Learning in Media Arts

 This year our Media Arts program is celebrating a more permanent home in what will be developed as the Media Arts Hub...

This exciting new space will allow the students to explore the many aspects of Media and Visual Communication including film/tv, photography, animation, digital design, gaming, performance, and the broadcasting of The Springers Scoop and The Double Scoop.

Students have shown continued excitement and enjoyment of the subject and are maintaining high standards. 

DON'T FORGET TO VISIT THE MEDIA ARTS ROOM ON THE OPEN AFTERNOON - WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL.

FOUNDATION

To begin, the foundation students have been exploring how to express themselves through the discovery of fairytales and fairytale characters. This includes acting warm-ups, song, dance, storytelling and character interviews.  All designed to get them up and moving and confident to play the part.

YEAR ONE

Students have begun by exploring photography, learning about composition and perspective through camera angles and positioning. They have been following instructions carefully on the correct use of the iPad camera and taking their time to consider positioning their subject within the frame of the photograph before taking their shot.  They've also had fun exploring foreground and background within their photos and using perspective to create some fun trick photography.  

YEAR TWO

Year 2 students have been discovering the art of Foley.  Foley Art is the creation of sound effects through found objects and the students have been exploring this exciting aspect of Media Arts by creating sound effects for a book from the library. 

Each class utilise a book read by Mr Rook and Mrs Priestley and then students take turns in recording sounds that enhance the story.  Although lessons sound chaotic and fun, the students also learn resilience by staying extra quiet whilst recording. The results are fantastic and will appear on our Podcast channel in the coming weeks. 

YEAR THREE

Year 3 students have been investigating the representation of Indigenous Culture in the Media and how information, stories, and culture are being preserved through the use of Media Arts.  Students have researched Reconciliation and various aspects of Indigenous history by using reputable media outlets online and by watching and listening to media created by indigenous people.  They have also explored telling their own stories through a still portrait image of themselves that expresses their values and understanding of place in the Springers community.

YEAR FOUR

Students have been applying more advanced techniques in photographic composition such as the Rule of Thirds and symmetry.  They have then been exploring various point-of-view techniques to force the perspective of the viewer through angle, framing, position, rotation, and proportion.  The results have been fantastic.

YEAR FIVE

The unit of work this term focused on using various shot types, such as close up, mid shot and wide shot, for a specific storytelling purpose.  The students explored how directors will use a type of shot to create tension between characters or express a particular mood or character relationship and then applied it to their own work. 

They also discovered the finer details behind storyboarding and the importance of planning before shooting, once again focusing on the use of different shot types and visual storytelling.  

YEAR SIX

The Year 6 students have enjoyed investigating stop motion animation and the many important techniques involved to bring an inanimate object to life.  They have learnt about frame rate, pixelation, personification and the importance of camera stability and consistent lighting to ensure they achieve smooth motion in their animations. 

THE SCOOP

Another exciting development this year is "The Scoop"; a weekly broadcast that is watched by all classes on Monday morning. This news-like show outlines a wrap-up of the week to come and celebrates what has been happening at the Springs.  Our Media Arts Captains, Leila and Christine have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, whilst our School Captains Charlotte and Ben have fronted the 'News' desk and presented what is fast becoming a highlight for the school.

To add, a dedicated group of students has helped develop "The Double Scoop".  This episodic special is a 15-20minute long 'current affairs' type show that further highlights and celebrates events and people of the Springs.  With student-led segments that cover sporting events, interviews with staff and students, environmental messages, special events like Book Fair and so much more, this Double Scoop will hopefully become a much-anticipated show for years to come. 

There are many exciting developments ahead for the Media Arts Hub and we are thrilled to further develop the program within the school where we look forward to continuing to celebrate the talents of Pakenham Springs students.

Mrs Priestly & Mr Rook

Media Arts Teachers