Why Study Visual Arts
What Parents should know about Visual Arts as a subject
In the past, Visual Arts was generally chosen by two groups of students, those who were naturally "good at it" and those who want a less "academic" subject. However more and more students are taking Visual Arts to gain an advantage in their other subjects and in their future careers. For example, HSC English students must be able to analyse 'visual' texts and create 'visual' representation's. Also in Science, History and Geography, students must be able to read visual source material and primary documents. In Visual Arts students become confident and highly skilled at creating and reading such images.
One of the strengths of Visual Arts is that it has all the advantages of being a practical subject however with a significant 'academic' component. At the HSC level the practical and academic components each make up 50% of the course. Art theoretical and historical studies stand at the cross roads of many subjects and draw on these disciplines in a holistic way. Many of the texts studied by our students come from historical, philosophical, scientific, musical and even mathematical fields. Art works are always studied in their wider historical and social context. Students engage with the works mainly through source documents like letters of artists, journal entries, exhibition reviews, and newspaper articles. Students also engage in the contemporary history of artists by visiting galleries, exhibitions, reading articles and exhibitions.
Students learn to become image savvy by looking at the methods artists use to subtly or forcefully communicate their messages. When a student can identify, understand and critique an image they are in a position of power over that image.
In Visual Arts students learn to use a range of media from traditional to state of the art digital equipment. In senior years students are able to develop their own artistic interests and direction culminating in the creation a series or 'Body of Work' for their HSC.
Visual Arts students are finding that their skills learnt at school are of critical importance to their careers. In the age of information technology and the mass media being able to visually communicate using computer's, DVD's, digital camera's, JPG's, MPG's and the internet are of fundamental importance. Workers of the twenty-first century are expected to have clear visual communication skills and understandings. There is also no doubt around the boardroom table if you can articulate your concept visually, a simple pencil on paper, you have a clear advantage over those who cannot. These important skills are learnt in Visual Arts.
Mr Ian Randall
Head of Department
