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The Arts is a discipline for expression, teamwork, dedication and for building confidence.
The arts enriches the experience of studying at school. Arts subjects encourage self-expression and creativity and can build confidence, expanding the knowledge of culture and its impacts and representations around us. Students at Byford Secondary College have the opportunity to study in the five Arts contexts of Music, Visual Art, Dance, Drama and Media.
Considerable opportunities for student participation in extra-curricular arts events are made available throughout the school year.
Arts Extension clubs in Music, Drama, Dance and Visual Arts at lunchtimes and after school, various external visual art exhibitions and showcase events, arts performances external to the College such as Yo Fest, external competitions such as South of the Swan Dance Festival and Whole School Musical productions. In addition to these events The Arts run a vibrant integrated enrichment program with artists in residence programs and extra-curricular workshop opportunities for our students to engage in the arts in meaningful and exciting learning experiences through trips to see industry standard professionals at the State Theatre Centre, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, CO3 Dance Company, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, and at the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Students each year are also involved in Arts Production activities for our celebrations of NAIDOC week and Harmony week in the College with special events running to support students to enrich their understanding of Arts in the wider community.
In Senior School students have the opportunity to select from a range of areas in either a General Pathway or an ATAR Pathway. Depending on resources and demand for classes the college offers courses such as:
The Media Production and Analysis ATAR course aims to prepare students for a future in a digital and interconnected world by providing the skills, knowledge and understandings to tell their own stories and interpret the stories of others. Students are encouraged to explore, experiment and interpret their world, reflecting and analysing contemporary life, while understanding that this is done under social, cultural and institutional constraints. Students, as users and creators of media products, consider the important role of audiences and their context. This course focuses on the application of media theory in the practical process.
The Dance General course acknowledges the interrelationship between practical and theoretical aspects of dance – the making and performing of movement and the appreciation of its meaning. Through decision-making in individual and group work, students use a wide range of creative processes, such as improvisation and the use of choreographic elements and devices to create dance works. They also learn how dance styles and forms are historically derived and culturally valued. Through dance, students experience an intrinsic sense of enjoyment and have an opportunity to achieve a high level of movement skills.
In the Visual Arts General course, students engage in traditional, modern and contemporary media and techniques within the broad areas of art forms. The course promotes innovative practice. Students are encouraged to explore and represent their ideas and gain an awareness of the role that artists and designers play in reflecting, challenging and shaping societal values. Students are encouraged to appreciate the work of other artists and engage in their own art practice.
The Certificate II Creative Industries (Media Focus) course is an excellent gateway into developing the skills required in the Media industry. With a focus on a broad range of skills, such as film, television, photography and other aspects of multimedia, students will gain skills that will be beneficial for not only a Media workplace, but most other industries as well. This is a 2 year course that must be completed over both years to attain your final qualification. Students learn essential team work skills that employers of most industries are looking for, as well as developing workplace health and safety knowledge and experience in a simulated workplace environment. The course content may include filming and editing short films, advertisements or news stories, filming music videos or other performances, podcasting, photography and image editing and presentation of live television shows in a studio. No experience in Media is necessary to complete this course and you will be taught how to use camera equipment, studio equipment, editing software and other requirements in the Media production process. There are written components of the course, however a significant percentage of the course is practical-based. All written components must be completed in order to achieve the Certificate at the end of the two years. Overall, this is a highly relevant and engaging course that prepares you to either work in the Media industry in a variety of roles, or further your education in a more specialised Media option at TAFE or University.
For more information head to the School Curriculum Standard Authority’s website. See here.