The study of Visual Arts develops knowledge and understanding of traditional and contemporary art works through engagement with innovative art practice, curatorial appreciation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary inquiry. Through exploration of traditional and non-traditional art forms, students develop the technical proficiency and confidence as art makers to communicate their ideas. They learn as consumers and art creators, by responding critically to art works, concepts, and theories, enriching their intercultural understanding. They critically and creatively analyse their world and develop curiosity, knowledge and understanding of the evolving and dynamic nature of the art industry.

Students learn as artists, by creating art products that engage audiences and communicate meaning, utilising art techniques. Art practice has the capacity to engage, inspire and enrich all students, excite their curiosity and imagination, and encourage students to reach their creative and expressive potential. They work collaboratively, independently, and ethically whilst making and responding to art works. Through the creative process, they develop capacity as problem solvers, risk takers, and critical and creative thinkers. They learn that art exists in process, as much as in finished art works and understand the collaborative nature of an interconnected art ecosystem.

Students develop transferable skills useful in any academic, professional, and vocational context, such as independence, collaboration, teamwork, and leadership. Visual artists become highly skilled at working with others and communicating clearly to achieve joint enterprises. They develop skills as researchers and engage with theories and ideas critically and creatively. Students engage with technologies and become adept at pivoting to new technologies that help them achieve their goals. They develop production skills and hone practices that present ideas and projects in ways that engage target audiences. Students develop empathetic awareness and skills in the practice of collaborating with others respectfully and using Work Health and Safety standards.

The Specialised Visual Arts course is written under The ARTS Framework 2021: BSSS ARTS Framework

Achievement Standards for ARTS courses can be found within the Framework.

Through the study of the Arts, students learn to express their ideas, thoughts and opinions, as they discover and interpret an increasingly complex technological and interconnected world. The subjects in this Learning Area share common understandings and broad conceptual underpinnings and imperatives.

Innovation in Visual Arts

Students learn about innovative art practice and practitioners who break with codes and conventions. They investigate innovations in technique, form, style, creation, digital platforms, and criticism and apply through experimentation and problem-solving. Students synthesise their knowledge, understanding and skills to expand their art practice and engage in ethical and aesthetic issues as artists and audience.

Curation and Exhibition

Students learn about stylistic and curatorial choices and how that positions audiences to interpret art works and conveys attitudes values and perspectives. They explore the representations of ideas in art as artists and curators through developing an informed response to art works and exhibitions they have seen and experienced. Students apply technical and curatorial skills to create their own works and exhibitions.

Entrepreneurship in Visual Arts

Students learn about entrepreneurship and the interface between art and industry. They explore the tensions and opportunities between creative and professional practice. Students apply their understanding of entrepreneurship in the art industry to produce authentic art works for a range of purposes and audiences.

Interdisciplinary Inquiry in Visual Arts

Interdisciplinary inquiry is an approach to studying and addressing complex problems or issues to explore new perspectives and advance critical thinking. Students develop skills in synthesising viewpoints, drawing conclusions, and exploring alternative applications of art practice. Students learn about how Visual Art can be used to learn about and communicate a wide range of concepts often considered the domain of other disciplines. They explore techniques for understanding, representing knowledge and concepts from other disciplines. Students apply Visual Art as a way of knowing the world and sharing their insights.

Independent Study

An Independent Study unit has an important place in senior secondary courses. It is a valuable pedagogical approach that empowers students to make decisions about their own learning. An Independent Study unit can be proposed by an individual student for their own independent study and negotiated with their teacher. The program of learning for an Independent Study unit must meet the unit goals and content descriptions as they appear in the course. Students must have studied at least THREE standard 1.0 units from this course. A student can only study a maximum of one Independent study unit in each course. An Independent Study unit requires the principal’s written approval. Independent study units are only available to individual students in Year 12. Principal approval is also required for a student in Year 12 to enrol concurrently in an Independent unit and the third 1.0 unit in a course of study.

Specialised Visual Arts A/T/M (742 KB)

Specialised Visual Arts A/T/M (317 KB)

The following courses are also available:

• Visual Arts
• Studies of Visual Arts