Back to Introduction

The middle years- Years 5-8

Arts practice

In each strand of the arts curriculum in the middle years of schooling, students use observation, research and experience as starting points to develop arts works. Through their arts works they explore real, imaginary and abstract ideas, and current or historical issues and feelings. Students experiment with ideas, concepts and feelings, and use imagination and perception to plan and create arts works.

Students create arts works independently and make significant contributions to group work. Students manipulate arts elements and use skills, techniques and processes in an increasingly competent manner. In the presentation of work they are able to contribute to the choice of appropriate spaces, materials, equipment and presentation forms and show an understanding of the concepts of purpose and audience.

Responding to the arts

Each strand allows students to describe, analyse and evaluate arts works by considering their meaning, the application of elements, skills and processes and other qualities such as expressiveness and the overall effectiveness of the works. Students develop skills in comparing and contrasting arts works using a framework (such as comparison of interpretations or purposes of art works) and discuss qualities of works. Students make choices about arts language and terminology when making, describing and writing about arts works. Students are taught to identify and discuss features of the works of particular artists over time, their role in society and possible changes in their work. Teachers help students to understand ways in which social and cultural contexts can affect the work of artists, including their own work. They also learn about ways in which arts works can reflect and construct or change cultural meanings and values.