Creative arts

Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA)

Introduction

The Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) faculty plays a vital role in providing students with opportunities to explore and develop their artistic and creative talents. Through a diverse range of subjects such as Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Dance and critical thinking skills. It provides a platform for students to engage with various art forms, develop their technical skills and gain an understanding of the cultural and historical significance of the arts. The CAPA faculty also contributes to the overall well being of students by providing avenues for self-expression, collaboration and personal growth. Furthermore, it enriches the school community by showcasing students’ talents through performances, exhibitions and other artistic endeavours.

Faculty Leadership

Ms Georgina Myers-Brown Head Teacher CAPA

Faculty Overview

BHS has three Visual Arts rooms, a photographic dark room, two Music rooms, a Dance Studio and a Drama Studio.

Curriculum and Programs

All students must study compulsory hours of both Music and Visual Arts during Stage 4 (Years 7 and Year 8). They then have an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills in other art forms through elective subjects (in Years 9,10,11 and 12) including Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Dance, and Photography.

In Year 7 Visual Arts students’ study a topic on animals – camouflage, fantasy and realistic animals. Students create a clay animal and a painting. They also focus on storytelling – how artists use images to tell stories. Students investigate ancient Egypt, Aboriginal art and comics. Students create a clay Egyptian jar and various 2D artworks. Students are expected to record their intentions and procedures in their Visual Arts diary.

In Year 8 Visual Arts students’ study a variety of themes whilst exploring skills and techniques in the areas of drawing, painting, ceramics, 2D and 3D works. Students use a range of strategies to explore different art making conventions and procedures to make artworks. Students are expected to record their intentions and procedures in their Visual Arts diary.

In Year 7 Music students’ study concepts of music, the music and instruments of the orchestra, film music and great composers. Tasks and assessments are all completed in class or in the library. Only unfinished tasks are set as homework. Tasks are designed to be completed with guidance and support in class.

In Year 8 Music students’ study the chronology of Rock ‘N’ Roll from blues to grunge, music on television, for advertising and scores for TV programs. They explore Australian music – traditional indigenous music and instruments, contemporary Indigenous artists, and Australian pop/rock bands.

Students then have an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills in other art forms through elective subjects (in Years 9,10,11 and 12) including Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Dance, and Photography and Digital Media.

The standard of achievement for students in CAPA subjects continues to be very high with students nominated for Art Express (HSC exhibition for outstanding HSC Body of Work in Visual Arts), New Horizons Exhibition (Outstanding Visual Arts HSC bodies of Work from the Shoalhaven schools), Encore (HSC performance opportunity for outstanding HSC Music performances and compositions), Call Back (outstanding HSC Dance performances) and On Stage (outstanding HSC Drama performances – individual and group, and Individual Projects.

Student Support

The CAPA faculty play a crucial role in supporting student learning and well-being by providing opportunities for self-expression, creativity and personal development. Through a variety of disciplines student can explore their emotions, develop their confidence and cultivate a sense of belonging within a supportive environment. The CAPA faculty also encourages collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving (often through project-based learning), which are essential for academic and personal growth. By engaging in the creative and performing arts, students can develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, leading to improved well-being.

Students with particular interests and talents can participate and unleash their creative flair in a range of in-school, local, regional and state-wide activities in Visual Arts, Music, Dance and Drama. The dedicated staff in this faculty provide many opportunities to show case student work including school rock band and Performance nights (including MADD Night), contribution to school instillation projects, competitions, exhibitions, workshops, ensembles, eisteddfods and community performances.