Learning Across the
Senior School
Year 10 Visual Art – Interpreting Contemporary Times
Year 10 Visual Art students have begun the semester by investigating contemporary Australian artist Monika Behrens and her History Wars series, in which familiar toys become vehicles for social and political commentary. Although her works appear playful at first glance, her carefully staged scenes explore complex ideas about Australia’s history.
Inspired by Behrens’ approach, students are exploring how everyday objects can communicate layered meanings. In their first Folio Task, they created enlarged tonal drawings of a small Playskool figurine using charcoal and white chalk. By dramatically increasing its scale, a simple child’s toy is transformed into a subject of significance.
Alongside refining technical skills, students are developing conceptual intentions. One student has linked the toy’s generic, mass-produced identity to societal pressure to conform, while another connects its polished surface to the curated perfection of social media personas.
Students are now extending their practice by composing, lighting and photographing toy arrangements informed by Behrens’ staged compositions, recognising that simple objects can convey complex ideas when thoughtfully interpreted.
Jacky Hamilton
Leader of Visual Arts and Year 10 Visual Arts Teacher
Year 9 Reclaimed Creature Prototypes (Under Construction)
Year 9 Visual Art students are currently collaborating on animal-inspired prototype sculptures made from plastic bottles and reclaimed materials. These works form part of our Earth Matters theme and are designed to develop construction skills and conceptual thinking before students begin their individual Major Practical projects.
Plastic pollution is one of the most significant environmental issues affecting ecosystems worldwide. Through this task, students are exploring how discarded materials can be transformed into meaningful artworks and how animals can symbolise environmental imbalance. The plastic bottle is intentionally visible; it is not disguised. The bottle is the creature, and its original shape determines the anatomy, posture, and movement of each sculpture.
Inspired by artists such as Shari Mendelson and the imaginative symbolism of Hieronymus Bosch, students are developing skills in structural problem-solving, safe construction techniques, collaboration, and reflective documentation. Although the sculptures are created in groups, each student is individually assessed through their folio process.
This prototype stage encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and visible problem-solving, building confidence and independence for the Major Practical work to come.
Jo Maycock
Year 9 Visual Art Teacher
Oliphant Science Awards
The Oliphant Science Awards is an annual competition for South Australian school students that aims to support, encourage and celebrate science education within South Australian schools.
The competition provides students with an opportunity to expand their scientific literacy and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
The Awards recognise the excellent work of students with prizes in each age group and category, along with Sponsor and school prizes for outstanding achievements.
Come and see me at LUNCH time Wednesday and Thursday Week 6 in BBG.2
to get involved.
Find out more today by visiting https://www.oliphantscienceawards.com.au/
To register, please visit:
https://events.humanitix.com/oliphant-science-award-participation-lc-2026
Dr. Sarah Giles
Leader of Learning ‑ Science
