Visual arts

To facilitate best practice in art making, the school adopts a skills based approach, training students in progressive levels of technical sophistication in various art forms, including drawing, painting, sculpture and digital imaging.

Our studios have a comprehensive range of materials and specialist equipment for printmaking, ceramics and photography. Studies in art history and criticism develop a deep and critical understanding of the value of the visual arts to historical and contemporary culture. A specialised library and computer facility assist student learning in this field.

The school has a proud record of exemplary HSC results in Visual Arts. Solid grounding in the junior years and an intensive theoretical and studio based program throughout Years 11 and 12 nurture students to achieve excellent outcomes.

Each year students have their works selected for ARTEXPRESS, the exhibition of the best state-wide HSC artworks, and achieve results which assist them into creative post secondary courses.

Our student work is highly valued and regularly showcased in public exhibitions such as the annual Year 12 Art Exhibition and floortalk. Junior classes regularly exhibit in the art foyer gallery and specialised displays are mounted for the Preliminary (Year 11) and Elective course (Years 9 and 10) final works.

A selection of commendable students’ works is regularly displayed in the school gallery. Visitors to the school are welcome to view the diversity and extent of artistic talent on display in sites such as the school auditorium, administration foyer and corridors around the school.

Each year, our young artists can enjoy a range of gallery excursions and art making field trips, as well as selection for exhibition and art competitions. Elective students become familiar with gallery protocols and enhance their visual and cultural literacy through these experiences.

Preliminary Photography and National Art School 1 Unit courses

Students who select Photography, Video and Digital Imaging as a 1 Unit subject in Year 11 will develop a range of practical and critical skills in both traditional darkroom practice and digital media using Photoshop. Each year, some talented Year 11 Visual Arts students gain merit selection to the prestigious National Art School 1 Unit course. This equips them with highly specialised media skills which complement their school study and maximise art making outcomes for the HSC year.