Creative arts

Our junior courses cater for all levels of experience, from beginners to advanced musicians.

Students develop foundational skills in performance, composition, and musicology/aural, with a strong emphasis on practical music-making.

Each year, students perform a variety of solo and ensemble pieces, linked to classroom topics, developing confidence in both individual and group settings.

Stagecraft is an integral part of these activities, supported by the school’s extensive collection of instruments and resources.

Students also engage with industry-standard music software, learning to compose and arrange music digitally.

These skills prepare them for senior study and future opportunities in music production and technology.

Our senior courses offer rigorous academic and practical training, supported by high-end music technology and an extensive library of scores and recordings.

Students explore advanced concepts through performance, composition, and musicology, including viva voce presentations, score analysis, and research tasks.

Sydney Technical High School has a proud history of excellence in Music, with students achieving outstanding HSC results, including multiple nominations for Encore and state-leading performances (First in State in 2012 and 2008).

Accelerated Music Program

From Year 10, selected high-performing students have the opportunity to undertake Music 2 as an accelerated course, completing the HSC a year early.

This program allows talented musicians to extend themselves, access advanced learning, and gain early experience in the demands of senior study.

Many students who participate in this program continue to excel in Music Extension in Year 11.

The Benefits of Joining an Ensemble

Becoming part of an ensemble is one of the most rewarding experiences at Sydney Technical High School.

Playing in a group fosters teamwork, discipline, and leadership, while improving performance skills and musicality.

Students develop friendships across year groups, gain confidence through public performance, and experience the excitement of creating music together.

Ensembles also provide unique opportunities such as music camps, competitions, and masterclasses with industry professionals.

Performing Ensembles Program

The Performing Ensembles Program is at the heart of Music at Sydney Technical High School, providing students with the chance to work collaboratively, perform regularly, and develop their skills in a vibrant musical community. From Year 7 onwards, students of all ability levels can join one or more ensembles, including:

• Concert Band
• Intermediate Band
• Choir
• String Ensemble
• Saxophone Ensemble
• Guitar Ensemble
• Percussion Ensemble
• Beginner Programs for new instrumentalists

These ensembles perform at major school events, community functions, and competitions.

A highlight of the year is the annual Music Camp, which brings together all ensembles for intensive rehearsals, workshops, and social activities.

Students showcase their talents in a variety of school and community events, including:

• Annual Musicale and Summer Ensemble Concerts
• Assemblies and ceremonial occasions (Anzac Day, Graduation, Award Ceremonies)
• Competitions such as Bandfest

These experiences build confidence and provide authentic performance opportunities for all students.

Each year, elective and senior students participate in masterclasses with professional musicians, software specialists, and accomplished alumni.

These sessions offer valuable insights into performance, technique, and industry practices.

Students regularly attend live music and theatre performances, such as:

• School Spectacular
• Encore
• Professional Musicals and concerts

They also visit institutions like the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the Australian Music Centre, and the Australian Institute of Music, with opportunities for backstage tours and industry engagement.

In Years 7–10, students build strong creative foundations through a structured, skill-based Visual Arts program.

They develop confidence across various media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and digital art, while learning to express original ideas and think visually.

As they progress, students work with specialised materials in well-equipped studios, including facilities for ceramics, printmaking, and photography. Critical and historical studies deepen their understanding of how art shapes and reflects culture, supported by access to dedicated research and digital resources.

This stage of learning encourages experimentation, independent thinking, and personal expression, setting students up for success in senior Visual Arts and a wide range of creative pathways.

Visual Arts at the senior level is a rigorous and intellectually rich HSC course that combines creative innovation with critical thinking, research, and academic discipline.

It challenges high-performing students to engage deeply with complex ideas, develop original concepts, and refine advanced technical skills across a chosen expressive form.

The course structure integrates independent studio practice with analytical and historical investigations, equipping students with the ability to communicate sophisticated ideas through both visual and written modes.

Visual Arts contributes to a high ATAR and offers direct links to a broad range of post-school pathways, including architecture, design, engineering, animation, fine arts, media, film, curation, and emerging creative industries.

Universities and creative institutions increasingly value students with portfolios that demonstrate original thinking, visual fluency, and conceptual depth, all central to senior Visual Arts.

This is a subject where academic excellence and creativity intersect, preparing students for success in tertiary education and future-focused careers.

Student work is highly valued and regularly celebrated through a dynamic exhibition program that reflects the depth, diversity, and quality of our Visual Arts courses.

Each year, the Year 12 Art Exhibition and Floortalk highlight the conceptual and technical sophistication of HSC Bodies of Work, giving students the opportunity to present and articulate their creative journey to peers, staff, families, and the wider school community.

Our Art Foyer Gallery features curated exhibitions from Years 9 and 10 Elective and Year 11 Preliminary students, providing authentic opportunities to develop curatorial awareness and build confidence in presenting their artistic voice.

In addition, a selection of outstanding student works is regularly exhibited throughout the school in high-traffic areas such as the auditorium, administration foyer, and corridors, creating a living gallery that celebrates artistic achievement and makes Visual Arts a visible and vibrant presence across the school environment.

This strong exhibition culture not only fosters pride and purpose in students’ creative efforts but also reinforces Visual Arts as an intellectually rich and valued contributor to the broader school culture.

Each year, our young artists have the opportunity to engage with the broader visual arts community through thoughtfully planned gallery excursions, artist talks, and artmaking field trips. These experiences enrich classroom learning by exposing students to diverse artistic practices, historical and contemporary artworks, and professional curatorial environments.

Elective and senior students become familiar with gallery protocols, develop critical observation skills, and enhance their visual and cultural literacy, essential foundations for both academic success and future study in creative disciplines.

Students are also encouraged to participate in local, state, and national competitions, gaining recognition for their work that extends beyond the school context.

Participation in excursions and competitions not only deepens students’ engagement with the visual arts but also positions them for future success by fostering initiative, professionalism, and an understanding of the broader creative landscape.

Students who select Photography, Video, and Digital Imaging as a 1-unit subject in Year 11 gain access to a highly practical and skills-rich program. They explore both traditional darkroom techniques and contemporary digital processes, utilising industry-standard tools such as Photoshop, to build a versatile foundation in photographic practice and visual storytelling.

Each year, select Year 11 Visual Arts students are awarded merit-based entry into the prestigious National Art School 1 Unit course. This external program offers intensive, studio-based learning in a tertiary art school environment, led by practicing artists and educators. Students develop advanced technical and conceptual skills in specialised media, which directly enhance their creative capabilities and extend the quality and ambition of their HSC Body of Work.

These enriched learning opportunities foster independence, technical mastery, and real-world insight into post-school creative pathways, preparing students for success in both their HSC and future artistic endeavours.