Visual Arts

Year 11:

The Preliminary course is broadly focused, while the HSC course provides for deeper and more complex investigations.

Preliminary course learning opportunities focus on:

• the nature of practice in artmaking, art criticism and art history through different investigations

• the role and function of artists, artworks, the world and audiences in the artworld

• the different ways the visual arts may be interpreted and how students might develop their own informed points of view

• how students may develop meaning and focus and interest in their work

• building understandings over time through various investigations and working in different forms.

• While the course builds on Visual Arts courses in Stages 4 and 5, it also caters for students with less experience in Visual Arts.

Year 12:

HSC course learning opportunities focus on:

• how students may develop their practice in artmaking, art criticism and art history

• how students may develop their own informed points of view in increasingly independent ways and use different interpretive frameworks in their investigations

• how students may learn about the relationships between artists, artworks, the world and audiences within the artworld and apply these to their own investigations

• how students may further develop meaning and focus in their work.

Course Requirements

Preliminary course:

• artworks in at least two expressive forms and use of a process diary

• a broad investigation of ideas in artmaking, art criticism and art history.

HSC course:

• development of a body of work and use of a process diary

• a minimum of five case studies (4–10 hours each)

• deeper and more complex investigations in artmaking, art criticism and art history.

Course Description

Visual Arts involves students in artmaking, art criticism and art history. Students critically and historically investigate artworks, critics, historians and artists from Australia as well as those from other cultures, traditions and times. Students develop their own artworks, culminating in a 'body of work' in the HSC course.

Prerequisites

The Visual Arts course builds on the Stages 4 and 5 courses. However, it is not a necessity to have studied Visual Arts or PDM in stage 5, though it is preferable and is an advantage.

Materials

Department materials and facilities will be supplied in Stage 6 where possible, however students will need to buy some materials for certain assessments and their HSC Body of Work.

Why should I study Visual Arts?

If you enjoy any aspect of learning about and making art including drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture or any other medium you should study Visual Arts!

Studying Visual Arts is an opportunity to delve deeper into your passion and create artworks which explore a variety of ideas and themes developing new skills along the way. This involves researching new ideas, practicing new techniques and pushing your ability to think creatively. Additionally, by exploring Art Criticism and History you will also develop significant knowledge about inspiring artists and how and why they have created art over time.

Should I study VA if I only have an interest in Photography?

Yes you definitely should! Year 11 & 12 Visual Arts is a subject which provides opportunities for both PDM and VA students to extend their skills. This subject is flexible to your interests and abilities. Every year we have students who chose to focus their assessments or Body of Work on photography and digital media.

How much time do I need to set aside to work on Visual Arts at home?

You need to set aside time at home each week to work on your practical assessment tasks as well as any Art Historical Critical assessments or homework. This will depend on what you are currently working on in class. It is not possible to get your practical work fully finalised using class time only. We also offer Art Club after school from 3:30-5pm one afternoon a week to offer you more time to work on your practical assessments.

What can Visual Arts lead to career-wise?

Visual Arts is very useful for many creative fields such as architecture, photography, gallery curating, filmmaking, advertising, teaching, styling and design (interior, fashion, graphic, animation, industrial design, digital, jewellery, urban and more). 

It is also useful in ALL career fields due to the creative, problem-solving and critical thinking skills it teaches you. In Visual Arts you will face many creative challenges where you will need to find clever and innovative approaches to communicating ideas both visually and in writing. 

Many courses are available in art, craft and design and related fields in the university sector and TAFE sector. These courses are well suited to students who have studied Visual Arts in Stage 6. See this Link for further information

I have more questions - who can I ask?

Please come and talk with the Visual Arts Teachers:

Ms Handsley-Delves: ehandsleydelves1@parra.catholic.edu.au

Mrs Kelly: rkelly15@parra.catholic.edu.au

Mrs Malizis: rmalizis@parra.catholic.edu.au

Ms Kovacic: kkovacic@parra.catholic.edu.au

Ms Andrews (CAPA LoL): tandrews2@parra.catholic.edu.au

We would love to hear from you!