Creative and Performing Arts Faculty
Below is a brief description of the courses we offer.
Course: Visual Arts
In 2 unit visual arts you will be making your own artworks as well as
investigating ideas in art criticism and art history. These two parts of the
course have an equal weighting of 50% each.
Aims
The visual arts course is designed to enable you to...
*become increasingly independent in your art making practice in the visual arts.
*make finished artworks
*understand and value how artworks can have many different interpretations.
*develop your ability to research and write about art.
Course overview
Preliminary
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Artmaking |
Art criticism and history |
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Make art works in the following media areas; |
Learn about art works and artists from different periods
of art history |
HSC
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Artmaking |
Art criticism and history |
|
Make an HSC body of work by; |
Complete a series of 5 case studies which examine; |
What’s special about working in a studio?
Working in an art studio is different to being in the usual classroom situation.
A studio operates as a flexible space which can accommodate a variety of
activities going on at the same time. You need to be responsible and
mature, respectful of equipment, materials and other students' work.
Course: Visual Arts, Studio Drawing Preliminary or HSC 1 Unit
What will I be doing in this course?
The course provides experience using a wide range
of media, such as charcoal, ink, pencil, pastel and crayon. Students will
explore a range of drawing techniques and styles, from photo-realistic to purely
abstract. They will be expected to work experimentally and analytically. A wide
range of subject matter will allow students the opportunity to choose individual
themes.
Course: Digital Imaging (1 unit
Preliminary or HSC)
What will I be doing in this course?
This course provides an introduction to the art-making practices and
techniques of digital imaging. With the use of Photoshop CS3, students will
be given the opportunity to investigate the way ideas and images can be
constructed in meaningful ways and from different points of view. Students
develop their artistic practice in Digital Imaging by thinking about their
intentions and how their work will be viewed by audiences. This course is well
suited to students who have no prior or limited experience in the field of
Digital Imaging. The focus is on students’ experimentation with ideas and
concepts using a variety of digital techniques and tools.
What should I be able to do at the end of the course?
Scan objects, photographs and artworks.
Understand resolution and image sizes.
Develop an understanding for colour theory and colour management.
Work with Layers, Channels, Masks and Vector Tools.
Retouch and Repair damaged photographs.
Develop an understanding for the Elements and Principals of design.
Critically analyse their digital artworks as well as those of other digital
artists.
How will Digital Imaging help me in the future?
Digital Imaging can be used as a basis to provide many of the skills
needed in a rapidly growing technological environment. Photoshop is now
an integral part of both the Commercial and Artistic fields. Digital Imaging
skills are highly sort after in a variety of industries such as Graphic Design,
Fine Arts, Web Design, Animation, Magazine and Photojournalism.
Many T.A.F.E., Design Colleges and Universities offer certificates, diplomas and degrees in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Animation, Photography and Visual Communications. Digital Imaging is a major study component to all of these courses.
* At the end of this course students will have completed a Process Diary of their digital images that can be used in interviews for both further education and job purposes.
* Digital Imaging is a Non UAI subject.
Course: Photography
Available as 2U – 2 year
1U – 1 year
Who are these courses designed for?
These courses are designed for any students who are interested in learning
how to create their own Black & White photographs. The students will be
encouraged to strengthen both their creative and technical skills using a
variety of photographic techniques. As all of the courses offered in photography
begin at the basics, no prior knowledge is necessary. We also have a range of
cameras and photographic equipment that students may borrow overnight or on the
weekends to take photographs.
What will students be doing in these courses?
Camera Skills
• Learn how to operate a manual 35mm SLR Camera
• Learn about Aperture & Shutter Speeds
• Use different ISO speed films
• Learn how to use different camera accessories. Tri-pod, Cable release, Flash,
Lenses, External-light meter, Lens filters.
The Studio
• How to use different studio lights such as Tungsten and Strobe/Flash
• Control light and shade using Traditional Portrait Lighting styles; Classical
4 5, Side
Lighting, Hollywood Lighting, Bottom Lighting
• Still Life
Digital Imaging (2 Unit Only)
• Scanning photographs and images
• Colour manipulation
• Resolution & Resizing
• Retouching damaged Photographs
• Montage using Layers and Channels
• Special Effects & Filters
History of Photography (2 Unit Only)
• Re-copy old photographs
• Sepia tone photographs
• Use Pin-hole cameras
• Use Lomo cameras
Darkroom Skills
• Darkroom Occupational Health & Safety
• How to process black & white film
• How to use a Black & White Enlarger
• How to mix chemicals for processing film and Printing.
• Create Contact/Proof sheets. Print various size photographs.
• Learn to Crop, Control the Contrast, Dodging & Burning.
What is it like to work in a Darkroom?
At St Marys Senior High we have two Black & White Darkrooms. It is a very
different environment than being in a classroom, however, students adapt very
quickly to working under red Safe-Light conditions. Students are able to work at
their own pace and can move freely from the darkroom to the classroom.
How will Photography help me in the Future?
Photography can be used as a basis to provide many of the skills needed in a
variety of Creative, Commercial and Artistic fields such as Graphic Design,
Advertising, Magazine, Digital Imaging, Web Design, Film & Television,
Photojournalism and Tourism. Many T.A.F.E., Design Colleges and
Universities offer Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees in Photography or
Photographic Modules as part of a course. Photography & Digital Media,
Fine Arts, Visual Communications & Graphic Design.
• At the end of each course students will have completed
framed images as well as a Process Diary. Students will also have time to
put together a Portfolio of their work.
• Photography is a NON UAI Course and there is no External HSC Exam.
Course: Music 1
Rationale (from Syllabus Stage 6 Curriculum) :
…to provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills,
understanding and attitudes within a broad musical context and encourage the
desire to continue learning in formal and informal music settings after school.
The course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of musical
styles, including contemporary popular music, and for many, it serve as a
pathway for further training and employment in the music industry or in
contemporary music fields…
Who is the course designed for ?
This course is designed for students who have an interest in music, which
may extend to the tertiary level. Abilities range from the novice up to the
accomplished performer with AMEB or equivalent qualifications. Instrument of study is
compulsory, however the choice is with the student. Duo-majors are possible and
private tuition is recommended, not compulsory.
What will students be doing in the course ?
There are four Learning Experiences in which students are
actively engaged in:
Performance : Participation in any form of practical music
making. Individual, class based and small ensembles.
Composition : The organisation of sounds. Structuring, experimenting, notation,
and analysing. Individual and small groups.
Musicology : The study of musical styles and genres from a number of
perspectives; historical, sociological and analytical. Research and analytical
skills will be developed throughout the two years. (Individual and group work
based)
Aural : The discrimination between sounds and to make judgements about their use
in a wide range of musical styles, periods and genres.
Students will develop skills in order to recognise, analyse and
comment using the concepts of music. Students are required to study music
through specific topics. The topics provide a vehicle for students to gain
greater understanding of the concepts of music and learning experiences. They
provide meaningful frameworks that locate music in cultural, historical and
social contexts. Students’ experience of the chosen topics will reflect an
integrated study across the learning experiences.
Course: Music 2
Rationale (from Syllabus Stage 6 Curriculum) :
…to provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills,
understanding and attitudes within a broad musical context and encourage the
desire to continue learning in formal and informal music settings after school.
The course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of musical
styles, including contemporary popular music, and for many, it serve as a
pathway for further training and employment in the music industry or in
contemporary music fields…
Who is the course designed for?
This course is designed for students who have already completed some studies
in Music. Either the school based (board course) elective music in Junior
school, Trinity College or AMEB examinations (practical and/or theory).
Instrument of study is compulsory, however the choice is with the student.
Duo-majors are possible and private tuition is highly recommended.
What will students be doing in the course ?
There are four Learning Experiences in which students are
actively engaged in: Performance : Participation in any form of practical music
making. Individual, class based and small ensembles.
Composition : The organisation of sounds. Structuring,
experimenting, notation, and analysing. Individual and small groups.
Musicology : The study of musical styles and genres from a number of
perspectives; historical, sociological and analytical. Research and analytical
skills will be developed throughout the two years. (Individual and group work
based)
Aural : The discrimination between sounds and to make judgements about their use
in a wide range of musical styles, periods and genres.
Students will develop skills in order to recognise, analyse and comment using the concepts of music. Students are required to study music through specific topics. The topics provide a vehicle for students to gain greater understanding of the concepts of music and learning experiences. They provide meaningful frameworks that locate music in cultural, historical and social contexts. Students’ experience of the chosen topics will reflect an integrated study across the learning experiences.
Course: Entertainment Industry Framework
VET – 2 UNITS / 2 YEARS UAI (CERTIFICATE III) – CATEGORY B - TECHNICAL
PRODUCTIONS
Rationale (from Syllabus Stage 6 Curriculum) : Many students in New South Wales secondary schools are involved in performing arts activities ranging from school productions through to state-wide events. The Entertainment Industry Curriculum Framework complements the current Board Developed Courses in Drama, Dance and Music that are widely offered in Stages 4, 5 and 6 and provides opportunities for experiences in the entertainment industry.
Courses within the Entertainment Industry Curriculum Framework provide an opportunity for students, including students with special education needs, to gain nationally recognized industry qualifications as part of their Higher School Certificate. Apart from being nationally recognised, these qualifications articulate into higher-level qualifications within the entertainment industry which students may pursue post-school. The framework also provides an optional HSC examination, which allows results from the 240-hour course to contribute to the calculation of the University Admission Index (UAI).
Who is the course designed for ?
The entertainment industry is a diverse industry covering a wide range of
occupational areas including technical operations, costume, make-up, props,
scenic art, sets, audio, lighting, staging, vision systems, customer service and
front of house. Students interested in the production sides of live performances
are encourage taking this course. Also this course has proven to be beneficial
to performing arts students who may be interested in pursuing a career in the
performing profession. The Entertainment Industry Curriculum Framework allows
students to choose units of competency from one or more of the occupational
areas.
What will students be doing in the course ?
In the Compulsory units of this course students concentrate on developing
the skills to work effectively in a entertainment environment including
Organisation and industry awareness, working with others, providing first aid,
follow health and safety regulations and apply general knowledge of lighting,
audio, staging and vision systems work activities.
• The elective strand of the course builds on these skills in a
wider application. Students will be able to develop further competencies in a
variety of functional areas:
A. Technical General – including handling physical elements safely during bump
in/bump out; Communicate using a two way system; usage of hand tools, power
tools/hand held operations.
B. Audio – Manage and compile audio replay material; record sound; Develop and
update music industry knowledge; Move and set up instruments and equipment.
C. Lighting – Install and operate follow spots; Record and operate standard
lighting cues.
D. Staging - Operate staging elements, maintain and handle bump in/bump out.
Work Placement Requirements:
Work placement. - Students must complete a minimum of 70 hours work placement in
a industry workplace. This may range from live productions/performances,
corporate functions, fashion to technical production companies. Students and
parents must always be aware that this industry is not a 9am – 5pm working
environment and that evenings and weekends will be demanded as part of the
assessment and work placement requirements. However advance notification will be
given as soon as confirmation is received.
How will Entertainment Industry help me in the future?
The entertainment industry is a diverse industry covering a wide range of
occupational areas including technical operations, costume, make-up, props,
scenic art, sets, audio, lighting, staging, vision systems, customer service and
front of house. The Entertainment Industry Curriculum Framework allows students
to choose units of competency from one or more of the occupational areas.
Qualifications:
• Students who are assessed as competent (through integrated competency
assessments) in all of the Units of Competency in Entertainment Industry
Framework (240 hours) will be eligible for the AQF Certificate III in Live
Production, Theatre and Events (Technical Operations)
• Students who are assessed as
competent for some Units of Competency will be eligible for a Statement of Attainment
showing partial completion of Certificate II or III.
Students will develop knowledge,
understanding and skills in:
Performance – That is, in preparing the body to dance (Dance and Technique),
safe dance practice and anatomical principles of movement and the application
and demonstration of knowledge, understanding and skills in a ‘Dance’/ ‘Work’.
Composition – That is, the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin the
theories, principles, processes and practices of dance composition.
Appreciation – That is, the study of dance as works of Art. That is, the study
of dance history, seminal artists and works for their contribution to the
development of dance.
The Stage Six Dance course provides a powerful context within which to develop general competencies considered essential for the acquisition of effective, higher-order thinking skills necessary for further education, work and every day life. It provides continuity with many tertiary and industry courses. Students who study this course acquire skills and knowledge that give them access to professional employment in dance, teaching, choreography, dance therapy, dance writing and criticism, the performing arts and the entertainment and leisure industries.
The HSC course involves students in the study of a Core topic area called Australian Drama and Theatre and one of a choice of topics from the content area Studies in Drama and Theatre. These topics will be explored through practical and theoretical approaches. There is also a compulsory Group Presentation and Individual Project to complete for the HSC.
What will I be
able to do at the end of the course?
Students will be able to:
· Make and perform different styles of drama
· Critically study drama and theatre
· Work both independently and with others in teams to plan and organise
activities
· Solve problems
· Collect, analyse and organise information and communicate ideas and
information
How will this
course help me in the future?
Students who wish to pursue a career in theatre or the entertainment industry,
or in Public Relations and media communications can gain experience and
confidence in this course.
Meet the CPA Staff
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Ms Lesley Stubbs
Head Teacher CPA
Currently teaching Visual Arts, Visual Design & Photography.
Chair Assessment and Reporting Committee
Chair Teaching and Learning Committee