Unit 1: Explore, expand and investigate

In this unit students explore materials, techniques and processes in a range of art forms.

What does this mean for me?

You use your individual ideas and explore a range of materials and techniques related to specific art forms. You will research and analyse the ways in which Australian artists from different contexts have developed their studio practice.

Assessment

• Visual Arts journal of exploratory work
• Presentation of at least one finished artwork
• Presentation on artists and an exhibition studied
• End of semester exam

Unit 2: Understand, develop and resolve

You will investigate how artists use art elements and art principles to develop aesthetic qualities and style in an artwork. You will begin to understand how exhibitions are planned and designed and how spaces are organised for exhibitions.

What does this mean for me?

You will:

• investigate the intentions of artists and the different characteristics of their art making.
• trial materials and techniques and develop ideas around a theme to create works of art.
• progressively document art making to develop and resolve subject matter and ideas in at least one finished artwork.

Assessment

• Design and curate a thematic exhibition of six artworks
• Production of a series of experimental artworks documented in your Arts journal
• Production of at least one artwork
• End of semester exam

What sort of student would like Studio Arts?

Someone who enjoys visual arts, photography and design.

Pre-requisites

Nil. However, completion of Pathways subjects in Media or Visual Arts would be helpful. To undertake Unit 3 and 4, it is preferable to have completed Unit 1 and 2.

Other considerations

Students may be required to purchase some of their own materials.

Unit 1: Dramatic storytelling

Our focus is on creating, presenting and analysing an ensemble performance that includes real or imagined characters, based on personal, cultural and/or community experiences and stories. We access performance styles from a range of contexts associated with naturalism and non-naturalism. You give an analysis of your performance and the performance by professional and other drama practitioners. You work collaboratively to devise, script, edit, rehearse, polish and perform work.

Unit 2: Creating Australian drama

You create, present and analyse a performance based on a person, an event, an issue, a place, an artwork, a text and/or an icon from a contemporary or historical Australian context. You use performance styles from a range of historical, cultural and social contexts including styles associated with non-naturalism. This unit also involves analysis of your own performance work as well as the performance of an Australian work.

Assessment

• Script creation, development and analysis
• Ensemble and solo performances
• Play review

What sort of student would like Drama?

Someone who enjoys performing and working with others to create characters and scripts. You should like investigating character types and exploring a variety of performance styles and conventions.

Other considerations

Effective time management and strong organisational skills are essential. 

Much of the script-writing and  rehearsals will take place outside of class time. You must also be available to attend excursions. 

Pre-requisites

Preferably Pathways Drama courses.

Unit 1: Media forms, Representations and Australian stories

We explore how media in a range of media forms and from different times and places are constructed, distributed, engaged with, consumed and read by audiences (including Australian fiction and non-fiction). You also design and produce your own media representations for a particular audience.

What does this mean for me?

We consider a variety of media products such as advertisements, TV shows and films. You analyse how they are represented and how audiences perceive them. We study the representations of various Australian stories and how they impact audiences. You also study the representations of film genres through trailers and posters and create your own film trailer and poster but re-cutting or ‘flipping’ its genre. If you like film editing and analysing the way films are constructed, then this unit is for you.

Assessment

• Written tasks regarding representations
• Re-cut trailer and poster assignment
• End of semester exam

Unit 2: Narrative across media forms

We examine how narratives (stories) construct realities and meanings for audiences by looking at least two specific films. Our class looks at how audience, engagement, consumption and reception play a key role in understanding how a narrative is formed. You then apply this theoretical knowledge to create your own narratives. We also investigate the relationship between new and old media forms and how the development of media impacts society.

What does this mean for me?

If you like producing your own films, analysing how films are created and how audiences respond to films in different ways, then you shall enjoy this unit. If you like looking at how media technologies have changed over time and have replaced old forms of communication, then this would be of interest.

Assessment

• Written tasks on audience engagement, consumption and reception
• Production of your own media narrative
• Presentation of media developments and their impact on society
• End of semester exam

What sort of student would like Media?

Someone who:

• Is interested in working in the media/communications industry in the future
• Enjoys planning and creating their own media production (a choice of film, photography, animation or print)
• Enjoys studies of psychology, sociology, history and English
  

Pre-requisites

Preferably a Pathways subject such as Media. Some knowledge of Adobe (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro) would be an advantage, but not essential.

Unit 1

You focus on building key performance and musicianship skills. You analyse pieces from both popular and classical styles, while developing key listening, music language and  performance skills. 

Unit 2

You continue to build your performance and musicianship skills. You perform both as a soloist and as a band member, listen and analyse other performers, develop strategies for improving performance skills, identify technical, expressive and stylistic performance challenges, develop sight reading and build on your improvisation and composition.

Assessment

• Performance exam – three works: at least one group and one solo work, technical work and exercises
• Report on technical work and exercises
• Improvisation or sight reading
• Theory and aural exam
• Composition (Unit 2)

What sort of student would like Music Performance?

Someone who wants to extend themselves on their instrument of study. This is a unit for musicians who have a love for playing and wish to build their performance skills, experience and understanding.

Pre-requisites

For Units 3-4, completion of Pathways and Year 11 Music units, a private instrumental teacher, and participation in the College’s band and choral programs.

Other considerations

You need to be a motivated and committed musician.

This unit would not suit a beginner. You may need a private teacher to maximise your potential.

Speak to Luke Godfrey, our Music Director, about accessing additional music tuition. 

Unit 1: Introduction to Visual Communication Design

This unit focuses on using visual language to communicate messages, ideas and concepts. This involves acquiring and applying design thinking skills as well as drawing skills to create messages, ideas and concepts, both visible and tangible. Students practise their ability to draw what they observe and they use visualisation drawing methods to explore their own ideas and concepts. Students develop an understanding of the importance of presentation drawings to clearly communicate their final visual communications.

Unit 2: Applications of Visual Communication Within Design Fields

Students use presentation drawing methods that incorporate the use of technical drawing conventions to communicate information and ideas associated with the environmental or industrial fields of design. They also investigate how typography and imagery are used in these fields as well as the communication field of design.

Assessment

• A folio that follows the design process, including observational, visualisation and presentation drawings.
• A poster with a strong emphasis on typography, that uses both handmade  and digital techniques and processes. 
• End of Semester exam.

 What sort of student would like Visual Communication Design?

Someone who has an interest and passion for design and enjoys thinking creatively and working through the design process. 

Pre-requisites

Any Pathways Visual Communication Design subject would be useful but not essential. Some knowledge and interest in using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is strongly advised.

Other considerations

Visual Communication Design is a useful pathway for students wanting a career in any type of design such as; graphic, interior, architectural, fashion, environmental, landscape and industrial design.