CAPA

The aim of the Music course is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for active engagement and enjoyment in performing, composing and listening to various styles of music. This is achieved through courses of study involving an integrated approach with quality instruction of content areas across a range of selected topics. Programs are designed to be relevant and inclusive of students from all cultural backgrounds with differentiated teaching strategies assisting student engagement at all ability levels. Music is compulsory for students in Year 7 and Year 8 whereas it is an Elective option throughout Year 9 and Year 10. For Year 11-12 students there is a choice of courses that cater for student interest and ability.

 

COURSES:

 

Music - Years 7 and 8

 

GAT, Gifted and Talented, Music Students are identified at the beginning of Year 7 and are nurtured individually and in groups through many performance opportunities and enrichment activities which are initially showcased at the Year 7 Live Concert which takes place early in March each year. In class, students engage in a range of musical experiences, developing an understanding of the concepts of music, through performing, composing and listening activities. Performance experience in Year 7 is gained on untuned percussion, tuned percussion, recorder and singing. The Year 7 Massed Choir is a highlight at the Annual Music Night in August each year. Musical performance opportunities continue on drums, keyboard, guitar and singing in Year 8 and once again students are able to showcase their musical talents at two Year 8 MMM (Manic Music Matinée) Concerts in class groups and as soloists.

 

Music - Years 9 and 10

 

The very popular Year 9-10 Elective Music course caters for students with diverse musical backgrounds and interests. It engages students in a range of musical experiences, developing an understanding of the concepts of music, again through an integrated approach to performing, composing and listening activities. Students continue to participate individually and in groups. Emphasis in Year 9 is placed on developing performance skill in smaller ensembles. In Year 10 leadership skills are further developed with various opportunities provided for talented soloists and ensembles at Rock Shows, the annual Music Night and other school and community functions.

 

Music - Years 11 and 12

 

Music 1, Music 2 and Music Extension Courses are available depending upon student interest and ability.

In both the Preliminary and HSC Courses, through activities in performance, composition, musicology and aural students will

 

• Perform, read, interpret and discuss music.
• Improvise and create melodies and harmonies with rhythmic accompaniments.
• Recognise and identify the concepts of music and discuss their use in a variety of musical styles.

 

Students are able to select and perform repertoire relevant to topics studied on their instrument of choice or voice. In the HSC Course each student is given the option of Performance, Composition and Musicology Electives to focus on for each topic. Music is a 2 Unit course and can contribute to an ATAR.

 

ASSESSMENT:

 

Music assessment of student outcomes consists of several components:

 

In Years 7-10 all students sit mid-year and end of year examinations. Written and practical assessment tasks are also completed and marked using prescribed marking criteria. These tasks include listening, composing, performing activities and assignments.

 

In Years 11-12 students undertake written examinations in listening as well as completing composition, musicology and performance assessment tasks. All HSC Music students must perform for external HSC markers in September each year.

 

FACILITIES AND RESOURCES:

 

• Two fully equipped music rooms and stage area in the School Hall are equipped with an extensive range of instruments catering for all styles of music.
• ICT equipment in the specialist Music Computer Laboratory includes software for listening to music and MIDI devices for composing music.

 

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

 

• Stage Band
• String Ensemble
• Guitar Groups (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)
• Variety of school and community musical performance opportunities
• Participation in the PULSE Regional Concert held at the Sydney Opera House
• Music Tuition Program: Instruments are available through the school for hire and visiting tutors or nearby studios provide lessons to students on Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello and Piano.

 

VISUAL ARTS

The aim of the Visual Arts course is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for active engagement and enjoyment of artmaking and understanding art. This is achieved through the study of the frames, the conceptual framework and artist practice in both practical and theory classes. Students will study art from a variety of artists and styles and have the opportunity to work in a variety of expressive forms – 2D, 3D or 4D.

 

• 2D forms include flat works, for example, painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, digital imaging and collage.
• 3D forms include works that involve volume and mass and exist in space, for example, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and fibre, designed objects and environments.
• 4D forms include works that exist in real and virtual time, for example time-based works, film and video, digital animation, documented forms, multimedia and performance works.

 

 

COURSES:

 

VISUAL ARTS - Years 7 and 8

 

In Years 7 and 8 all students study Visual Arts. This course gives students the opportunity to experience the creation of artworks in at least two of the expressive forms. Students are also introduced to the practices of art criticism and art history and the concepts of practice, the conceptual framework and the frames. Art History and Criticism are incorporated through practical tasks and theory lessons.

 

Students are required to keep a diary to record the ideas and intentions explored in their art making and to engage in drawing as a sustained practice. This is called a Visual Arts Process Diary (VAPD).

 

VISUAL ARTS – Years 9 and 10

 

Students can elect to study Visual Arts in Years 9 and 10. This course provides for more extensive learning in the Visual Arts. The concept of the Body of Work is introduced and students may produce one or more individual works that are related through subject and /or form. Students continue to develop their understandings and skills using the concepts of practice, the conceptual framework and the frames in 2D, 3D and 4D forms. Students are required to keep a Visual Arts Process Diary which provides evidence of the decisions and actions made by students in the production of their artworks.

 

VISUAL ARTS – Years 11 and 12

 

Students can elect to study Visual Arts in Year 11 and 12; they do not need to have studied the subject in Years 9 and 10. The Preliminary course in Year 11 offers broad-based experiences in Visual Arts and the HSC course has a more sustained, independent and interpretative focus. Students are expected to work in at least two expressive forms in the Preliminary course and in the HSC course they are required to make and submit for external assessment a Body of Work in one or more expressive forms.

 

The course aims to develop knowledge, skills and understanding in art making and art criticism and art history. By the end of the HSC course students should have an informed understanding and knowledge about past and present practices in art. The conceptual thinking and practical skills developed should empower students to participate in the world as creative practitioners, informed consumers and astute appraisers of the concepts and aesthetics underpinning art and design.  Students are also required to keep a Visual Arts Process Diary. Visual Arts is a 2 Unit course and can contribute to a ATAR.

 

FACILITIES AND RESOURCES:

 

• Two well-resourced art rooms.
• Large kiln for firing of ceramics.

 

ASSESSMENT:

 

Years 7-8

 

During the mandatory Visual Arts Course students will work on a variety of exercises to develop their skills and then apply these skills to a focus artwork. Students are also required to record their design process in their Visual Arts Process Diary (VAPD). There is also an end of year examination.

 

Years 9-10

 

Students undertaking the elective course work on larger artwork projects with a greater focus on conceptual strength and the frames. Students are also required to record their design process in their Visual Arts Process Diary (VAPD). There is a mid-year and end of year examination, focusing on the understanding of art criticism and art history and developing the skills needed for extended response questions.

 

Years 11-12

 

All stage 6 assessment tasks are weighted according to Board of Studies guidelines.

With a strong conceptual focus, students in Year 11 have specific practical tasks which they work towards in class. Their artwork and design process are also assessed. There is also a mid-year and end of year examination.

 

HSC students are expected to produce a body of work (this can be several pieces of art work) for the Higher School Certificate assessment. A Visual Arts Process Diary must also be kept and it is assessed throughout the course. There is a mid-year assessment and trial examination.

 

 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR  ACTIVITIES:

 

• Excursions to Art Galleries
• Artwork regularly displayed on school walls
• Art exhibitions set up throughout the year

The aim of the Dance course is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for active engagement and enjoyment of dance performance, composition and appreciation. This is achieved through the study of the elements of Dance in both practical and theory classes. Students will study dance from a variety of dancers and have the opportunity to perform, compose and analyse dance in a variety of styles, for example, jazz, hip hop and contemporary.

 

COURSES:

 

DANCE - YEARS 7 and 8

 

Dance is not a compulsory subject in Years 7 and 8. However, students are encouraged to join one of the school Dance ensembles so they can foster their love of Dance.

 

DANCE - YEARS 9 and 10

 

Students can elect to study Dance in Years 9 and 10. The stage 5 Dance course is divided into 3 stages: Performance, Composition and Appreciation. This course provides students the opportunity to develop their skills in a variety of styles such as Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Hip Hop. Students are taught dance technique with the underlying elements of safe dance practice and kinaesthetic awareness. Students learn composition techniques and how to choreograph their own dances incorporating the elements of dance (space, time and dynamics). Students also develop an appreciation of dance through the study of dance history and the analysis of dance works from prescribed choreographers; developing the skills needed for extended response questions.

 

DANCE – YEARS 11 and 12

 

Students can elect to study Dance in Years 11 and 12. The stage 6 Dance course is divided into 3 stages: Performance, Composition and Appreciation. This course provides students the opportunity to develop their skills in a variety of styles such as Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Hip Hop. Students are taught a more in depth dance technique with the underlying elements of safe dance practice and kinaesthetic awareness. Students learn composition techniques and how to choreograph their own dances incorporating the elements of dance (space, time and dynamics). Students also develop an appreciation of dance through the study of dance history and the analysis of dance works from prescribed choreographers; developing the skills needed for extended response questions.

 

Students are also able to major in one of three areas: performance, composition and appreciation. Students who major in composition can also use film and multimedia as a way to present their choreographic piece. A performance major is a highly skilled dance that not only displays a narrative but focuses on the technique of the chosen style. An appreciation major involves an in depth analysis and deconstruction of prescribed works by leading artists.

 

 

ASSESSMENT:

 

Years 9-10

 

Students undertaking the elective course have performance assessments and a composition assessment where they showcase their ability to choreograph. Dance appreciation covers analysis of selected works and preparation for extended response questions.

 

Years 11-12

 

All stage 6 assessment tasks are weighted according to Board of Studies guidelines.

All students work towards a performance assessment in Years 11 and 12. They must also choreograph a routine which they then teach to another student who performs it for the assessment. This is supported by a journal and rationale. There is also a mid-year and end of course examination. Students are also required to major in composition, performance or appreciation.

 

FACILITIES AND RESOURCES:

 

• Dance space
• Costumes
• Props

 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR  ACTIVITIES:

 

• Hip Hop Dance Ensemble
• Contemporary Dance Ensemble
• Jazz Dance Ensemble
• Regional Dance Festivals
• Variety of performance opportunities
• Excursions to dance performances, such as the HSC Dance Showcase "Callback"
•  

 

DRAMA

 

The aim of Drama is to provide students with the opportunity to collaborate in a process where they explore, shape and symbolically represent imagination, ideas, feelings, attitudes, beliefs and their circumstances. This is achieved through the study of the elements of Drama in both practical and theory classes. Students will study performing drama and making drama, given as many opportunities as possible to perform. In addition students learn to appreciate drama and gain an understanding of the technical, costuming and set design requirements of theatre.

 

 

COURSES:

 

DRAMA - Years 7 and 8

 

Drama is not a compulsory subject in Years 7 and 8.

 

 

DRAMA - Years 9 and 10

 

Students can elect to study Drama in Years 9 and 10. This course guides students in developing their skills as actor through the examination and exploration of various dramatic styles and historical studies.  Students are taught to closely engage with the Elements of Drama as a means of bettering their acting and performance skills, as well as practical strategies to be used for improvisation and playbuilding in Drama. Students also develop an appreciation of Drama through the study of theatrical history and the understanding of different acting styles; developing the skills needed to review and analyse live productions.

 

DRAMA – Years 11 and 12

 

Students can elect to study Drama in Years 11 and 12 - a 2-unit course which can lead to an ATAR. Students do not need to have studied the subject in Years 9 and 10. The Preliminary course in Year 11 offers broad-based experiences that prepare students for the HSC course. All students are expected to develop their skills in the areas of performance, where they read and learn scripts, making – where they write and perform their own script as a group, and appreciation. Students are also required to keep a journal of their progress and reflect on their work. In addition, students also work on an individual project where they can major in set design, costume design, program and promotion, reviews, script writing, performance or filmmaking.

 

 

ASSESSMENT:

 

Years 9-10

 

Students undertaking the elective course will be assessed on their ability to perform both individual and group performances through scripted and playbuilt plays. Drama appreciation allows students to develop their analytical writing in both short answer responses and extended writing styles (like reviewing).

 

 

Years 11-12

 

All stage 6 assessment tasks are weighted according to Board of Studies guidelines.

All students work towards a performance assessment in Years 11 and 12. They must also develop an Individual Design Project in Year 11 and work towards an externally assessed Individual Project throughout the Year 12 course. This is supported by a journal and rationale. Through module studies of theatrical forms and styles, as well as a comparative study of contemporary Australian texts, students will develop their ability to critically study in Drama.

 

FACILITIES AND RESOURCES:

 

• A mirrored drama space
• Costumes
• Props
• Lighting set
• Scripts and plays to study

 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR  ACTIVITIES:

 

• Regional Drama Festivals
• Variety of performance opportunities
• Excursions to theatre performances, such as the HSC Drama Showcase "Onstage"