Year 9 Arts electives
All Arts elective subjects have a ‘built-in element’ that allows for flexibility of choice, style, and direction within the program as planned and permits students to work at their own pace, if they display individual and independent work habits. If a student wishes to work with materials or methods that have their own extra financial demands outside the normal program, some costs may be involved. All elective subjects have a compulsory theory and written component.
Visual Arts – Ceramics & Sculpture
Advisor: Sharie-Lee Olver
In Ceramics & Sculpture, you will learn how to turn your own designs into 3D clay artworks, from hand-built sculptures to functional pieces. This subject helps you practise creativity, problem-solving and resilience as you experiment with different construction and decoration methods. You will also explore the work of other artists, building awareness of different cultures and styles. Along the way, you will learn to use the correct art vocabulary to talk about and analyse your creations and the creations of working artists. Some written work is included to develop your ability to explain ideas clearly.
Visual Arts – 2D Art
Advisor: Sharie-Lee Olver
In 2D Art, you will discover how artists, craftspeople and designers from different cultures and times use art to express their ideas, values and beliefs. You will see how art can respond to important issues such as the environment, sustainability and identity, and use this knowledge to inspire your own creative work. By experimenting with symbols and styles, you will develop your own personal approach to making and presenting art. You will also study Indigenous Art practices, learning to analyse, interpret and evaluate artworks while exploring different viewpoints and building your creative voice.
Media – Photography & Video
Advisor: Lisa Gunders
In Photography & Video, you will learn to use cameras and editing tools with confidence, preparing you for today’s digital world. By analysing photos and films, you will see how media can shape ideas, identities and even spread misinformation, which helps you think critically about what you see online. You will also learn how to tell stories and share messages through media, raising awareness about important issues such as climate change or equality, while gaining skills that are valuable in many future careers.
Visual Communication & Design – Design & Process
Advisors: Craig Frankland & Tammy Lacy
In Design & Process, you will develop design skills that connect directly to the modern world. You will learn to use industry-standard programs like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, building digital skills that are highly valued in many careers. By practising different drawing methods and exploring design elements and principles, you will strengthen creativity and problem-solving skills that apply to real challenges such as sustainability and communication. You will also learn how to take inspiration from the world around you to create designs with meaning, preparing you for future study, creative industries and everyday problem-solving.
Drama – Improvisation
Advisor: Wayne Pickering
Improvisation helps you build confidence, creativity and teamwork, skills that are useful every day. Through activities such as mime, improvisation and character work, you will learn to think on your feet, solve problems and express ideas in new ways. You will explore dramatic elements such as tension and focus while experimenting with stagecraft like sound, lighting, props and costume. By creating and performing for a live audience, you will strengthen your communication skills, resilience and ability to work with others, preparing you for school, future jobs and life beyond the drama classroom.
Drama – Issues & Conflict
Advisor: Wayne Pickering
Issues & Conflict helps you grow as a performer and thinker by exploring real-life problems through performance. You will use improvisation, character work and monologues, both scripted and self-devised, to express ideas and tell powerful stories. By working with dramatic elements such as rhythm, timing, contrast and conflict, you will learn how to engage an audience and think deeply about human experiences. You will also work with stagecraft, including lighting, sound, props and costume, to bring performances to life, gaining teamwork, problem-solving and presentation skills that are useful in many areas.
Music – Ensemble Skills
Advisor: Denis Toner
In Ensemble Skills, you will develop teamwork, creativity and confidence by playing and performing in small groups. You will build instrument skills, learn how to listen and respond to others, and even try improvising and creating your own music. By exploring the history of popular music, you will see how styles and artists have shaped culture across decades. You will also discover what it takes to put on a live gig, from organisation to using sound equipment and technology, giving you practical experience and skills that are valuable both in and out of school.
Music – Performance Skills
Advisor: Denis Toner
Performance Skills helps you grow as a musician while developing confidence in both solo and group performances. You will practise on your chosen instrument and learn to use music technology such as PA systems and recording equipment. Alongside performing, you will explore songwriting and composing original music, combining creativity with technical skills. You will also prepare for live gigs, learning about organisation and presentation, and build strategies to improve your playing and manage performance anxiety. These are valuable skills for music, school and real-world situations.
Note: It is expected that you will learn or already be learning a musical instrument or singing and undertake lessons in either a formal or informal capacity. For example, you should attend instrumental lessons on a regular basis or be prepared to learn and improve your skills using classroom instruments (keyboard, guitar and drumkit), practising regularly. You are expected to perform a program on at least three different occasions, either formally or informally, such as classroom performances, lunchtime concerts or local gigs.