Grade 9-12;  Credits - .5

Designed for students who want to learn how to draw and paint, this course will introduce the elements of art and principles of design through an exploration of various 2-D media and techniques. Lessons will include projects in drawing, painting, printmaking, and 2-D design, with a focus on the fundamental skills of observation, proportion and perspective.  Students are encouraged to take Drawing and Painting I and II consecutively in the same school year. 

Grade 9-12;  Credits - .5

This course builds upon the concepts and skills acquired in Drawing & Painting I.   Studio challenges will explore creative and personal expression through the elements of art and principles of design.  Instruction will be geared to develop students’ visual perception, illusionistic control, knowledge of art history, and aesthetic critical judgment in drawing, painting, printmaking and design projects. Students are encouraged to take Drawing and Painting II and Drawing and Painting III consecutively in the same school year.  Prerequisite:  Drawing and Painting I.

Grade 10-12;  Credits - .5

This course is for the serious art student who wishes to build their technical and conceptual skills. The emphasis is on increased independence with a wide variety of experimentation, practice and revision. This class is a prerequisite for AP Art & Design, and should be scheduled in the sophomore or junior year if you intend to enroll in AP Art & Design.  Prerequisite:  Drawing and Painting II.

Grade 9-12;  Credits - .5

This introductory studio course will explore fundamental concepts of three-dimensional design.  Students will be introduced to sculpture as a historical and contemporary practice, and will learn how to envision, plan, and create sculptural works in a variety of media. Materials may include paper, wire, paint, fabric, recycled and repurposed media.

Grade 9-12;  Credits - .5

In this course, students will deepen and expand knowledge of materials, techniques, and approaches in sculpture and three-dimensional design.  Emphasis will be placed on advanced forming and fabrication skills, sharpening concept development, and establishing a visual vocabulary. Prerequisite: Sculpture I

Grade 9-12;  Credits - 1

In this full year course, students will explore the use of clay as they learn the basic hand-building techniques of pinch, coil and slab construction.  In addition, students will use a variety of surface treatments.  Instruction will be geared to develop creative expression, technical skills and aesthetic/critical judgment in both functional and decorative pieces. This popular course should be scheduled as early as possible in your high school career. Ceramics class has a seating capacity that cannot be exceeded due to physical space.  If this class fills up you may be asked to take another elective.

Grade 11-12;  Credits - 1

This year-long course is designed for students who demonstrate an advanced interest and ability to work with clay.  Complex problem solving skills will be used in the construction of a variety of hand built and wheel-thrown projects.  The focus will be on design, construction and 

craftsmanship skills.  A variety of fired (glaze) and non-fired surface decorating materials will be explored. Prerequisite:  A “B” average in Ceramics I. 

Grade 11-12;  Credits - 1

This year-long course is open to students who have a strong interest and ability to work with clay to further develop their design, construction and craftsmanship skills.  From a menu of choices, complex problem solving will be encouraged for completion of hand-built and wheel-thrown projects.  A variety of fired and unfired surface decorating materials will be explored.  Prerequisite:  A “B” average in Ceramics II. 

Grade 11-12;  Credits - 1

AP Art & Design is for highly motivated students interested in the serious and practical experience of creating art, and is designed to be the equivalent of foundational studio courses taken during the first college year.. Students select one of three distinct portfolios (2-D Design, 3-D Design or Drawing). Students will be expected to submit images, works of art and writing to document inquiry-guided investigation and skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas.  Unlike other AP courses, students submit a portfolio of work to the College Board in lieu of a written exam.   Application Required:  Click HERE. Summer work is required for this course.  Prerequisite: 85% in Drawing and Painting III or Ceramics III.  College credit available through Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC).

Grade 9-12;  Credits - .5

This is a perfect beginning course for students who want to create, like technology, and want to gain applicable skills for the 21st century.  Students  will use the computer as a drawing and design tool to manipulate images as well as create original works of art.  We will be using state of the art software in the design industry, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop to gain a working knowledge of vector based and raster technology.  Whether you can draw well or not, you can be successful in this course.

Grade 9-12;  Credits - .5

This is the course for students who want to expand their knowledge of digital design. We will be using Adobe products to expand our knowledge of photo editing, image creation, and design that is used in all areas of our daily lives. Prerequisite:  “B” average in Digital Art Extensions.

Grade 10-12;  Credits - 1

Students will work on advanced illustration and photo manipulation using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop combined as well as other software in the Adobe Creative Suite. Photography will be added to enhance students previous knowledge.Students will pursue much more advanced study using the computer as an artistic tool.  Work to perfect skills must be done consistently with the acquisition of new skills from teacher instruction, articles and other sources. Observation of current trends in design will be discussed as well as the incorporation of field trips and talks with current designers in the field.  Whole class, group and independent work will be done in this flexible but demanding environment. College credit is available for this course through LaRoche College.   

Grade 9-12;  Credits - 1

Students will learn the fundamentals of theatre design and the design process from script analysis, research, and implementation. Scene, Lighting, Sound, Costume, and Prop design will be covered.  Students enrolled in this course will read and analyze plays/musicals. They will create theatre pieces and conceive scenic designs. Additionally, students explore career opportunities in the theatre, attend and critique theatrical productions, and collaborate with the Drama Guild on the Fall Play and Spring Musical.  Students will create scenic designs, costumes, etc. for existing plays and will build characters through observation, improvisation and script analysis. *Strongly suggest that the student be an active member of the Penn-Trafford Drama Guild.