Faculty of Arts
In creative and performing 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.
Visual Arts
The Visual Arts faculty aims to give students intellectual autonomy in their abilities to aesthetically and persuasively represent ideas in the Visual Arts. The students will gain an understanding of how artworks are subject to different interpretations by both the study of traditional art forms and contemporary practices.
There is a focus for students to think analytically and critically about all forms of visual communication.
We encourage students to enjoy the experience of making art in a wide range of materials with an intention that recognises the art audience by connecting a concept through their artworks.
The Learning Environment
All Art rooms are equipped with a Commbox which allows for interactive learning opportunities and students also use their laptops for individual and collaborative tasks. Classrooms are spacious and well lit with opportunities for students to work outdoors.
The grounds and beach location provides a rich source of inspiration dedicated to creative activities which are used as a stimulus in a variety of artmaking projects.
HSC Results
HSC results in Visual Arts at Narrabeen Sports High School are consistent and majority of our student achievement is in the top bands of 5 & 6. HSC student Body of Works have been exhibited at the NSW Art Express annual exhibition and the local Express Yourself exhibition at Manly Art Gallery.
Narrabeen’s team of visual arts teachers are both experienced and recent graduates who are committed to ensuring every student reaches their potential for each stage.
Photography
The Stage 6 Photography, Video and Digital Imaging course offers students the opportunity to explore traditional and contemporary photographic practices.
Students develop conceptual and technical refinement through the exploration of a variety of subject matter and genres including portraits, landscapes, photojournalism, still life, photomontage and experimental video.
Students develop technical skills using digital SLR cameras, professional studio lighting equipment, backdrops and greenscreens, Photoshop, and analogue cameras and film processing.
A visual diary is used to plan, research, document and reflect, which allows students to develop a characteristic style and an increasingly independent approach to practice.
Students also undertake a range of critical and historical investigations to inform their own practice and develop ways to interpret images.
Exhibition practice is an integral part of the course as students learn to present their finished artwork for an audience at the completion of each unit of work.
This course also provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience by photographing school events such as sports carnivals, music performances, and special assemblies.
At the conclusion of the course, students present a refined portfolio of work to showcase their skills and achievements for future employment in creative industries, or entry into tertiary education courses.
Music
All students also have the opportunity to develop their musical abilities and potential at NSHS. Throughout our Music courses students will discover how music as an artform plays important roles in their social, cultural and aesthetic lives.
At an individual level, music is a medium of personal expression. It enables the sharing of ideas, feelings and experiences which students will explore through the learning experiences of performing, composing and listening, within the context of a range of styles, periods and genres. They will also study the concepts of music (duration, pitch, dynamics and expressive techniques, tone colour, texture and structure).
Instrumental lessons are available during school hours for band members and can be arranged through the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) head teacher.
Elective music in Years 9 and 10, and HSC subjects in Years 11 and 12 are offered by our very experienced HSC teachers.
Students are able to develop their performance skills through instrumental training, study and application of musical concepts, and by being involved in school ensembles and musical concerts and the many performance opportunities that we offer at our school. These events provide students with an avenue to learn from their peers, perform different styles of music and develop their self-confidence and social skills.
NSHS also offer an extensive range of opportunities for student growth through our extra curricular programs
Participating in extra-curricular musical activities teaches students about discipline, commitment and team work. It's a great way to build relationships with students in other years and become part of the Narrabeen Sports High School community.
Languages
In NSW high schools, languages is a key learning area.
Language study allows students to develop communication skills, learn about languages as systems and explore the relationship between language and culture. Students engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of societies and reflect on their understanding of social interactions.
The study of a language is compulsory for 100 hours in one continuous school year from Year 7 to Year 10, but preferably in Years 7 or 8.
In Years 11 and 12, NSW schools offer a wide variety of languages, catering for beginning students to background speakers.
Extra Curricular
Co-curricular activities are activities, programs and learning experiences that compliment what students are learning in school alongside their academic curriculum.
Co-curricular activities are very important as they help to develop the students’ personality as well as to strengthen classroom learning. These activities assist in the growth of student’s minds and personality such as intellectual, emotional, social and moral development.
Narrabeen Sports High School offers a variety of music ensembles including:
Concert Band / Stage band - Rehearses Monday Afternoon after school until 5pm with afternoon tea provided. The band performs several times per year providing opportunities for talented musicians to develop high level musicianship in a fun and inclusive way.
Our school participates in many NSW Arts Unit endeavors including NSW Schools Spectacular and Arts Camp.
Private instrumental tuition can be obtained at school for members of the band.
Rock Ensemble - Meets weekly, involving students from years 7-10 and also senior rock ensemble run by professional working musicians. The school provides many opportunities for students wishing to enter the professional music circuit.
Choir - With a focus on modern music, is held every Wednesday before school. Year 7 complete a vocal program with a massed choir in term 3 of each year.
Classical Guitar ensemble - For those with a passion for beautiful classical guitar
Arts Camp - is a 3 day annual event with activities in Visual Arts, drama and music culminating in an evening showcase and local tour.
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