Visual arts is compulsory in Years 7 and 8 and an elective in Years 9, 10, 11 and 12.
Years 7 and 8
In Years 7 and 8 all students study visual arts. The course is a combination of critical and historical studies where students are introduced to the concepts of practice, the conceptual framework and the frames. Students also learn to use practical media in at least two of the 2D, 3D and 4D expressive forms.
2D forms include flat work, for example, painting drawing and printmaking.
3D forms include works that involve volume and mass, for example, ceramics and sculpture.
4D forms include works that exist in real and virtual time, for example, time-based works, film and video, digital animation, and performance works.
Students are required to keep a visual arts process diary (VAPD) to record and plan ideas as part of their artmaking practice.
Years 9 and 10
Students who have demonstrated aptitude and interest in visual arts further their studies in Year 9 and 10 by choosing either visual arts or design media.
In design media, students have the opportunity to create artworks using a variety of digital equipment such as iMacs and SLR cameras. Students learn to use Adobe Creative Suite to digitally manipulate and construct their artwork. The course also provides the opportunity to study the practice of artists who work in still and moving media.
In visual arts, the concept of a body of work is explored and students may produce more than one artwork related to a theme/subject. Students further develop their understanding of practice, the conceptual framework and the frames in 2D, 3D and 4D forms in both artmaking and art theory. Students are required to keep a VAPD which demonstrates planning and resolving of ideas during the production of their artworks.
Years 11 and 12
The preliminary course in Year 11 offers broad-based experiences in visual arts and students work in at least two expressive forms. The preliminary course develops students' knowledge, skills and understanding in artmaking and art criticism and art history. During the high school certificate high school certificate (HSC) course, students investigate case studies to develop informed understanding and knowledge about past and present art practices. Students are also required to create a and maintain a VAPD. The body of work comprises of an individual work or a series of works in one or more expressive forms submitted for external assessment. The body of work demonstrates students' understanding of conceptual practice and material practice.
Assessment
Years 7 and 8
In the mandatory visual arts course students are expected to produce practical pieces of work and record developments of their work in the VAPD. There are two common practical and theory tasks during the year.
Years 9 and 10
Students undertaking the elective course have specific projects, assignments and examinations. Students are required to keep a VAPD.
Years 11 and 12
There are half year and yearly examinations as well as specific assessment tasks in artmaking and art theory. The assessment tasks are weighted according to Board of Studies guidelines. Senior students are expected to produce a body of work for HSC assessment. A VAPD is assessed throughout the course.