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Creative Arts

visual artsVisual Arts

Visual Arts Years 7 and 8

In Years 7 and 8 all students study Visual Arts. This foundation course is primarily about creating artworks in at least two of the 2D and 3D expressive forms. Students are also introduced to the practices of art criticism and art history and the concepts of practice, the conceptual framework and the frames.

2D forms include flat works, for example, painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, digital imaging and collage.

3D forms include works that involve volume and mass and exist in space, for example, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and fibre, designed objects and environments.

Students are required to keep a diary to record the ideas and intentions explored in their art making and to engage in drawing as a sustained practice. This is called a Visual Arts Diary.

Visual Arts Years 9 and 10

In Years 9 and 10 a Visual Arts elective course may run depending on student choice. This course provides for more extensive learning in the Visual Arts. The concept of the Body of Work is introduced and students may produce one or more individual works that are related through subject and /or form. Students continue to develop their understandings and skills using the concepts of practice, the conceptual framework and the frames in 2D, 3D and 4D forms. Students are required to keep a Visual Arts Process Diary which provides evidence of the decisions and actions made by students in the production of their artworks.

Visual Arts Preliminary and HSC Courses

The Preliminary course in Year 11 offers broad-based experiences in the visual arts and the HSC course has a more sustained, independent and interpretative focus. Students are expected to work in at least two expressive forms in the Preliminary course and in the HSC course they are required to make and submit for external assessment a Body of Work in one or more expressive forms.

The course aims to develop knowledge, skills and understanding in art making and art criticism and art history. By the end of the HSC course students should have an informed understanding and knowledge about past and present practices in the visual arts. The conceptual thinking and practical skills developed should empower students to participate in the world as creative practitioners, informed consumers and astute appraisers of the concepts and aesthetics underpinning art and design. Students are also required to keep a Visual Arts Process Diary.

Assessment

Years 7-8

During the mandatory Visual Arts Course students are expected to produce practical pieces of work and a detailed record of the development of art work. This is called the Visual Arts Process Diary.

Years 9-10

Students undertaking the elective course have specific projects, research, assignments and practical work in Visual Arts. Students are required to keep a VAPD. There is a Mid Year and End of Year examination.

Years 11-12

There are Mid Year and End of Year examinations as well as specific assessment tasks. The assessment tasks are weighted according to Board of Studies guidelines. Senior students are expected to produce a Body of Work (this can be several pieces of art work) for Higher School Certificate assessment. A Visual Arts Process Diary must also be kept and it is assessed throughout the course.

Photography Video & Digital Media

Photographic, Video & Digital Media (PVD) incorporates technological advances in contemporary artmaking practice. The evolution of digital technologies has enabled many artists to reinvent artistic production as well as the role of the artist in the world. This course enables students to explore the use of photographic and digital technologies as a tool for their artmaking. This can include still images, video and film, interactivity, Internet, mass media and multimedia. The course empowers students to engage in contemporary forms of artistic practice and encourages confident use of Information and Communication Technologies.

Units

Assessment

Students are assessed on a range of skills that include both practical based tasks, critical and historical research tasks, and examinations.

Resources

Students will have access to the following:

 

Music

About Music

computer labThe aim of the Music course is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for active engagement and enjoyment in performing, composing and listening to various music styles. This is achieved through a course of study involving both theory and practical classes. Students will be engaged in a range of music topics from all musical areas and styles. Students studying Music will have opportunities to listen, perform and compose music. Music is compulsory in Years 7-8. Students can elect to study Music in Years 9-10 and again in Years 11-12.

Courses

Years 7-8

Students participate in musical activities individually and in groups. They engage in a range of musical experiences, developing an understanding of the concepts of music, through performing, composing and listening.

Years 9-10

Students participate in musical activities individually and in groups. They engage in a range of musical experiences, developing an understanding of the concepts of music, through performing, composing and listening. Emphasis in Years 9 and 10 is placed on developing ensemble performance skills. The main method of acquiring knowledge and skills is done through composing, performing and listening to music.

Years 11-12

Through activities in performance, composition, musicology and aural, students will:

Assessment

In Music the assessment of student outcomes is comprised of several components. In Years 7-10, all students sit Mid Year and End of Year tests. In Years 7-10, students also complete written and practical assessment tasks, which are marked using prescribed marking criteria. These tasks include assignments, class and bookwork, literacy tests, listening, composing and performing activities.

In Years 11-12, students undertake written examinations and listening, composing and performing assessment tasks. A major component of the HSC assessment is performing to an audience consisting of HSC markers.

Facilities and Resources

Music students enjoy the use of a fully equipped keyboard room, guitars and instruments used in popular and rock genre, ICT equipment including software for listening to and composing music and close access to a computer lab.

Co-curricular activities

Students in Music at Sir Joseph Banks are encouraged to further develop their music and performance skills through involvement and participation in the

Drama

Drama is an art form that explores the world through enactment. It is a collaborative art form that involves the creative interaction of individuals using a range of artistic skills. Drama fosters an understanding of continuity and change. It provides opportunities to explore social, cultural, ethical and spiritual beliefs, including the diverse values of Australian culture, as well as developing self confidence and self esteem. It caters for a broad range of students from varying social and cultural backgrounds. The study of drama engages and challenges students to maximize their individual abilities through imaginative, dramatic experiences created in cooperation with others.

Courses

Year 8

Drama is compulsory in Year 8. The main focus is to build self confidence and self esteem and to develop the skill of collaboration. The learning experiences are largely focused on practical work. These include:

Assessment

Years 9 and 10

Drama in Years 9 and 10 is an elective course designed to maximize students' dramatic abilities and enjoyment of drama and theatre through making, performing and appreciating dramatic and theatrical works. The learning experiences and assessment are a combination of practical and theory work. Performance for an audience is an essential part of the course. Topics covered include:

Assessment

Years 11 and 12

The HSC course is an elective course. The syllabus provides opportunities for students to develop a range of skills and the opportunity to concentrate on areas of personal interest. It is designed for students who have completed the School Certificate Drama Course and for those who are studying Drama for the first time.

In Drama, the practices of Making, Performing, and Critically Studying interrelate. Students learn to engage in a collaborative process in which they explore, shape, and symbolically represent imagination, ideas, feelings, attitudes, beliefs and their consequences.

The Preliminary Course - Year 11

Throughout the course students learn experientially. Assessment is based on 60% practical workshops and 40% written reflection. Producing the MAD Challenge is a compulsory component of the course.

The HSC Course

The Individual Project allows students to choose one of the following areas:

Internal Assessment

Post- school Opportunities

The study of Drama provides students with knowledge, understanding and skills that form a valuable foundation for a range of courses at university and other tertiary institutions. Students, through the study of Drama in the HSC course, are equipped to identify potential areas of employment in drama and theatre. Outside of these fields, drama develops communication and collaborative skills vital to all employment areas.

Resources

Sir Joseph Banks High School has a drama space, a school hall and access to technical equipment for teaching and performance.

mad challenge

Co-curricular Activities

Students in Drama are encouraged to further develop their performance skills and interest through: