Overview
The Year 11 Visual Arts course has been designed to develop and refine the creative abilities of students prior
To the HSC course. Whilst undertaking this preparation, a student will develop their understanding of the historical and critical aspects of the visual arts, focusing on how and why artists create artworks, how artworks are defined and the relationships that exist within the art world. This will be achieved through the study of the course content areas: the Frames, the Conceptual Framework and Art Practices.
The Year 11 course will explore illustration with a focus on realism and the study of the human body, while providing students with opportunities to refine their technical skills and develop their own artistic style. Students will engage in sustained artmaking practices through the creation of a miniature Body of Work in a medium of their choosing, building confidence in developing and communicating original concepts in preparation for the Higher School Certificate. The course also includes in-depth studies of artists, art movements and art history, where students will strengthen their analytical skills by interpreting artworks, discussing diverse viewpoints and constructing well-reasoned responses using the language of visual arts.
HSC Assessment Structure
The Year 11 course consists of three assessment tasks and the Year 12 course consists of four. 50% of the assessment is Art Making (practical) and 50% is Critical and Historical Study (theory).
Career Paths
Students studying Visual Arts have the opportunity to enter a wide variety of career paths, including the visual arts, graphic design, architecture, marketing, art therapy, costume/set design, teaching and communications. Studying a creative-based subject is desirable for many careers as it supports problem-solving, higher order thinking and creativity.
Skills Required
There are no specific skills required, although study of Visual Arts in Stage 5 is desirable. The Year 11 course is designed to introduce and develop a range of skills and knowledge. Consistency, independence and self management are highly effective skills to possess.
Why Choose It
The Visual Arts course offers the opportunity for students to develop their creativity and independence, developing skills in critical thinking, self-management and problem-solving. Visual Arts allows students to explore their strengths and capabilities as learners and to make decisions about the direction of their learning.
It is also an opportunity for students to develop their appreciation of expressions of lived experiences through art making.