What is creativity?
A noun;
- The capacity to generate ideas; things that have value to the individual
- Looking at things with a fresh eye; examining problems with an open mind; making connections; learning from mistakes and using the imaginations to explore new possibilities.
In the SGHS Visual Arts Department we believe creativity is key to success in an ever-changing world.
The skills that you can learn in the Visual Arts help develop open minds, critical thinkers, resilience, problem solvers and imaginations.
With this in mind we strive to give our students as much opportunity we can to succeed in a creative way.
There is a range of art options students can select from Year 9 through to Year 13.
Each year the aim is to build on practical and critical thinking skills to create a natural progression across a range of art genres.
Year 7 and 8
Students come to the art rooms for a semester’s worth of art learning in Year 7 and then again in Year 8. We call this 7/8 Creative Space Exploring Art.
Students will gain practical art making and art thinking skills needed for taking art again in Year 9/10 learning packages.
We aim to give students at this level a chance to explore art, enjoy the practical learning environment, make mistakes, test things out and be creative.
Year 9 and 10 – a range of creative Learning Packages
Dance (9DAN) 1 semester
Then this course is for you. It does not matter if you have some, heaps or no experience in Dance. We will learn new movement sequences as a class and choreograph in small groups. There will be opportunities for your skills to shine, no matter your experience level.
Drama (9DRA) 1 semester
Ever wanted to bring out your inner drama queen in the classroom?
Now’s your chance! This hands-on course is your opportunity to unleash your imagination, build confidence, and find your unique creative voice. Whether you love stepping into the spotlight, creating hilarious characters with friends, or designing the behind-the-scenes magic that brings stories to life, you’ll get the freedom to experiment and make it happen.
Through practical games, exciting performance projects, and dynamic storytelling, you’ll build real acting skills in a fun, supportive space. No experience needed! Just bring your energy, embrace the drama, and bring your biggest ideas to life!
Build a Band (9BAB) 1 semester
Ready to bring the noise and own the stage?
Build a Band is a hands-on course focused on live performance and the art of working in an ensemble. Whether you are already a master on your instrument or a complete beginner ready to learn, you will team up with your classmates to form a real, working band.
Together, you’ll dive into rehearsals, learn how to listen and lock in with other musicians, and master the teamwork it takes to pull off an epic live set. If you want a high-energy class where you spend countless lessons jamming, collaborating, and performing music with your friends, this is where you belong!
Musical Theatre (9MTH) 1 semester
Step into the spotlight and unleash your full potential in Year 9 Musical Theatre!
Over the course of a single semester, you will hone your skills as a true “triple threat” in an unforgettable live musical performance. Throughout the course, you will be discovering the power of your voice, mastering dynamic choreography, and taking on compelling dramatic roles.
Whether you are a seasoned performer or stepping onto the stage for the first time, this hands-on course will push your creative boundaries and build your confidence.
Don’t just watch the show – be the star of it!
Music (9MUS) 1 semester
Ready to discover your sound?
This hands-on course is all about kickstarting your musical journey by exploring how music works and building practical and theoretical skills. This course will give you the chance to boost your confidence and unleash your creativity in a fun, supportive space.
Whether you want to learn the basics of an instrument, understand how your favourite songs work, or discover your unique musical voice, this class is your backstage pass to the music world. No experience needed—just bring your energy and a willingness to try something new!
Visual Art (9ART) 1 semester
In this course, you will explore drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking. You will use a workbook to learn how to understand, develop and generate art to create a finished work for each unit.
If you love a hands-on subject and getting creative, this is the course for you.
Both 9ART and 10ART are pathways to learning all Visual Arts (Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Photography and Design) as a senior.
Design and Visual Communication (9DVC) 1 semester
Previously known as Architecture (AVC), this course introduces students to the design process in Architecture and Product design and focuses on how to use it to make life better. Students will design buildings and products using technical drawing skills and 3D Prototype making.
Students will learn how to communicate ideas through a variety of drawing methods. Students learn how to design for a brief, how to problem solve and how to meet specifications.
Digital Art (9DAR) 1 semester
This beginner course introduces students to making art using digital media such as digital cameras and computer software. Topics vary but could include photography, illustration / character design and stop-motion animation.
Students will learn using the art-making process to plan, develop and refine digital artworks. They will also learn about composition, photo manipulation, anime/manga, vector art and more.
CREATIVE ARTS – YEAR 10
Dance (10DAN) 1 semester
Ready to explore the power of movement?
This course is designed to highlight your personal strengths. If you are a beginner, you will focus on execution and performance energy. If you are more advanced, you will get opportunities to take on leadership roles or choreograph solo moments.
You will further develop your skills as a choreographer and performer by analysing your own and others’ movements.
Drama (10DRA) 1 semester
Think you’ve got what it takes to create something iconic?
If you’re ready to boost your confidence, hang out with like-minded creators, and build real performance power, this is your course. We’re taking control of the craft to refine your acting, voice, and movement techniques through high-energy workshops.
You and your group will design original performances, experiment with character creation, and learn how to turn simple ideas into real onstage magic. Step up, embrace the hype, and let’s make some unforgettable moments!
Music Technology (10MTC) 1 semester
Ever wanted to drop your own tracks or create a massive beat?
Welcome to Music Technology! This exciting option is your hands-on guide to modern audio production. Using cool apps like GarageBand, BandLab, and Soundtrap, you will learn to build original songs from scratch, record live sounds, and mix songs like a pro.
Whether you want to engineer electronic tracks or design unique audio effects, this class gives you the power to invent your own sound. All you need to bring is your creativity and get ready to produce!
Musical Theatre (10MTH) 1 semester
Ready to command the stage and show the world what a real triple threat can do?
Over one action-packed semester, you’ll collaborate with a passionate cast to build, polish, and perform a musical production from start to finish. Year 10 Musical Theatre is built to elevate your talent, pushing you to refine your edge through advanced vocal techniques, high-energy choreography, and deep character work.
If you’re ready to sharpen your stagecraft, take centre stage, and deliver a show-stopping performance, this is where your moment begins!
Music (10MUS) 1 semester
Ready to step up your musical game?
This course is your ultimate hands-on opportunity to build your skills, boost your confidence, and find your unique musical voice! Whether you love performing on stage, creating digital tracks, or discovering how your favourite songs are made, you will get the technical skills and creative freedom to do so.
Through practical projects and music theory, you’ll build a solid foundation that prepares you for the future—while making amazing music along the way. Come along, collaborate with friends, and unleash your creativity.
Visual Art (10ART) 1 semester
A deeper dive into drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking. This course builds on Year 9 learning (but you don’t have to have taken it as a Year 9 to take 10Art).
You will develop workbook skills, learn how to generate ideas based on themes and artist models, and get to take home a variety of finished artworks.
The learning in this course will help prepare you for Year 11 Visual Art.
Both 9ART and 10ART are pathways to learning all Visual Arts (Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Photography and Design) as a senior.
Design and Visual Communication (10DVC) 1 semester
This course aims to give students a deeper understanding of the design process. Students learn how to design buildings, spaces, and products for people, with a focus on innovation and user-centred outcomes, responding to real-world challenges.
Students will learn how to communicate ideas using technical drawing skills, 3D prototyping and CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. This course links with the requirements for NCEA Level 1 Design and Visual Communication.
Digital Art (10DAR) 1 semester
This course offers students the chance to further develop their digital art-making skills, advancing their understanding of photography: technical and composition. Topics vary but could include Still Life Photography and Graphic Design layouts, such as a magazine spread.
Students will learn more about how to communicate ideas through symbolism and the selection of art-making conventions.
This course links with the requirements for NCEA Level 1 Visual Arts and builds prior knowledge for Photography and Design at Level 2 & 3.
NCEA Visual Art/Design Courses
Level 1 NCEA:
Visual Arts
This is a course made up of NCEA level 1 Visual Arts standards where students create work in a range of mediums building on the art making and thinking skills used at yr9&10.
Digital Visual Arts
This course is made up of a combination of NCEA level 1 standards from technology, visual arts and Design and Visual Communication strands of the curriculum.
Level 2 NCEA:
At level 2 we offer a range of Visual Arts and Design. These can consist of Painting, Printmaking, Design, Photography and Design and Visual Communication. All our level 1 courses led into these.
Level 3 NCEA:
At level 3 we also offer a range of Visual Arts and Design and Visual Communication subjects. We also offer NCEA Level 3 Art History at this level. The subjects offered can consist of Painting, Printmaking, Design, Photography, and Design and Visual Communication.
All Level 2 and 3 Visual Arts, Design and Art History courses are University Entry approved.
We try to offer a range to allow for students to choose their strengths, but this can be based on numbers and teaching staff available.