Creative and Performing Arts

Ms Claudia Howes – Leader of Learning

Visual Arts

The CAPA department has a busy Semester One with our students involved in a variety of activities both in and out of the classroom. Teachers have been working tirelessly with their students to build their knowledge in both the history of the creative arts and their practical skills. Year 7 Visual Arts students have been introduced to the world of Portraiture with a specific focus on Henri Matisse and Chuck Close. Students have explored both artist’s artmaking practice where they will now begin to create their own portraits using both the artist’s style. Year 8 Visual Arts students have been exploring the world of masks and have begun making their own recyclable mask that demonstrates their understanding of different cultures. Year 9 and 10 students have continued to develop their own artistic practices through realistic portraiture drawing and ceramic techniques. Year 9 had the opportunity to visit the prestigious Archibald Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW where they engaged with a range of pieces and explored the gallery to develop their understanding of the art world. Year 11 students have been experimenting with their chosen mediums whilst investigating the world of appropriation whilst Year 12 have been working tirelessly on their Major Works, continuously improving their practice and use the world as a source of ideas. Senior students also had an excursion to the Art Gallery of NSW to view the ARTExpress Exhibition, informing their own artmaking decisions and conceptual practice. 

Music

In Music, Year 7 and 8 have been engaging with the Amadeus Program to continue to develop their technical skills on their chosen instruments. Year 9 and 10 students have been investigating the world of Jazz and Australian Music whilst also increasing their performance and composition skills. Year 11 students have been developing their knowledge of music history as well as their aural and performance skills by engaging with a range of music genres and performance styles. Elective Music classes had the opportunity to visit ENCORE, the HSC Showcase at the Opera House, where they were able to experience exemplary performances from HSC students, allowing them to develop their understanding of performance techniques and technical skills. 

Outside of the classroom there have been some major achievements with three students successfully auditioning for SCS Ensembles and Choirs. 

  • Jean L- Year 7: Ashfield Senior Ensemble on Clarinet
  • Paddy S- Year 11: Ashfield Senior Ensemble on Flute
  • Henson T- Year 7: Artist’s Evolution: Unleash your Voice

We are extremely proud of these students and wish them all the best. 

Photography and Digital Media

In Photography and Digital Media, students have been exploring the world of photography and film. Year 9 students have been exploring the theme of ‘Journey’ and have begun to develop their understanding of the history of film and have used this to create their own pieces whilst Year 10 students have been exploring Special FX, creating their own scenes that demonstrate their knowledge and technical skill. Year 11’s have been exploring three major case studies of Tracey Moffatt, Henri Cartier Bresson and Max Dupain to develop their understanding of composition, framing and lighting. Students have begun creating their own portfolio of work, demonstrating their own photographic skills.

All the work this semester could not have been done without the support, encouragement and dedication of the CAPA Department staff. We thank them for all the seen and unseen work they do for our students and the wider community.