In creative arts, students discover a variety of art forms through a study of dance, drama, music and visual arts.
Studying the creative arts, students learn to appreciate, compose, listen, make and perform. Each art form has its own unique knowledge and skills, elements or concepts as well as a capacity to inspire and enrich lives.
Students must study 100 hours of both music and visual arts during Years 7 to 10. They also have an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills in other art forms through elective subjects including drama, dance, photography and visual design. Students can then select from a range of courses in Years 11 to 12.
Holroyd High School has a long tradition of supporting students creative talents. This occurs across all of the creative arts subjects with many of our students having considerable talents in many areas.
Music
Music is a compulsory subject in Years 7 and 8, while all students are able to select music as an elective in Years 9 to 12, whether they are familiar with an instrument or simply wish to learn one. In Years 11 and 12, Holroyd High School offers the Music 1 course.
Students who study music are also given an excellent basis to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities, including excursions, performances at school assemblies and participation in the annual performing arts showcase.
Drama
Drama is a dynamic subject that allows students to communicate in a creative and collaborative way. At Holroyd High School, we believe drama is an integral aspect of our society and as such, we offer drama in all stages of high school. It is fun and exciting and allows students the opportunity to develop lifelong skills.
In Stage 4, drama is offered as an adjunct to English. For one lesson a week, students are introduced to and experiment with, the elements of drama in a series of practical exercises and games. Drama is offered as an elective in Years 9 and 10. Students study improvisation, melodrama, playbuilding, script work, comedy, mask work, character skills and Australian drama. We also offer HSC (Higher School Certificate) drama. Students must complete an individual and group task as part of their major work. They also study contemporary Australian drama and black comedy.
In drama, students experiment with a variety of exciting activities, including video production, costume design, script work, improvisation, set building, school wide performances and many others. Holroyd High school also has a long-standing relationship with Opera Australia and Belvoir Street Theatre. This gives students the opportunity to be involved in many external performances such as WotOpera and attend a range of live performances each year.
If you have any questions regarding drama at Holroyd High School, please contact Mr Matthew Fields during normal school hours on 02 9631 9410.
Visual arts
Visual arts engages students in a wide range of activities which will enable them to participate in visual and literary forms of communication, and encourage them in the creative and confident use of a variety of media.
Students will participate in activities that will develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in:
- drawing
- painting
- printmaking
- sculpture
- design
- photography and digital media.
They will learn to think critically and analytically when planning and organising their ideas in a sequential way.
Students will be encouraged to evaluate and discuss their own work, and to learn the aesthetic judgements required to appreciate the work of other artists.
Programs
At Holroyd High School, we are involved in a range of programs that foster students flair and creativity.
Suitcase Stories
Suitcase Stories is a performing arts program aimed at assisting our refugee students in their transition to their new country home. Intensive weekend rehearsals and performances before large audiences in major theatres have successfully helped numerous students to increase their English language competencies, self-confidence and social skills.