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- Visual Arts -
- Visual Arts -
Taking Visual Arts as a subject does not mean that a learner will necessarily become an artist or go into an arts-related field. This seems to be the general belief that many parents/guardians have and subsequently, they discourage their sons/wards from taking Visual Art. Visual Arts can be an immensely rewarding experience at Jeppe High School for Boys. The subject empowers students to cope in our ever-changing world as it develops critical thinking, creativity and the ability to adapt in the conceptual age in which we live. The brand new Art centre is the best there is to offer in South Africa. It is truly a beautiful, specially equipped centre. As a teacher, I am humbled by the support that Jeppe High School for Boys has given to the Arts. We truly support and supply the boys with the best.
Contrary to popular belief, a Visual Arts student need not necessarily have a facility or talent for the subject. He will through time, with practice and hard work, be able to learn the disciplines of Art in the same way that he would learn the necessary skills to excel in a subject like Mathematics.
The only requirement that a student needs for this subject is passion and the willingness to learn.
1. Department and Contact Information
Subject Head: Deon van Dorp
Contact Information: dvandorp@jeppeboys.co.za
2. Subject Status
Compulsory: No
APS Contribution: Yes, up to 7 AP points can be achieved. These points can be used to study in any field and need not necessarily be used for studying in the Humanities only.
3. Relevance for Further Studies
Art is not a subject that a learner needs to study in South Africa, however, learners who want to study in any Art related field, need to produce a portfolio as specified by the different institutions. Learners who have studied art have the advantage over learners who know nothing about the subject.
4. Course Content and Learning Outcomes
Curriculum Summary:
Practical Component: Learners get ample time to do their practical work during their classes. It is however up to the learner to use this class time effectively, so as to reduce the time spent completing tasks at home. Mini deadlines are given which learners need to meet.
5. Skills and Qualities Required
Recommended Aptitudes: Learners need to love art. Talent is a great advantage, however, dedication and self-discipline are more important to succeed. Any learner can create art.
Student Attributes: A strong work ethic is required. As this is partly a practical subject that has a theory component, learners need to put in extra time outside the classroom.
6. Special Requirements/Recommendations
Materials and Resources: Learners are supplied with the best Art materials and equipment that any artist could wish for. There are some materials that learners need to purchase themselves. The needed art materials are given on a termly basis to alleviate the financial pressure off parents. Should parents/guardians struggle, we are always ready to help where necessary.
An Art levy of R1000.00 per year is required which can be paid over the four school terms. This levy helps us to pay for all the printing of your son’s visual images that are needed for all the work he will produce during the year. All printing is done in full colour up to A3 in size.
7. Teaching Methods and Learning Strategies
Instructional Approaches: Learners are taught through observation and with constant assistance. Teachers teach through demonstration and working with the learners. We also expose learners to various ways of techniques through videos of top respected artists.
Study Tips: We explore different approaches to help learners prepare for cycle tests and exams. We encourage learners to write and take notes in class. Understanding what you are learning is vital to remembering facts.
8. Relevance and Application
The Visual Arts department consistently produces an average mark 25-30% higher than the GDE average. In 2014 three of our matriculants achieved 100% averages and in 2022 the learners had a class average of 83%. In 2023, learners achieved an 80% average. However, to achieve this, boys need to be disciplined, hardworking, ambitious, self-motivated, creative and imaginative and above all else, have fun!.
Visual Art comprises both a theory and a practical component. This in effect means that the learner is selecting the equivalent of two subjects. Practical work will require an extra investment of homework time.
"Which learners will be successful? Those who know the value of effort. Those who keep on trying – and, in doing so, become better than they were before."
Extract taken from Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Lee Duckworth.
9. Career Opportunities
In the 4th Industrial Revolution, the Arts were helpful in most careers as they opened doors to creative thinking within all realms of study and work.
More specifically learners could follow careers in the following fields: Fine arts, Architecture, Communication Design, Interior design, Jewellery design, Industrial design, Fashion design, Advertising, Marketing, Web design, Computer Gaming design, Lecturing or teaching etc.
10. Curriculum Summary and Assessment
School-Based Assessment:
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