Creative and Performing Arts

Creative Arts 

Content Endorsed Subject

Preliminary Year: students complete 2 units of Visual Design. The focus of the course will be done in collaboration with the biennial CAPA musical production.

Students will design and construct the stage sets and props to support the show.

This course provides students with opportunities to explore the links between art and design by designing and making images and objects, in which aesthetic qualities and symbolic meanings are as important as utilitarian function.

HSC Year: students complete 2 units of Ceramics

Students will develop an appreciation of the aesthetic qualities in both contemporary and past societies. They will explore a variety of construction techniques and learn the technology to complete the process of firing techniques.

Ceramics is the art and technology of forming, firing and glazing clay to make a wide variety of products, ranging from ceramic ware such as plates, bowls and drinking vessels, jewellery, sculpture and decorative wall surfaces.

Both of these courses will provide students with opportunities to work in the associated industries after completing their HSC year.

Dance

Dance in Stage 6 is designed for students to experience, understand and value dance as an artform through the interrelated study of Performance, Composition and Appreciation of dance. 

Students are able to study dance as a unique artform in which the body is the instrument for non-verbal communication and expression.

Through the study of dance as an artform, students learn about Dance through performance, technique exercises and practical lessons. That is, the knowledge, understanding and skills in physically preparing the body to dance (Dance Technique) and the application and demonstration of knowledge, understanding and skills in a ‘Dance’/‘Work’. They learn about composition through analysis, improvisation and choreography. That is, the knowledge, understanding and skills which underpin the theories, principles, processes and practices of dance composition. The students are encouraged to create and develop a personal response that communicates intent. They learn about appreciation of dance as works of art. That is, the study of seminal artists and works for their contribution to the development of dance. 

Drama

The collaborative process continues in Stage 6 Drama as students further learn to use a range of artistic skills and creative interactions. Students study and investigate past and present theatrical traditions, texts, and practitioners to develop an understanding of social, political, historical, or personal contexts. 

A greater emphasis is placed on the collaboration between actor / audience relationships in that direct engagement is emphasised as an essential skill during the playbuilding process and performance elements of the course.

The study of Drama in Stage 6 nurtures and develops the talents and /or capacities of all students. By providing opportunities to develop a range of skills, students concentrate on Individual Projects of specific personal interest. These include Film making, Directors Folio, Scriptwriting, Poster and Promotion, Critical Analysis, Costume or Set Design and Individual Monologue performance.

The course is not only designed for those who have completed the Stage 5 Drama Course, but also for students who are studying Drama for the first time.

The skills and knowledge acquired through the study of Drama in Stage 6 may be further sought in professional industries like media, theatre, communications, but not confined to these industries.

Music 1 and 2

When selecting music for Stage 6, you have two choices - Music 1 or Music 2. Both courses welcome students who have not studied Stage 5 Music, however, it does give you an advantage. This video will outline the slight differences between these two courses, and will help you to decide which course is right for you. 

​Please note: Music Extension can only be studied by students enrolled in Music 2 and is only available as one additional unit in Yr 12.

Photography

Content Endorsed Course

Year 11 and 12 Photography is a Non-Atar course, with 70% allocated to practical application, and the remaining 30% for theory assessments and an exam. Students will concentrate on Film and Digital Photography and will extend into Animation using graphics technology. Introduction into the main hardware of the camera will build prerequisite knowledge for later conceptual and practical application. This knowledge will also act as a springboard toward building understanding of camera angles, lighting techniques, composition and special effects to represent their individual visual narrative. Throughout, students will concentrate on various photographic and film artists, furthering their conceptual understanding to add depth to their work. By the conclusion of the course, students will have a plethora of knowledge to lead into tertiary education and eventually a career.

Visual Arts

The senior Visual Arts course is an ATAR 2 Unit course that is divided into two components- 50% Practical and 50% Theory.  This course does not require students to have studied Visual Arts in years 9 and 10.

In year 11 students will work with a variety of different materials and learn new techniques. They will study different artists and learn about their importance within the context of art history. 

Students undertake a Body of work in year 12 that is entirely their personal choice. They explore materials and ideas in a medium they are interested in such as drawing, painting, film, photography, ceramics, sculpture, textiles and fibre, or a combination of these. Through collaboration with their teachers the students will refine and resolve their artmaking practice. 

Visual Arts students go on excursions to galleries to view exhibitions and are exposed to many different exciting experiences. Visual Arts will teach you to think critically and to think outside the square.