“Visual Arts has a significant role within the curriculum through providing learning opportunities designed to encourage students to understand the visual arts, including the different kinds of creative works they, and others, make. Visual Arts places great value on the development of students’ intellectual and practical autonomy, reflective action, critical judgement and understanding of art in artmaking and in critical and historical studies of art. Visual Arts plays an important role in the social, cultural and spiritual lives of students. It offers a wide range of opportunities for students to develop their own interests, to be self-motivated and active learners who can take responsibility for and continue their own learning in school and post-school settings.”
Visual Arts Years 7-10 Syllabus, 2003
At Marrickville High School, all students study Visual Arts in Years 7 and 8, where they are introduced to art-making, critical and historical analysis, and the study of artists through a conceptual framework. They explore a range of materials and techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media.
Students can select Visual Arts as an elective in Years 9 and 10, where they expand their technical and conceptual skills, experiment with mixed media, and develop their own artistic style. They study a variety of artistic movements and engage in projects that encourage both individual expression and collaborative creation.
Students can study Visual Arts for their HSC. The HSC course comprises of studies in:
- Artmaking (exploring a range of media, techniques, and artistic practices)
- Critical and historical studies of art movements, artists, and contexts
- The development of a Body of Work for the HSC, showcasing individual artistic expression
Students have access to dedicated art studios equipped with painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and digital media resources. Marrickville High School supports students in exhibiting their work through school showcases and external competitions, fostering a strong culture of artistic excellence.
