Catalyst • Junior Secondary Curriculum • Handbook 2021
• In-class performances
• Reflective written responses
Year 8
During the course of a semester, Core Arts in Year 8
focuses on one compulsory performance component
and one compulsory production component
combined in a semester long Core Arts course,
delivered by a specialist teacher across the two arts
learning areas. The two Year 8 learning areas covered
are Media Arts and Music Arts. Other Arts courses
can be selected and studied as part of a student’s
Discovery learning program.
Media Arts
Media Arts enables students to analyse past
technologies, and use existing and emerging
technologies as they explore imagery, text and
sound to create meaning. Students participate in,
experiment with, and interpret cultures, media genres
and styles, and different communication practices.
The course component introduces students to the full
media production process, from the planning stages
all the way through to marketing and distribution
platforms. Students will also gain a wide variety of
media related analytical skills that they can utilise to
further expand and inform their understanding of
mainstream media in Australia.
The focus of the Year 8 Media Arts component is:
• To interpret, analyse and develop media practices
through the students’ experiences in making
media arts.
• To inspire students to imagine, collaborate and
take on responsibilities in planning, designing and
producing media artworks.
• Develop practical skills in filmmaking processes.
• Analyse and respond to media works.
Music Arts
Music art enables students to take on opportunities
to develop music skills and knowledge while
performing, composing and listening to music. They
develop aural skills and aural memory to identify,
sing/play and notate simple rhythmic and melodic
patterns and chord progressions.
The course component provides students with
opportunities to create and refine music ideas
by using the elements of music within given
frameworks, imitating musical structures and styles.
They use notation, terminology and technology to
record and communicate music ideas.
The focus of the Year 8 Music Arts component is:
• The study and analysis of examples of music
across many genres through experimentation with
the elements of music (rhythm, pitch, dynamics,
tempo, texture, tonality) and their emotive effects
through analysis of select entertainment works
• The teaching of a variety of music software
packages (Mixcraft, Sibelius, DJ Pro) to compose
pieces for diverse groupings of instruments across
many different genres and contexts and produce
effective soundtracks and soundscapes for
prescribed entertainment-based scenarios
• An introduction to basic aural perception and
performance skills
Year 9
From Year 9 students have the opportunity to
continue their studies within the Arts through
optional Discovery Learning courses. Details of Arts
courses offered at Year 9 level can be found in the
Discovery Learning section of this handbook.
Year 9 Arts Discovery courses include:
• Media Production and Analysis
• Music Exploration
• Visual Arts Advanced
• Drama Performance
These courses are designed to extend interested
students’ skills and abilities in theory chosen Arts area
and prepare them for studying the Arts in their senior
years.
For additional details about the Core Arts courses,
please contact:
Mr Brad Minchin
Head of Arts
(08) 9377 9285
[email protected]
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