Dr Hanan Ismail, Mr Cutting, Ms Novosel, Mrs Adel and Mrs Noha
Year 7 students have been exploring the diverse world of portraiture this term, investigating the Archibald portrait prize, and establishing a range of techniques to draw emotive and personable portraits of the people that inspire them. Students are just beginning their final expedition into the topic, beginning to create their A3, fully toned artworks are weeks of contemplative research, planning, and experimentation with a variety of drawing methods for eyes, noses, mouths, and other facial features / proportions. This unit is always a challenge, but one that the year 7’s have met with open arms.
This term, the Year 8 students have embarked on an inspiring artistic journey, delving into the captivating world of Cubism. As part of their curriculum, they have been studying the innovative art movement pioneered by iconic figures such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. Immersing themselves in the rich history and unique techniques of Cubism, the students have found inspiration in the ground breaking works of these two masterful artists. Drawing from Picasso's bold use of geometric shapes and Braque's innovative approach to fractured forms, the Year 8 students have translated their newfound knowledge into the creation of their own cubist artworks. This exploration not only showcases their artistic talents but also fosters a deeper appreciation of the transformative impact of cubism on the artworld
Each year, the grade 9 cohort engages in one of the most intellectually challenging yet creatively freeing units that we offer, that being Surrealism. Each class has explored marquee artists such as Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte, Yves Tanguy, and MC Escher to develop a deep understanding of the process and techniques involved in the development of Surrealist art. Utilizing exaggeration, substitution, Juxtaposition, and a wide range drawing and rendering techniques, the year 9’s continue to develop complex, creatively diverse A2 artworks from graphite. This unit challenges students to continuously think critically about the common world around them, and the distinctive ways that the mind can warp it.
Year 10 students have been actively engaged in a unit of work that explores the profound topic of the stolen generation. Drawing inspiration from influential artists like Lin Onus and Sally Morgan, they have embarked on creating contemporary dot paintings that reflect their understanding and perspectives on this important historical and societal issue. The fusion of artistic expression with historical and societal context has sparked insightful conversations and provided a unique platform for our students to explore and communicate their thoughts on the Stolen Generation. The collaboration between the two subjects has enriched their learning experience, fostering a multidimensional understanding of the topic.
As we progress further, we anticipate witnessing the development of meaningful and thought-provoking artworks that will not only showcase our students' creative talents but also contribute to a deeper understanding of the Stolen Generation within our school community.
Year 11 students continue to develop their ideas and techniques within a range of artistic mediums, mostly focused on graphite, watercolour, and fine liner. Each student is now well into the development of their first body of work, with most students nearing the completion of their largest piece, centred on the architectural concept of utopias. Each learner has also embarked on a comparative study of contemporary artists, finding connections between their artmaking practices, ideas, and concepts, and their own developing artwork and styles. This term is a largely explorative period for the year 11 cohort in their journey to grow their understanding of the world, and its near infinite set of moving parts, as well as how they can capture, clarify, personify, and criticise it.
y12 continue working on their creative ideas and making their body of work.
We have also restarted Photography Club this term, with a focus on short film and genre exploration. Club members will have the opportunity to watch and dissect a number of short films, developing an understanding of various shot types, filming techniques, and editing styles, before embarking on the exciting prospect of creating their own. New members will be given the opportunity to experiment with photography or short film, as both artforms share a number of similarities.
Dr Hanan Ismail, Mr Reece Cutting
Design
Year 7 Design Students Explore Self-Expression with Digital Mood Boards
Year 7 students have created digital mood boards based on "Me, Myself, and I." They'll present their projects to parents, eager for feedback. Using Canva's presentation tool, they've learned morph effects, video editing, and more to enhance their boards. Guided by teachers, students have delved into storytelling and self-expression through their boards. Each element reflects their personality and interests, marking a milestone in their design journey. As they share their creations with families, these young designers inspire with their creativity. The future of design looks bright in their hands.
Year 8 Weaving Workshop
We believe in Design, we always like to share and give back knowledge we have learnt, by showcasing our skills and passing on knowledge to the younger generation/children in our school.
In Year 8 Assessment we have been working on a Textiles Design project, on the topic of ‘Weaving Wonders’ on the 28th February and 29th February we had Year 9 ‘s, who had completed the same project last year join a weaving workshop to help support our year 8’s with making their products. The year 9 students’ Imaan Asim, Angel Hussain, Hana Elsokkari, Mohammad Ghafoor, Rozana Faiz, Arwa Said, Shamoil Hassanali, Doha Mahmoud, Awin Rasoul, Maznah Abrar, Angel Hussain. The students attended a catch up session on refreshing their skills on weaving techniques at lunch time and were willing to put in extra time at home to practise before the workshop. They were an inspiration for the year 8’s as they had increased knowledge and experience in weaving different products using materials like Coil, Raffia and Loom.
All year 8 students had their design ideas ready and had to learn the basics to get started on their weaving journey. The Year 9’s who supported were coordinated and worked with individuals and small groups during a whole double period. Awin made a comment on how she felt about supporting the year 8’s and the workshop as a whole:
“I feel it is such a great skill and craft to learn as a hobby. You can make products for others as gifts and for yourself”.
She was clearly exhausted. Yes, they were all extremely tired at the end of each session, but all students showed great organisation and enterprising skills, whilst showing multiple students what to do. I am extremely proud of these students for stepping up and working hard to support our current Year 8’s with their learning. This is a great way to give back knowledge and share wisdom while learning a new skill.
Year 9 Students Write Stories for Kids
A Creative Journey In school, Year 9 students are busy writing storybooks for children aged 6 to 9. They're not just writing words but also planning how their books will look. Each student is creating characters and drawing illustrations for their books. They carefully plan where the text and pictures will go on each page, making sure it's easy to read and looks interesting. They think about what their characters will look like and what adventures they will have. It's not easy, but they're excited to see their stories come to life. These students aren't just making books – they're learning to tell stories and using their imagination. And they're having fun doing it!
Mrs Shahbana Adel
Year 10
In the ongoing phase of the Design and Technology project, Year 10 students are deeply engrossed in thorough research, exploring diverse aspects to inform their website design. This investigative stage is crucial in understanding user needs, technological possibilities, and industry trends. Concurrently, students are actively engaged in the detailed process of ideation and planning, where every design element is thoughtfully considered to ensure a seamless and user-friendly digital experience.
Mrs Noha Mohamed
Music
This term, Year 7 classes have begun to explore a range of musical concepts and techniques that will deepen their understanding of the complexities of composition and lyricism. Technical components such as Tone Colour, Dynamics, Structure, etc. have given students a look into the moving parts that make, describe, and give life to musical pieces. Each class has also researched a range of instruments within a variety of contexts, from well known instruments like the Acoustic Guitar, to the obscure Stylophone and Otamatone. Students have now started their own individual investigation into an instrument family of their choice, uncovering its function, evolution, and forms of expression.
Year 8 learners have explored the diverse world of Australian music over the course of term 1. Investigating the role and meaning of contemporary and traditional Australian music from Indigenous and non Indigenous artists. They have also grown their perception of a range of genres from classical and modern musicians and bands. Classes have completed a number of aural analysis to identify the role and emotive value of various instruments, and the meaning behind lyrical and compositional choices from songs such as “We are Australian”, and “Brown Snake”. As the term continues, students will investigate and present information about an artist of their choice, using this research to inform the development of their own set of lyrics that fit within their own definition of the “Australian Aesthetic”.
Ms. Maryanne Novosel