Stage 4 Visual Arts:Years 7 & 8 Mandatory: Year 7 students have three 72 minute periods of Visual Arts per fortnight for the year. Year 8 students have four 72 minute periods of Visual Arts per fortnight for a semester.
In stage 4 we learn about how we can study and practice art using the content areas of the syllabus: Practice, The Conceptual Framework and the Frames.
Assessment for Stage 4 is 70% Making and 30% Studying.
In Year 7 we work under the following topics and forms: Me, Myself and I (Drawing, painting, Printmaking), and Animals (sculpture and ceramics). In Year 8 we work under the following topics and forms: Fantasy (photography and ceramics) and Landscape (painting, printing).
Stage 5 Visual Arts:Years 9 & 10 Elective: Years 9 & 10 students have four 72 minute periods of Visual Arts per fortnight for the year.
Assessment for Stage 5 is 60% Making and 40% Studying.
Visual Arts fosters an interest and enjoyment in making and studying art. Students develop an understanding of the role of art in forms of drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture and printmaking. Their works at this stage show attention to detail, furthering their understanding of conventions, procedures and strategies of practice and finished pieces of artwork. All their work is thoroughly documented in their Visual Arts Diaries which may include drawings, photographs, collections, paintings, sketches and annotated diagrams, critical comments and reflections.
Stage 5 Visual Design:Years 9 & 10 Elective: Years 9 & 10 students have four 72 minute periods of Visual Design per fortnight for the year.
Assessment for Stage 5 is 60% Making and 40% Studying.
Visual Design looks at art forms that are used in the commercial world. Areas such as Graphic Design, computer generated designs and product designs are studied over the two years. Designs and design processes are recorded in a Visual Design Diary.
In Year 9 students study the visual and expressive qualities, the design process and various topics and forms. In Year 10 students study the following topics and forms: Body decoration (jewellery) and then in the final semester produce a website showcasing all design work they have produced over the past two years.
Stage 5 Photographic and Digital Media:Years 9 & 10 Elective: Years 9 & 10 students have four 72 minute periods of Photographic and Digital Media per fortnight for the year.
Assessment for Stage 5 is 60% Making and 40% Studying.
The course taught in Years 9 -10 Photographic and Digital Media is divided into two components; Wet Photography and Digital Photography. In wet photography the students learn about the history of photography, using an SLR camera and how to develop a film and produce photos in the dark room. They also study different developmental techniques and processes. Students also profile the work of two successful photographers. In digital photography the students learn the techniques of taking photographs with a digital camera and how to manipulate them using computer software. Students document their photographic processes in their photography journal.
Stage 6 Visual Arts:Years 11 Preliminary & 12 HSC Elective: Years 11 & 12 students have six 72 minute periods of Visual Arts per fortnight for the year.
Assessment for Stage 6 is 50% Making and 50% Studying.
Units studied in Year 11 are designed to familiarise students with the requirements of the HSC course. Students develop knowledge and skills in ways of interpreting art works. They also learn to develop an approach to practical work: IDEA leading to PROCESS leading to RESOLUTION. They are encouraged to experiment with materials and ideas.
Students in year 12 further develop the skills introduced in year 11. They now have to focus on a particular area and develop their ideas into a Body of Work. In Studying they undertake a series of Case Studies based on the art world.
Stage 6 Photography, Video and Digital Imaging 1 unit:Years 11 Preliminary &/or 12 HSC Elective (Board Endorsed non UAI). Students have three 72 minute periods of Photography per fortnight for the year.
Assessment for Stage 6 is 70% Making and 30% Studying.
The course taught in Years 11 and/or 12is divided into three components, Wet Photography Digital and Video. From these components students must study at least three modules a year. In wet Photography the students may learn about the history of photography, using an SLR camera and how to develop a film and produce photos in the dark room. They also study different developmental techniques and processes. In Digital Photography the students may learn the techniques of taking photographs with a digital camera and how to manipulate them using computer software. In Video they may study the history of video and undertake an individual or group project.
Extra-curricular activities and Creative Opportunities
Students are encouraged to participate in design, photography and art competitions. Students have entered artworks in the Castle Hill Show and in 2012 one of our Year 9 students won the ‘Design an Ad' competition run by Fairfax media.
Visual Arts
A Mosaic club is run on Fridays at lunchtime. All students are welcome to join.