The Art Department is a vibrant place, full of activity and creativity. The range of opportunities offered to students is enormous and engaging in the school’s art programme is an enriching and rewarding experience.
The Art Department enjoys a suite of art rooms, a new exhibition space, painting studio and computer laboratory. Future plans for a sculpture and furniture facility will extend the diversity of art projects on offer.
In Year 8, students participate in a year-long programme covering drawing, design, ceramics, painting, textiles and printmaking. Often art projects include more than one studio area, involving the development of a diverse range of skills. Art History and Criticism are part of their studies, which are integrated into practical work. Art is an elective in Years 9 and 10 and includes opportunities for students to specialise in their art studies, with the option of participating in the Extension or new Construct and Innovation programmes.
St Mary’s students have achieved outstanding results over the past decade in Art. Art is offered as a Tertiary Entrance Scoring subject. An Art and Design course is offered in Years 11 and 12 as a Wholly School Assessed subject.
In the art courses students learn how to communicate with others in a visual form. They study a range of Australian and International art works, past and present. Students can take units in drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, graphic design and three dimensional form. An exhibition of Year 12 work at the end of the year is a wonderful showcase of the students' talents to the school and wider community.
Year 11 and 12 students are encouraged to participate in artist workshops; life-drawing classes, art gallery visits and drawing camps are compulsory for Year 12 TEE students. There are often opportunities to participate in holiday and weekend workshops, which complement their class projects. Students are encouraged to apply for local government scholarships and summer school programmes, which are supportive of the Arts.