Visual Arts Overview
In Year 10 Visual Arts, elective choices are:
- Art Studio (Either Semester)
- Photography & Film (Either Semester)
- Visual Communication Design (Either Semester)
For students considering art studies in VCE (Art Making and Exhibiting [formally known as Studio Arts], Media, or Visual Communication Design) or IB Diploma (Visual Arts), at least one Year 10 Visual Arts elective is recommended for entry.
Students are also advised to enrol in at least one term of Life Drawing in the Activities programme.
Art – Photography and Film
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, students integrate both black and white and digital photography as well as film in the development of a folio and explore a range of photographic and movie making processes. With a focus on design elements they are introduced to composition and a variety of ways to manipulate image using the camera, darkroom techniques and new media technologies. In the appreciation component, students develop research and analysis skills with a focus on specific artists and styles studied. 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 focusses 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 Either semester
Prerequisites Nil
Course Description
Year 10 Drama offers insight into the world of Drama and Theatre Arts. Our introduction to acting skills is complemented by discussions on applied stagecraft, theatre history and play excerpts. Students are involved in theatre games, improvisation and polished improvisation, voice work and movement. Cohesive group work is an objective in the early stages as it fosters confidence, acceptance and experimentation. Concentration on the potential of the individual inside the ensemble evolves into a dramatic production that is performed for a public audience.
Students will learn the elements of theatrical production: stage and set design, lighting, costume, make-up and sound. They will learn theatrical terms; they will read extracts from famous texts and discuss how characters might be realised and where moments of conflict or laughter might occur for an audience. Through rehearsals they will come to a greater understanding of the pitfalls and joys of theatrical performance. They will keep a written journal to record their discoveries and to evaluate their own learning in the theatre.
Option one: Semester one – Playscript Interpretation
This semester focuses on the interpretation and production of a play, involving all aspects of production processes: conceptualisation; interpretation; realisation; stagecraft and critical analysis.
On completion of this unit, students should be able to: use two areas of stagecraft in the planning, development, season and evaluation of the production of a play; analyse the influences of stagecraft on, and the collaborative processes involved in, the production of a playscript; and analyse and evaluate the relationship between a written play script and its interpretation on stage.
Assessment is based on each student’s contribution to class dramatic activities, on the contribution made to the ensemble in performance, on textual analysis, understanding of theatrical terminology and on simple design technique
Option two – Semester two – Collaborative Project
Students collaborate to create and present an original piece of theatre for and to a specified target audience, created from a starting point of their choice. Students will be responsible for two areas of stagecraft for the collaborative piece of theatre.
Assessment is based on each student’s contribution to class dramatic activities, on the contribution made to the ensemble in performance, on textual analysis, understanding of theatrical terminology and on simple design technique
Students can complete both options over the course of the year. Each option is one semester long.
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. There is an element of inquiry-based learning through research and analysis production portfolio task. Students are encouraged to enrol in private sound production 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%)