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

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

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 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 practising 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.

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