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Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority

Visual Arts

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  2. Curriculum
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  1. F
  2. 1-2
  3. 3-4
  4. 5-6

Foundation Level

Foundation Level Description

In Foundation, students explore visual arts. They make and share their artworks with peers and experience visual arts as audiences.

Students become aware of whom artists, craftspeople and designers are, and that they express their ideas through different art forms and visual expressions.

As they make and respond to visual artworks, students identify art forms in different social and cultural contexts. They make artworks as an artist and view them as an audience.

Foundation Level Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Explore ideas, experiences, observations and imagination to create visual artworks (VCAVAE017)
    Elaborations
    1. viewing a range of artworks with a common theme or subject matter, and make their own interpretations based on their experiences, observations and/or imagination
    2. observing and recording their daily experiences in a range of visual forms
    3. drawing, photographing and making images and objects related to self, others and personal environments in different art forms
    4. identifying and using visual conventions in their artworks after investigating different art, craft and design styles from other cultures and times, for example, and styles from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and Asia

Visual Arts Practices

  1. Experiment with different materials and techniques to make artworks (VCAVAV018)
    Elaborations
    1. exploring a range of materials and technologies to visually express their experiences, for example, paint, pencils, ink and photography
    2. experimenting with materials such as paint, crayons, clay and found objects and select the most suitable to express something or to represent someone they like
    3. using techniques to demonstrate various compositional effects, for example, overlapping or crosshatching

Present and Perform

  1. Create and display artworks (VCAVAP019)
    Elaborations
    1. displaying a series of artworks created by their class
    2. viewing an exhibition at a gallery and museum and discussing the expression of ideas in the artworks exhibited.
    3. describing the theme or ideas expressed in an exhibition of their class art works

Respond and Interpret

  1. Respond to visual artworks and consider where and why people make visual artworks (VCAVAR020)
    Elaborations
    1. identifying the subject matter of a series of artworks based on the same theme
    2. identifying how design elements, such as line, shape, colour or texture, are used in their artworks and in the artworks of others
    3. identifying and describing the expression of ideas in a selection of artworks, for example, considering the subject matter, styles and techniques of a selection of artworks from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists
    4. discussing the role of artist and audience when expressing ideas in artworks

Foundation Level Achievement Standard

By the end of Foundation, students make artworks using different materials and techniques that express their ideas, observations and imagination.

Students identify and describe the subject matter and ideas in artworks they make and view.

Levels 1 and 2

Levels 1 and 2 Description

In Levels 1 and 2, students develop their awareness of how and why artists, craftspeople and designers express their ideas through different art forms. They enhance their perception skills as they examine and express familiar and new objects and events in their lives. They explore how and why artworks are created. They develop and apply safe and sustainable practices when experimenting with different materials, techniques and technologies

As they make and respond to visual artworks, students explore meaning, forms and styles in different social, cultural and historical contexts. They experience the role of artist and audience in their visual arts making.

Levels 1 and 2 Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Explore ideas, experiences, observations and imagination and express them through subject matter in visual artworks they create (VCAVAE021)
    Elaborations
    1. looking at an artworks and present a range of interpretations of the subject matter based on their ideas, experiences, observations and/or imagination
    2. observing and recording the people and objects they experience in their daily lives using different art forms and materials
    3. exploring the use of visual conventions in artworks, for example, what colours were used, and how, why is the colour it used in this way?, and express these conventions in their own artworks
    4. drawing images and making objects related to self, others and personal environments in different forms, for example, painting, sculpture, photography
    5. identifying and using visual conventions in their artworks focusing on different styles, subject matter and art forms from different cultures and historical periods, including artworks by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Visual Arts Practices

  1. Experiment with different materials, techniques and processes to make artworks in a range of art forms (VCAVAV022)
    Elaborations
    1. experimenting with a range of materials, processes and technologies to visually express their experiences, ideas and emotions
    2. comparing the qualities and properties of materials such as paint, crayons, clay and found objects, and select appropriate materials and art forms to express a specific concept or theme
    3. using and experimenting with a range of techniques and processes to demonstrate various compositional effects based on their intentions and choice of subject matter
    4. identifying and following technical processes and safe practices in relation to specific art processes to make artworks, for example, following the steps for printmaking using a stamping technique, or using construction techniques in sculpture

Present and Perform

  1. Create and display artworks to express ideas to an audience (VCAVAP023)
    Elaborations
    1. sharing ideas with their classmates about the expressive choices they made in their artwork
    2. discussing specific themes when displaying artworks, for example, at the local gallery or in their classroom
    3. discussing an exhibition of artworks surrounding a theme and consider the visual conventions of the artworks and how they convey meaning, for example what an artwork or design makes them think about and why?
    4. discuss and decide how to display their artwork to present their ideas to an audience

Respond and Interpret

  1. Respond to visual artworks, including artworks by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, by describing subject matter and ideas (VCAVAR024)
    Elaborations
    1. identifying where students can experience art in their lives and communities, for example, keeping a diary of ‘art experiences’ and discuss how visual artworks communicate subject matter and ideas
    2. discussing why artworks are made, by whom and for what purposes, for example, who made the artwork? where is the artwork from and why was it made? Where and how are artworks displayed?
    3. describing how visual conventions are combined in their artworks and in the artwork of others to express ideas and concepts, for example how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists use visual conventions to express ideas
    4. describing and interpreting ideas in a selection of artworks, for example, considering the subject matter, styles and techniques of a selection of artworks, and how the artworks make the viewer think and feel in response to the artists’ intentions
    5. describe the role of artist in expressing subject matter and viewer in interpreting meaning in artworks

Levels 1 and 2 Achievement Standard

By the end of Level 2, students make artworks using different materials, techniques and processes to express their ideas, observations and imagination.

Students describe artworks they make and view, including where and why artworks are made and viewed.

Levels 3 and 4

Levels 3 and 4 Description

In Levels 3 and 4, students explore how and why artists, craftspeople and designers realise their ideas through different art forms. They enhance their perceptual skills by observing the world around them and expressing these observations through different practical applications of art making. Through observational, imaginative and sensory investigations, students become more knowledgeable and...

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Levels 3 and 4 Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Explore ideas and artworks from different cultures and times as inspiration to create visual artworks (VCAVAE025)
    Elaborations
    1. researching artworks of different styles and artists from different times and cultures, to inspire their own expression of ideas, for example, in forms such as printmaking and drawing, and styles such as realism or expressionism
    2. discussing the role of the artist and artworks as an expression of society and culture, for example, discussing the role of artworks from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the stories they tell
    3. exploring ways to express their ideas using visual conventions from different historical, social or cultural contexts
    4. experimenting with visual conventions and styles from different cultures to create particular visual effects in their artworks
    5. identifying and explaining choices in art making, for example, including forms, styles and visual conventions in their artworks, and the influences of other artists on their artworks

Visual Arts Practices

  1. Explore visual conventions and use materials, techniques, technologies and processes specific to particular art forms, and to make artworks (VCAVAV026)
    Elaborations
    1. selecting and experimenting with forms, styles, materials and technologies to explore symbolism and use of visual conventions by various cultures and times, for example, how colour and pattern are perceived symbolically in different cultures
    2. discussing artworks and how they are made for specific communities or cultures, for example, what clues in the artwork tell them where it was made, by whom, and why
    3. experimenting with styles of expression from different cultures and times in their artworks, for example, realistic, symbolic, narrative, abstract
    4. discussing the materials and techniques used to make artworks and developing artworks based on this investigation, for example, what the artwork is made of, what choice of material is used to enhance the audience’s understanding of the artist’s intention
    5. practising a variety of techniques and using various technologies to find different ways of interpreting a theme and/or subject matter, for example, making a simple animation or storybook
    6. manipulating and experimenting with combinations of various materials and technologies to create effects, for example, using crosshatching to create tone or design elements to focus attention in a composition

Present and Perform

  1. Explore different ways of displaying artworks to enhance their meaning for an audience (VCAVAP027)
    Elaborations
    1. making decisions about how their artwork could be displayed, for example, mounted and framed, in public spaces, on the internet, and in the media
    2. discussing how artworks are made and how the choice of materials can influence the meaning of artworks, for example, what the artwork is made of, the choice of material to enhance the audience’s understanding of the artist’s intention
    3. exploring different ways of presenting artworks in different locations, for example, in folios, digitally, in a public space in the school
    4. comparing the visual conventions in artworks made for specific purposes, for example, how the artist expresses an idea to show the audience a particular viewpoint

Respond and Interpret

  1. Identify and discuss how ideas are expressed in artworks from a range of places, times and cultures, including artworks by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (VCAVAR028)
    Elaborations
    1. describe subject matter and identify in artworks from different social, cultural or historical contexts
    2. discussing how artworks are made as expressions of a particular culture or identity, for example, a style of artwork that expresses the identity of their community
    3. comparing artworks made for different reasons, using appropriate visual conventions, and identifying different interpretations by different viewers in a range of locations; for example, comparing artworks by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists with artworks made by other Australian artists
    4. examining public art in their community and comparing it to other artworks commemorating different people, events, times and cultures
    5. discussing with others the meaning of their own artworks
    6. evaluate artworks from different cultures and histories using inquiry, for example, explain which artworks they like the most and why

Levels 3 and 4 Achievement Standard

By the end of Level 4, students plan and make artworks that are inspired by artworks they experience. They use materials, visual conventions, techniques and processes to express their ideas in artworks.

Students discuss how artists express ideas and use materials, techniques and visual conventions in artworks from a range of places, times and cultures.

They discuss and evaluate the art making processes, materials and techniques they use to express their ideas.

Levels 5 and 6

Levels 5 and 6 Description

In Levels 5 and 6, students explore how and why artists, craftspeople and designers realise their ideas through different visual forms, practices and processes. They develop conceptual and expressive skills.

As they make and respond to visual artworks, students explore a diversity of ideas, concepts and viewpoints. They draw ideas from other artists, artworks, symbolic systems, beliefs and visual arts practices in other cultures, societies and times.

Students extend their understanding of safe visual arts practices and choose to use sustainable materials, techniques and technologies.

Levels 5 and 6 Content Descriptions

Explore and Express Ideas

  1. Explore visual arts practices as inspiration to create artworks that express different ideas and beliefs (VCAVAE029)
    Elaborations
    1. exploring how artists select and manipulate materials and techniques and use these in their own art making
    2. exploring ideas and expressions when making artworks inspired by observation or imagination, for example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art from the local community, graffiti art, graphic design, or manga art
    3. analysing the materials used by artists in artworks to enhance the meaning of the work, for example, the choice of material to enhance the viewer’s understanding of the artist’s intention
    4. exploring the ways in which artists communicate their views, beliefs and opinions in artworks and use these in their own art making
    5. making aesthetic choices about the expression of ideas and beliefs and describe the use of visual conventions and processes

Visual Arts Practices

  1. Select and apply visual conventions, materials, techniques, technologies and processes specific to different art forms when making artworks (VCAVAV030)
    Elaborations
    1. practising art making skills using a range of materials and technologies
    2. using an enquiry as a basis for their own art making and use of materials and techniques, for example, in sculpture , how does the choice of material enhance the audience’s understanding of the artist’s intention?
    3. making informed choices about using elements to express a concept or theme
    4. explaining influences of other artists on their own art making

Present and Perform

  1. Create and display artwork considering how ideas can be expressed to an audience (VCAVAP031)
    Elaborations
    1. identifying a range of audience interpretations of the same artwork
    2. analysing and interpreting an exhibition of artworks, investigating the intentions of the artist, for example, what did the artist want the audience to see and understand?
    3. recognising and evaluating how culture, gender, age, time and place impact on how an audience reads an artwork.
    4. reflecting on how effectively their ideas or feelings have been expressed in their own artworks, and that of others
    5. presenting their artworks using digital technologies, for example, creating an online exhibition of their class art works

Respond and Interpret

  1. Identify and describe how ideas are expressed in artworks by comparing artworks from different contemporary, historical and cultural contexts, including artworks by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (VCAVAR032)
    Elaborations
    1. making judgments about the practices of artists, what and why they design and create, using visual conventions
    2. comparing artworks from different cultures and identifying the ideas expressed by the artist, for example, when comparing paintings from India and Australia, what do they recognise, what is new, what are the different meanings the artists are expressing?
    3. explaining the artistic vision of artists from different contexts, for example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, particularly referencing the meaning the artworks convey
    4. analysing how symbolic meanings or metaphors are constructed in their own artworks and artworks of others
    5. expressing an opinion about the way numerous artists communicate their viewpoints through their artwork
    6. describing their ideas about an issue in an artwork they have created and describe their art making practice, for example, did it make them think more seriously about the issue? Did the rest of the class understand their message?

Levels 5 and 6 Achievement Standard

By the end of Level 6, students explain how ideas are expressed in artworks they make and view. They demonstrate the use of different techniques and processes in planning and making artworks .They use visual conventions and visual arts practices to express ideas, themes and concepts in their artworks.

Students describe the influences of artworks and practices places on their art making. They describe how artworks that they make and view can be displayed to express and enhance meaning.

Students describe and identify how ideas are expressed in artworks from different contemporary, historical and cultural contexts.

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