YEAR 10 ELECTIVE DESCRIPTIONS

Studio Arts (1 or 2 units)

In Year 10 students may choose either a one semester Studio Arts unit or two units over both semesters. There are no prerequisites. Students develop their skills in both the practical and theoretical components and have the opportunity to broaden their experiences and skills with a large variety of art materials and activities. Gallery visits are an important aspect of the course, linking the practical and theory aspects. Studio Arts at VCE has no prerequisites but it is strongly recommended that interested students pursue Studio Arts electives in Year 10. These studies greatly benefit those seeking a future in art and design related industries, maximising students scope for practical work and creative expression.

Studio Arts Foundation

Students are exposed to a broad range of art media and are encouraged to produce creative designs and major folio works. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in drawing and designing, as these underpin all art activities. The range of media available includes drawing, painting and printmaking. Technical skills are mastered and concepts are explored through a process of visual enquiry. This course contains many opportunities for students to develop their own designs and complete tasks to a high level of presentation. Students will have the opportunity to visit an art exhibition, at a gallery such as the National Gallery of Victoria, during the semester.

Studio Arts Extension

Unit 2 of Year 10 Studio Arts is designed to allow students to primarily focus on creating digital artworks. Using DSLR cameras and the Adobe Suite programs Lightroom and Photoshop, students are encouraged to create individual artworks that are contemporary in theme, material and techniques. Topics such as Appropriation Art and Protest will allow students to interpret and respond creatively using contemporary ideas, materials and issues. These works can be 2 or 3 dimensional and could also combine traditional art methods and materials with digital imaging and photography. Studio Arts students who wish to work in more traditional materials are still encouraged to join this class, as topics can be adjusted.

Visual Communication and Design (VCD) (1 or 2 units)

In year 10 students may choose either a one semester VCD unit or two units over both semesters. There are no prerequisites.

Visual Communication and Design Foundation

In this course, the first semester delves into the ‘creative’ side of VCD with tasks in symbol and poster design undertaken. Students also explore 3D drawing, rendering techniques and theory to broaden their skills and knowledge of graphics. Students are introduced to a variety of media and new techniques and are afforded the opportunity to explore and create designs either by hand or with computer software of Illustrator or Photoshop programs. Our ICT computer room boasts the most modern software and hardware in this totally VCD dedicated area.

Visual Communication and Design Extension

The second semester is a ‘conventional’ Graphics course with tasks covering an introduction to Architectural and Engineering Drawing. All students undertake three tasks in this area based on Australian drawing standards and conventions. Further drawing tasks exploring the full range of three dimensional drawing systems are undertaken in term 4.

The majority of tasks in both semesters are student selections from a choice of recommended alternatives. All aspects of both courses are supported by theory. The Year 10 course has proven to provide a solid foundation for the continued study of VCD at senior level where skills and knowledge acquired during Year 10 are further explored and consolidated. Studies of VCD in the senior levels focus on Environmental (Architectural), Industrial (Product design) and Communication (Advertising) areas. The opportunity for all students to build on their computer skills exists in this second semester program. It is highly recommended that students contemplating VCE studies in these areas, undertake VCD at Year 10 level.

Performing Arts

Music Performance Foundation

Sound engineering and electronic music production forms a vital part of Year 10 Music Performance – Foundation. Students are introduced to industry standard professional sound engineering software and they learn and apply skills involved in electronic music production, composition and digital recording. Students develop a competent workflow in Ableton Live 10 which enables them to record and create original high definition music and videos.

Students also focus on developing their live performance skills by working through various pieces and technical exercises, both as soloists and as members of an ensemble. They perform regularly in front of their peers to help develop confidence and critical analysis skills.

NB: This subject is a prerequisite for students who wish to undertake VCE Music Contemporary Performance (Unit 3 & 4) in Year 11.

Music Performance Extension

The focus on Year 10 Music Performance – Extension, is on preparing students to undertake VCE Music Performance in Year 11.

Students undertake fortnightly performance workshops in class, where they present works to one another, and critically evaluate both positives and areas for improvement. They are further given opportunities to perform throughout Melbourne, at various eisteddfods and contests, both as soloists and as members of an ensemble.

Students also conduct research into effective and efficient exercise and practice routines, and use their developed knowledge to formulate a technical demonstration that addresses the physical challenges associated with their particular instrument. Aural studies form a vital component of the course, and students participate in listening exercises and quizzes designed to sequentially develop their listening skills. Students also take part in weekly music analysis classes designed to build a vocabulary that enables them to express core principles associated with music, and more broadly, aesthetics in general. They continue to develop their knowledge of music theory by working through the “Musicianship and Aural Training” text.

NB. This subject is a prerequisite for students who wish to undertake VCE Music Contemporary Performance (Unit 3 & 4) in Year 11.

Drama (1 or 2 units)

In Year 10 students may choose either a one semester Drama unit or two units over both semesters.

Drama Foundation: Expressive Skills

This unit focuses on the expressive skills of voice, facial expressions, gesture and movement. Students devise and perform pieces based on actor focused performance styles. Students will study theatre practitioners such as Rudolph Laban and the method style of Constantin Stanislavski. Within the unit students will be expected to complete assessment tasks both in practical performance and written evaluation. This unit will encompass both solo and ensemble works with students devising their own pieces and working with scripts written by professional practitioners.

Drama Extension: Comedy

This unit focuses on a range of theatrical styles as a possible lead into VCE drama. Studies will include exploration of Absurdist theatre, Commedia Dell’arte and 19th Century Melodrama. Students will be looking at devising and performing pieces in these styles, including the theatre studies element of stagecraft such as costuming, staging and lighting. The core focus of this unit is how comedy has developed within theatre history. Within the unit students will be expected to complete assessment tasks both in practical performance and written evaluation. Although this unit can be completed without the semester 1 unit ‘Drama: Expressive Skills’, it is recommended that students undertake both.