In creative arts, students discover a variety of art forms through a study of dance, drama, music and visual arts.
Studying the creative arts, students learn to appreciate, compose, listen, make and perform. Each art form has its own unique knowledge and skills, elements or concepts as well as a capacity to inspire and enrich lives.
Students must study 100 hours of both music and visual arts during Years 7 to 10. They also have an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills in other art forms through elective subjects including drama, dance, photography and visual design. Students can then select from a range of courses in Years 11 to 12.
Creative and performing arts Faculty (CAPA)
The CAPA Faculty is a diverse and vibrant faculty at GRC Oatley Senior Campus. Students are regularly involved in performances, exhibitions, excursions and other creative activities. The CAPA subjects encourage creative thinking and problem solving skills. Many activities are group-based, so students must learn to work as a team and direct themselves. Participation in rehearsals and performances teaches self-discipline and work ethic, as students regularly commit their free time to rehearsing. Each year in Term 3 the faculty presents the HSC Showcase, which features major works from Dance, Drama and Music. This is followed the annual Art Exhibition, displaying the HSC Visual Arts and Ceramic works. Students also have the opportunity to be involved in extracurricular activities, such as the GRC Stage Band and the GRC Combined Concert Band, Schools Spectacular, InConcert, and State Drama Camp.
The CAPA faculty has a proud history of HSC Nominations for HSC Major works, as well as consistent numbers of students gaining entry to CAPA courses at university.
Dance
The Senior study of Dance is a contemporary and ballet-based course. Students will learn about safe dance practice, contemporary choreographers, dance composition, dance skills and terminology. It is strongly recommended that students be involved in studio practice outside of school. Students are required to present performances and compose their own works for the HSC examination, as well as a written exam. Previous study/training in Dance is a recommended skill to undertake this course. Students considering a career in Dance, Musical Theatre or Performance should consider Dance.
Drama
Preliminary and HSC Drama studies the disciplines of acting techniques, devising original theatre, elements of production and design, Australian Theatre and other theatrical styles. Students will be involved in a range of group work and individual tasks and be required to present performances to an audience. The HSC course offers a range of specialty major work options including Design, Scriptwriting, Film, Performance, Critical Analysis and Director's Folio. This course is highly recommended for students considering study/career pathways in: media; acting, design; teaching; Entertainment Industries.
Music 1
The Music 1 course is based on the study of the 6 Concepts of Music, aural skills, composition and performance. Students do not need to have completed Elective Music in years 9 and 10 to select this course. Course content will cover a wide range of musical styles, techniques and forms. Students will be required to present performances to various audience settings, both as an ensemble and individually. Previous study and experience in music is not essential but desirable. Music 1 is a useful course for students considering study/career options in: audio engineering; music production; contemporary/popular performance; music theatre.
Music 2
The Music 2 course builds on the assumed knowledge and skills of the Years 9-10 Elective Music syllabus. Students will study music from the Western Tonal Tradition (1600-1900) and the 20th-21st Century, including jazz. Skills covered include composition, score reading, musicology, aural skills and performance. Students will be required to present performances to various audience settings. Private instrumental tuition is strongly recommended for students undertaking Music 2. Students will need to have a competent level of music literacy and performance skills to undertake this course. Music 2 is a recommended course for students considering study/career pathways in: Tertiary music studies; professional performance; composition; audio engineering; professional accompanist; musical theatre/opera; professional conducting
Music extension
Music Extension is only available to students enrolled in the Music 2 course. Music extension offers the opportunity for students to specialise at a high level in their chosen skill area of either: Performance, Composition or Musicology. The student will negotiate their program of study with the teacher and meet regularly to demonstrate progress. Private instrumental lessons are essential for students selecting the Performance option. Music Extension is a recommended course for students considering study/career pathways in: Tertiary music studies; professional performance; composition; professional accompanist; musical theatre/opera; ethnomusicology; professional conducting
Visual arts
Visual Arts covers both the theoretical and practical study of art making, art history and art criticism. Students will engage with art making across a variety of creative forms, including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and digital forms. They will learn to evaluate and write about artistic movements and techniques. Previous study of art is not essential but desirable. Students will produce major works for assessment and exhibition. Visual Arts is recommended for students considering study/career pathways in: design; animation; professional artist; fine arts; jewellery making; ceramics; fashion design/making; graphic arts.
Ceramics (Board approved)
The Ceramics course is a practical based course in which students will learn about ceramic design, hand building skills, ceramic history and WHS when working with ceramic materials. Students will have the opportunity to make a variety of items using different types of clay, techniques and glazes. Ceramics is recommended for students who: like working with their hands; have an interest in design and can work independently on projects. The Ceramics course may also be useful for further study in: fine arts; design; ceramic making.