Visual Arts Overview
In Year 10 Visual Arts, elective choices are in Art Studio, Photography & Digital Media, and Visual Communication Design.
For students considering art studies in VCE (Art Making and Exhibiting, Media, or Visual Communication Design) or IB (Visual Arts) at least one Year 10 Visual Arts elective is recommended for entry.
Students are also advised to enroll in at least one term of Life Drawing in the Activities programme.
Art – Photography and Digital Media
Course Study Either Semester
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course. Students will be able to borrow School’s digital SLR cameras, video equipment, microphones and tripods, however, they may also use their own equipment.
Course Description
In the practical component of this course students have explored a range of photographic and/or camera techniques and image production. They have developed, refined and implemented a range of camera techniques which they have used to create personal responses to the set tasks. Written tasks have enhanced their skills in visual analysis with emphasis on Photography and/or Film, focusing on the work of past and contemporary practitioners. They will gain an understanding of issues in relation to the production, distribution and consumption of media products. The study can be continued either through VCE Media (Units 1-4), or IB Visual Arts. It may also be used as a foundation for VCE Art Making and Exhibiting or VCE Visual Communication Design.
ASSESSMENT
1. Folio (70%)
2. Research and Analysis (20%)
3. Examination (10%)
Art – Studio
Course Study Either Semester
Prerequisites Nil
Course Description
This elective focuses on the realisation of creative ideas through the exploration of a broad range of processes. In the practical component, students explore personal responses to a variety of subject matter across two- and three- dimensional artforms. In addition, students are introduced to a variety of presentation techniques and are encouraged to develop imaginative and conceptual responses to selected topics. They are encouraged to develop, refine and confidently implement a range of techniques to enhance ideas and imagery using a broad range of media and materials. In the appreciation component, students investigate historical and contemporary artists from a range of cultural contexts, and further develop their skills in interpreting and analysing artworks. The study can be continued either through VCE Art Making and Exhibiting (Units 1-4), or IB Visual Arts.
ASSESSMENT
1. Folio (70%)
2. Research and Analysis (20%)
3. Examination (10%)
Art – Visual Communication Design
Course Study Either semester
Prerequisites Nil
Course Description
Visual Communication Design relates to design in the following areas: publishing, advertising, architecture, product design, package and multimedia design. It has practical applications in environmental, industrial and communication design, as well as engineering. Students explore manual and digital methods to develop and refine presentations. They are introduced to the basic vocabulary of visual communication through practical exercises in advertising, typography, layout, rendering and computer work. Freehand and instrumental drawing techniques are investigated in a series of practical exercises to produce a number of folios. In addition, students research and analyse an example of a commercial visual design, as well as look at various fields of practice within the design area. Creative, critical and reflective thinking supports students to progress through the design process. The study can be continued either through VCE Visual Communication Design (Units 1-4), or IB Visual Arts.
It may also be used as a foundation for VCE Media or VCE Art Making and Exhibiting.
ASSESSMENT
1. Folios (70%)
2. Research and Analysis (20%)
3. Examination (10%)
Drama
Course Study: Semester-Long Course (Students may complete one or both semesters)
Prerequisites Nil
Course Description
Year 10 Drama invites students into the creative world of the theatre-maker. With a strong focus on professional practice, students explore what it means to be both an artist and a collaborator. Through script analysis, acting exercises, voice and movement training, and warm-up routines drawn from contemporary and classical acting methods, students will develop confidence in their own performance and creative expression.
In this course, students will take part in improvisation, ensemble games, rehearsals, and performance-based tasks that build their understanding of character, tension, atmosphere, and story. They will explore the actor’s craft, discovering how to bring a role to life through experimentation, intention, and expressive choices.
Students are introduced to production elements such as lighting, set design, sound, costume, and make-up, with hands-on opportunities to integrate these into their creative process. They will study excerpts from influential plays, learn theatrical terminology, and explore how dramatic choices impact an audience.
Students will document their discoveries in a reflective performance journal, connecting theory to practice and tracking their own growth as theatre artists.
Semester Options
Option One: Playscript Interpretation
In this unit, students rehearse and perform a scene or full playscript, developing a clear vision for how it can be brought to life for a live audience. The focus is on interpreting the written text through acting choices and key areas of stagecraft. Students will learn rehearsal techniques and character development strategies, deepening their understanding of the acting process. Alongside their performance work, they will take responsibility for two production elements – such as lighting, sound, costume, or set – helping realise a cohesive and effective theatrical performance.
Option Two: Contemporary Collaborative Project
In this unit, students work as an ensemble to interpret and stage a renowned contemporary theatre text, engaging with innovative and emerging theatrical practices. Rather than devising from scratch, students reimagine an existing work through forms such as immersive theatre, site-specific performance, multimedia integration, physical theatre, or performance art. They will explore how meaning is shaped through space, audience interaction, sound design, and non-traditional storytelling techniques. Each student will be responsible for at least two areas of production, applying their creative and analytical skills to transform a published script into an original and concept-driven performance. This unit encourages students to think as contemporary artists—bold, collaborative, and responsive to the world around them.
Students will also attend live theatre performances and analyse them as part of the course, using these experiences to inform and inspire their own creative and performance work.
Assessment
Assessment is based on a combination of performance, process, and theory:
- Performance Work (50%)
Including class performances, monologues, scene work, and production outcomes.
- Engagement & Application (40%)
Including contribution to rehearsals, ensemble participation, design exploration, script annotation, and performance journals.
- Examination (10%)
A short written task responding to key ideas such as script interpretation, stagecraft, and theatrical analysis.
Music
Course Study Either Semester
Prerequisites Nil
Course Description
This course aims to introduce and develop the necessary skills and knowledge in pursuing music as a pathway in either VCE, VET or IB. Through an instrument/s of choice, students will engage with music practically in both a performance and composition context, developing a portfolio of work throughout the course of the semester. Through listening and analysis, students will develop their music language skills, acquiring and using terminology to describe and analyse music from a range of styles and genres. Whilst there is no written examination for this subject, there will be three separate portfolio submissions as well as a performance recital examination.
ASSESSMENT
There are four Reportable Assessment Tasks for this course, one for each unit of study, as well as the Performance Recital Examination.
These are:
- Written and Aural Music Language (25%)
- Listening and Responding (25%)
- Composition/Creation (25%)
- Performance Recital (25%)
Music Technology
Course Study Either Semester
Prerequisites Nil
Course Description
This course aims to introduce and develop the necessary skills and knowledge in pursuing music as a pathway in either VCE, IB but particularly VCE/VET Sound Production. Using the Ableton Live Digital Audio Workstation software package and live sound reinforcement equipment, students will be guided through a range topics including digital audio editing, audio processors, effects units, equalisers and filters, mixing consoles, microphones and DI’s, connectors and lead types and safe work practices. The production portfolio adopts and inquiry-based model, where students research, create and present/perform on a chosen topic/instrument. DJ decks are now supported as part of this portfolio. Hardware and software is provided in addition to materials for skill acquisition and development. Students are encouraged to enrol in private sound production or DJ lessons to consolidate their understanding and further their explorations. This course is a pathway to VCE/VET Music Industry as well as IB Music in the Standard or Higher level.
ASSESSMENT
There are three Reportable Assessment Tasks for this course, one for each unit of study. These are:
- Re-mix task (40%)
- PA set up task (20%)
- Music production portfolio (40%)