, and together, they form a powerful narrative of who these young artists are—both individually and as part of our St Patrick’s community. 

Students can view the “Symbols of Myself” Year 9 skateboard art, which is currently on display at the bottom of the ERC stairwell near the Canteen.