Visual Arts

The Visual Arts Programs at Loreto Normanhurst are designed to provide students with opportunities to investigate the diverse field of Visual Arts in rich and exciting ways.

This subject is presented with the aim to foster interest and enjoyment in the doing, production and consumption of art and seeks to build informed citizens and discerning audiences for art. The study of Visual Arts enables students to gain insights, tolerance and understandings which can build empathy and respect for cultural diversity and other belief systems.

 Teachers of Visual Arts place great value on the development of their students’ intellectual and practical autonomy, reflective action and critical judgement  through the practices of art making and critical and historical studies. Courses at all levels are created to foster technical skills in a range of media and artforms. Drawing, painting, photography and digital media, graphics, video and ceramics are offered and the opportunity to gain more specialized skills in selected areas is encouraged in Years 11 and 12.

In addition to the Visual Arts Elective Course for Years 7-10 and 2 Unit Preliminary and HSC Courses for Years 11-12, we offer our students a One Unit Course in Visual Design. This course aims to offer students with opportunities to make links between art and design by being engaged in the design process as well as exploring in their written work the world of designers. It encourages students to develop technical skills in a range of areas including digital media, video, wearable design and product design.

All our students enter a workshop environment which offers them the chance to work both individually at their own pace or as a member of a group depending on the activity and level of expertise. Catering for the individual is fundamental to all programs of learning in the visual arts. Students keep a Visual Arts Diary for each year they are a student in Visual Arts. The Diary records their creative journey and plays a major role in learning by reflection.

The knowledge, understanding, skills and values gained by studies in these subjects assist students in building conceptual and practical skills which can be applied in a broad range of applications in tertiary studies, related careers and other real world contexts.