Creative and Performing Arts Faculty

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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

Artmaking

Art criticism and history

Make art works in the following media areas;
Drawing, painting, collage, mixed media
Contemporary sculpture
Student choice of media
Using a VAPD (visual arts process diary)

Learn about art works and artists from different periods of art history
Analyse and interpret meanings of artworks
Research case studies on individual artists
Learn how to write about art

 HSC

Artmaking

Art criticism and history

Make an HSC body of work by;
*Specialising in a media area of your choice
*Developing technical skills with art materials
*Exploring and expressing ideas through artmaking
*Recording and evaluating your artmaking process in your art diary.

Complete a series of 5 case studies which examine;
*Arrange of styles and artists through history
*The visual language of art
*The expression of ideas and feelings in art
*How art fits into society and culture
*The relationship between the artwork, the artist, the audience and the world

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.

What should I be able to do at the end of the course?
The skills and knowledge acquired through this course can be used in a broad range of areas. it can be a support for other subjects which have a drawing component, eg. Textiles, Visual Arts, Industrial Arts, Drama.

How will this course help me in the future?
Students will finish the course with a knowledge, understanding and skills that form a valuable foundation for a arrange of courses at university and other tertiary institutions.  They will also develop a presentable portfolio of studies and drawings, covering a range of areas that can be used for interview panels at TAFE College or University courses, where an art folio is required.

Course: Visual Design (Graphic Design) 1 Unit Preliminary or HSC
What will I be doing in this course?
You will learn about all aspects of Graphic Design such as page layout, lettering, logos, signs, graphics, colour and design theory. Design theory is applied to packaging, magazine, newspaper and brochure design.  This course improves visual communication skills as you work through all stages of the design process from ideas and problem solving to finished product. This will be recorded in your design process diary, which can be the basis of an interview portfolio for further tertiary study.

What should I be able to do at the end of the course?
You will be to work through the design process to go from ideas to finished product as well as be able to appreciate good design in your environment.

How will this course help me in the future?
Students will have a folio of finished work, suitable for presentation at TAFE or for University review panels for design-based courses. The course also provides skills which can open opportunities for self-employment through production of craft-based products

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.

Course: Dance 2 Unit
What will I be doing in this course?

In the Preliminary course, students study dance as an art form with core studies in the interrelated components of Performance, Composition and Appreciation.  The body is the instrument through which dance is experienced and realised.  Therefore physical training and preparation of the body is fundamental and of paramount importance.

HSC Course
In the HSC course students continue core study in the three core components.  Students also undertake an in-depth study of dance in one of the Major Study components, either, Performance, Composition, Appreciation or Dance and Technology.  The three core study components are each allocated 20% of time and the Major Study is allocated 40%.

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.

Course: Drama 2 Unit
What will I be doing in this course?
This course is designed for students who have an interest in Making, Performing and Critically Studying drama. Students engage with these components through collaborative and individual experiences. The Preliminary Course comprises an interaction between the components of Improvisation, Play-building and Acting, Elements of Production in Performance and Performance Styles.

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

.

Ms Lesley Stubbs

Head Teacher CPA

Currently teaching Visual Arts, Visual Design & Photography.

Chair Assessment and Reporting Committee

Chair Teaching and Learning Committee