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Effective teaching in the Visual Arts requires an environment that
is conducive to learning.

E

Where difference and creativity are celebrated and learning through doing is encouraged, where collaboration and advancement of knowledge and skills are continuous. Successful Visual Arts teaching also requires substantial expertise by skilled and experienced professionals.

Years 7–10

All Visual Arts students in Years 7–10 complete both practical and theoretical components of their course. They investigate statements of inquiry and follow a process of exploration of ideas and experimentation with media leading to artworks or written investigations.

Years 7-12 Gallery

Preliminary Course

The Preliminary Course in Visual Arts consists of both practical and theoretical components.  Students work in various forms to investigate a theme of their choice using installation, drawing, painting and digital media, with an emphasis on the Postmodern frame. A similar experience is undertaken in the HSC, allowing for more independent decision making and experimental processes.


STUDENTS CAN SPECIALISE WITH THE

HSC Course

The Higher School Certificate (HSC) course allows students to specialise in the medium and concept of their choice, culminating in a 'body of work'. Five case studies are completed, allowing for deeper, more independent investigation

Students are encouraged to investigate a theme based on a personal interest through experimentation, investigation and resolution. Students are consistently chosen to exhibit their works in the Art Express exhibition. The majority of students obtain exemplary results within Bands 5 or 6. Student HSC work is collected and exhibited around the School to celebrate our high standard of the works.

Visual Arts Exhibition 7–12

An annual exhibition of student work from Years 7 to 12 is held in the Art Centre. It displays students' work to the local community of Tara allowing them to partake in the curatorial process of setting up, arranging and curating an art exhibition.

Excursions

Regular excursions to museums, galleries and public spaces provide students further insight and knowledge into the extended Artworld. Students visit explore art such as Art Express and the Archibald Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW, The Powerhouse Museum and the Botanical Gardens.

OUR FULLY EQUIPPED

Learning Environment

The School has an excellent art centre, with five purpose built specialist studios, allowing painting, print making, textiles, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, design, photography and video production to be offered. These studios include a specialist black and white photography room, ceramics room and senior Years 11 and 12 rooms.

Cocurricular Activities

The Visual Arts department offers additional workshops and specialist days encouraging participation and interaction between students from all years.

Regular weekly after school classes include photography, ceramics and Visual Arts.

Activities include Year 6 students being exposed to a day in the life of high school.

Students participate in an intensive day long course to gain expertise in a particular media area.

Students participate and consistently win scholarships to an HSC Intensive course with the National Art School. 

The Visual Arts department offers additional holiday workshops and after school courses to enrich learning in areas such as ceramics, black and white and digital photography and art for junior students. Please see the Tara Enrichment Centre page for more information.