Arts
The Arts
The Arts Learning Area comprises of the Art, Dance, Drama, Music and Photography subject disciplines. It is a learning area that challenges students to be creative, collaborative and innovative. Students are given a wide variety of opportunities to showcase their work at both a College and community level.
The Art Subject Area - Course Work
Art is a dynamic subject which allows students to express themselves through individual and collaborative projects. Students can specialise in their preferred Art area from Year 9.
In Year 7 students are introduced to the elements and principles of design. These elements and principles are explored through art projects such as line based scratch board designs, and painting boomerangs that have an aboriginal motif on them.
In Year 8 the Elements and Principles of Design are explored further using techniques based on the studio areas of Ceramics, Printmaking and Painting. This course runs for a semester and in this time, students will complete drawings of found objects and then turn those images into designs for a ceramic tile and colour print. The final project is based on the self portrait and students will look at traditional and abstract portrait painting styles. They will then complete and abstract self portrait painting.
In Year 9 students are introduced to the Principles of Design. At this stage students can choose Fine Art and Art and Design.
In the Fine Art Course students are taught several different drawing styles, and then extend these drawings into the areas of Printmaking, Textiles, Painting and Sculpture.
In Art and Design students focus on the design process. Areas studied in Year 9 include Graphic Design, Painting, Ceramics and Cartooning.
In Year 10 students also have the choice of studying Fine Art and Art and Design. At this level, Fine Art students continue to study drawing using a variety of different media, as well as finishing works in Painting, Sculpture and Mixed Media.
Art and Design continues to focus on the design process, applying these designs to Mixed Media Sculpture, Graphic Design and Print Making.
In Upper school students select a Course of Study depending on their choice of further education. There are 2 units in each stage, each lasting 16 weeks. In each stage, students work on applying the skills they have learnt in previous years to create their own individual Art work. They are encouraged to apply life experiences whilst exploring a vast array of mediums to create a body of work, resulting in a resolved studio piece.
Stages 2 and 3 Courses also require the sitting of an external exam.
The Photography Subject Area - Course Work
This subject area is continually expanding as students enjoy the creative freedom in this elective. Please note, below are examples of student tasks. Topics are continually changing.
In Year 9 Photography students work on narrative photogram. They have been using the darkroom to produce these images. They then move onto a digital camera task based to the theme "Tea Party" where they have to set up a still life at home using objects that visually translate the "Tea Party" theme.
In Year 10 Photography students work on the theme "Framing through an Object" using SLR and digital cameras. They use both the darkroom and the Photoshop computer program to print their images.
The second task is the theme "Red". They will photograph objects and food that are red and explore composition to produce images that create impact.
The Dance Subject Area - Course Work
Dance is an elective that is offered in Year 9 and 10. It allows students to explore a variety of dance styles and experiment with self devised and teacher led choreography.
In Year 9 Dance students are introduced to the three main dance forms of hip hop, jazz and contemporary dance. Students look at the theoretical side of dance as well as participating in practical workshops. Guest tutors help students extend their technique. Students showcase their pieces at school events and arts festivals.
In Year 10 Dance students learn a choreographed hip hop routine and focus on design decisions involved in a performance. Jazz pieces are taught with greater complexity and students are given the opportunity to produce their own mini Eisteddfod involving lighting, costumes, music editing and choreography.
The Drama Subject Area - Course Work
Drama is a popular elective choice for students who like performing both original work and scripted drama. Different modules are covered in each year, giving students a well rounded drama experience.
In Year 7 students focus on mime, storytelling and play building to help them create original pieces. Emphasis is placed on creating strong and entertaining story lines whilst improving student confidence.
In Year 8 students will be introduced to improvisation. Students also have a chance to twist fairytales and create unique characters. They finish the module with slapstick; learning trips, falls and stage combat skills.
In Year 9 students can chose Drama as an elective. Drama students will look at the origins of theatre in the Greek Theatre module, create their own Soapies and perform in the comic style of melodrama. They will finish with learning scripts and completing design and production role.
In Year 10 students who are interested in Course of Study Drama can pick Drama for both Semesters. In Terms One and Two, students look at Realism and design a set for their piece. The world of Shakespeare and costuming follows with students completing the term with Doco drama and Lighting designs. In the second semester; Monologues, Commedia Dell'arte and absurdist theatre are taught with students participating in backstage roles.
In Upper School students select a Course of Study depending on their choice of further education. There are 2 units in each stage, each lasting 16 weeks.
In each stage, students work on applying the skills they have learnt in previous years to create their own individual Drama work as well as interpreting scripts from both realism and non realism forms. Students also work with design and production roles such as lighting, set, costuming, sound and backstage management. Stages 2 and 3 Courses also require the sitting of an external exam.
The Music Subject Area - Course Work
Please see the music page for further information.
Extra Curricular Opportunities
Students in this learning area participate in a variety of extra curricular events to help enhance their understanding of the Arts and showcase their work for the public. These events include: Catholic Performing Arts, Rock Eisteddfod, Dance Festivals, Arts Expo, Carnevale, Angelico Exhibition and the school Production.
School Based Extension Opportunities
The Rock Eisteddfod and College Production
Servite College competes in the Rock Eisteddfod challenge every second year interchanging with a full school Production. This extra curricular event is popular for students who want on stage experience and the enjoyment of working with other students from Years 7-12. The College has won both the Open division and Small Group division of the competition as well as receving awards for Entertainment Excellence, Concept, Soundtrack, Stage use, Drama and performance skills. The Rock Eisteddfod challenge allows students to immerse themselves in chorographical direction, backstage management, lighting, set, and hair and makeup.
The Servite Production
This production allows students in Year 7 to 12 to work collaboratively to produce a full scale music or drama production. Actors get an opportunity to rehearse and perform with the musical Director, Choreographers and Stage Directors. Students interested in design can work backstage or in the sound and lighting booth. It is a great opportunity for students who are interested in front of house duties to apply them in a real theatre environment.
Sydney Cultural Tour
This 8 day Sydney tour is offered every second year to Year 11 and 12 Art and Drama students. The objective of this trip is for students to experience cultural opportunities not available to them in Perth. Students attend artist workshops, visit galleries, museums and theatre spaces and attend classes at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts. Students also get to visit the sites of Sydney and explore the cultural feasts on offer, such as theatre shows, behind the scenes tours of iconic buildings and walking tours.
Servite College Annual Art Exhibition
The Arts Expo is an annual event held in September that showcases student work in the Practical, Creative and Performing Arts. Students from Years 7 to 12 have the opportunity to display works across the fields of Photography, Fine Art, Art and Design, Drama, Dance and Music. Opening night begins in the College Auditorium with Performing Arts students demonstrating their finesse in their chosen fields, before moving through to the gymnasium to view the Visual Arts works on display.
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