What does the course entail?

In the Visual Arts ATAR course, students engage in traditional, modern and contemporary media and techniques within the broad areas of art forms. The course promotes self-direction and innovative practice. Students are encouraged to explore and represent their ideas and gain an awareness of the role that artists and designers play in reflecting, challenging and shaping societal values. The Visual Arts ATAR course allows students to develop aesthetic understandings and a critical awareness to appreciate and make informed evaluations of art through their engagement of their own art practice and the work of others.
In the Visual Arts ATAR course, there is a balance between practical and written understanding in Art. Students need to submit a visual diary that explores their artistic ideas, a final artwork and written tasks, analysing artworks and researching artists. Students will sit a written exam in Semester One and Two.

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What will be covered in this course?

YEAR 11
UNITS 1 & 2

Units are related to themes to help guide students on ideas for their final artworks:

Unit 1 - Differences

Unit 2 - Identities

Assessment Structure
50% Practical

• A body of work that incorporates resolved artwork and documentation of thinking and working practices.

50% Written & Examination

• Response to analysis and evaluation of artwork sourced from a variety of forms, periods, times and/or cultures
• Case studies involving research and visual analysis focused on Australian and/or international visual arts practice. Visual arts practice should be examined with consideration of context, such as historical, social and cultural factors which influence production and interpretation.
• Exams are typically conducted at the end of each semester and/or unit. The examination should reflect the examination design brief included in the ATAR Year 12 syllabus for this course.

YEAR 12
UNITS 3 & 4

Units are related to themes to help guide students on ideas for their final artworks:
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Unit 3 - Commentaries

Unit 4 - Points of View

​Assessment Structure
50% Practical

• A body of work that incorporates resolved artwork and documentation of thinking and working practices.

50% Written & Examination

• Response to analysis and evaluation of artwork sourced from a variety of forms, periods, times and/or cultures
• Case studies involving research and visual analysis focused on Australian and/or international visual arts practice. Visual arts practice should be examined with consideration of context, such as historical, social and cultural factors which influence production and interpretation.
• Exams are typically conducted at the end of each semester and/or unit. The examination should reflect the examination design brief included in the ATAR Year 12 syllabus for this course.

Expectations

• Be compliant with deadlines and manage time effectively
• Have an open and enquiring mind, be ready to challenge yourself both critically and creatively
• Enjoy the fine arts and developing your independence as an artist
• Obtain a visual diary for day one of the course

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Head of Learning Area: Ms Verena Smallman
Contact Number: 9591 4244
​Contact Email: [email protected]