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Structure of the key learning area

Characteristics of the strands

Each strand is a different arts discipline with its own knowledge, conventions, skills and expressive forms.

Art is the interpretation of, and response to, observations and experiences in visual form. Students develop knowledge and skills in a broad range of art forms, including architecture, ceramics, collage, computer generated/digital, design, drawing, film, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and various crafts. Art works can be two-dimensional and three-dimensional. Students analyse their own art works and those of others, including works from past and present contexts.

Dance is the exploration of the language of movement, using the body as an instrument of expression. Students gain the skills of shaping and presenting work for a variety of purposes. Students analyse their own and others’ dances, including works from different contexts and cultures.

Drama is the exploration of ideas and feelings through improvisation and acting. The interpretation of texts incorporates the use of stagecraft. Students gain the skills to shape and present work to a variety of audiences. They analyse their own and others’ performances and scripts as well as theatre productions from different times and cultures.

Media is using words, images and sounds singly or in combination to produce representations of real and imagined experiences. Students develop skills in such media forms as radio, film, television, print, computer technology and photography. Students analyse their own media work and the production, circulation and reception of media representations, productions and texts, past and present.

Music is essentially composed sound that has both an expressive and communicative purpose. Students use musical instruments, voices, objects and electronic sources, and techniques and processes, to improvise, compose and perform. In addition to involvement in their own music, students experience and evaluate a range of familiar and unfamiliar music from different styles, genres, times and cultures. The Music strand recognises instrumental and vocal music programs as specialist components of music education. Ensemble groups such as choirs, percussion ensembles, concert bands, orchestras and stage bands are an essential part of the learning process in music education.

Visual communication is the conveying of ideas and messages using a visual communication production process. Students apply a range of materials, production systems, media, design elements and principles to produce final presentations. Students reflect on their own visual communications and those of others in a variety of contexts, both past and present. Approaches to design are incorporated within the Visual arts strands at levels 1 to 3 and Art and Media at level 4.