CAPA
Creative and Performing Arts
The CAPA faculty has had an energetic and productive end of term, with most of our focus and excitement centred on the upcoming school musical. A significant amount of time, effort and collaboration has gone into rehearsals across cast, orchestra and production teams, and the dedication of both students and staff is already evident. The musical is shaping up to be a vibrant and engaging production, showcasing the diverse talents within our school community.
Alongside this, our Year 12 students have been working diligently on their major projects across Music 1, Music 2, Music Extension and Visual Arts, demonstrating commitment, independence and creative depth as they refine their bodies of work and performances.
Students have also engaged in valuable learning experiences beyond the classroom. Year 11 Visual Arts attended an excursion to the Art Gallery of NSW to view ARTEXPRESS and the work of Ron Mueck, gaining insight into contemporary practice and HSC standards. Year 9 and 10 Visual Design students participated in an architecture workshop at the Opera House, followed by visits to exhibitions at the State Library and the Art Gallery of NSW, enriching their understanding of design, architecture and visual culture.
Year 9 & 10 Visual Design excursion to the Opera House, State Library and Art Gallery of NSW
On Friday 6 March, Year 9 and 10 Visual Design students accompanied by Mrs Whalley and Ms Chang ventured into the city to explore the possibilities of Visual Design through a rich and engaging program of experiences. The day began at the Sydney Opera House, where students participated in an architecture workshop led by architect Louise O’Brien. This session provided valuable insight into the design process, encouraging students to consider how space, structure and function intersect in contemporary architectural practice.
Students then visited the State Library, where they explored both the Pamela Allen Picture Book exhibition and the Artist Books exhibition. These experiences highlighted the power of visual storytelling, illustration and innovative approaches to materials, format and presentation.
The day concluded with a visit to ARTEXPRESS, where students engaged with exemplary HSC major works across a range of disciplines. This provided inspiration and a deeper understanding of how ideas are developed and resolved at a high level.
Throughout the excursion, students demonstrated enthusiasm and curiosity, gaining valuable insights into the breadth of Visual Design and the many creative pathways it offers.
Year 10 Visual Arts – Gargoyle charcoal drawings
The Year 10 Visual Arts 100-hour course has embarked on a unit of work on gargoyles and grotesques. Their first task was to create a series of charcoal drawings based on observational studies of these forms. Students have employed tonal drawing techniques, to capture light and shadow to create depth and form and capture the stone-like qualities of gargoyles. They are now creating their own gargoyle interpretations in clay.
PAST HSC VISUAL ARTS SHOWCASE – Where are they now?
Tarik Chen – Visual Arts class of 2024
Tarik’s artwork, Florigium Sculptura, is a collection of clay pieces inspired by the natural world that surrounds us. He seeks to mimic the fragility of plant life, drawing on small, often overlooked details such as the rough texture of bark and the delicate petals of flowers. Through his exploration of fragility, beauty and texture, Tarik aims to foster a deeper appreciation of living forms and spark curiosity about the plants that exist in everyday environments.
His work not only reveals hidden features of nature but also functions as a study, documenting its diversity in form, texture and shape. In doing so, Tarik intends for his work to encourage viewers to look more closely and appreciate aspects of the natural world that are often forgotten or unnoticed.
Ultimately, Tarik hopes his work will connect audiences with nature, offering a glimpse into the aesthetics of life and fostering a deeper, more reflective and spiritual connection with it.
Tarik is currently studying an Advanced Science Degree at the University of NSW with a major in biology and biodiversity.
Music Ensemble Program in 2026
All our music ensembles are now rehearsing regularly, in addition to our Pirates of Penzance rehearsals in preparation for our musical next term.
If your son still wishes to join an ensemble, it’s not too late. Please see below the rehearsal schedule and encourage your son to attend. For further enquiries, contact the music staff in the CAPA staffroom or via the music email address ebhsmusic1@gmail.com.
Individual tuition is something that we consider essential for the improvement of the player and their contribution to their ensembles. All students are strongly encouraged to be having individual or group lessons outside of ensemble rehearsals.
Michael Tabrett
Music Director
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Louise Whalley
Head Teacher CAPA
