Why select a subject from the Arts Faculty?

At this time of the year students begin the process of selecting subjects for the following year. With decisions to be made, students are often confronted with such a variety of offerings that trigger interest in their future learning, that they find it difficult to make their selections. Recent articles and research about the breadth and depth of a student’s learning suggest that at Years 9 and 10 exploring a range of subjects from different faculties allows the students to experience subjects which may take them on to further study or for the pure enjoyment of what the subject has to offer.

It is important that students see the links between what they learn in one subject and how it can be used or applied in other areas of study. The subjects on offer in the Arts Faculty, allow students to explore a variety of learning styles that enhance other subject areas. The opportunity to explore creative and individual thinking strategies within these subjects, develops an understanding and awareness of the experimentation, risk-taking, understanding failure and excitement at achieving individual goals. Visual and performing arts subjects allow students to explore creative outcomes, using a process of exploration and evaluation on an individual level, self-assessing their development of skills and looking at areas of improvement.

When we look to the future and where an Arts subject can lead, I refer to how our past students have used what they have learnt at St Catherine’s and applied it to their tertiary selection and studies. In 2017, more than 25% of our students went on to study in the arts. I recently had a visit from 2016 School Captain, Missy Bolt and learnt about her studies at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where she is studying a fine art subject as part of her course. She talked about how what she had learnt in Studio Arts gave her the foundation to undertake her courses with confidence and knowledge, but more importantly the pure enjoyment of her learning process through the study of art. Enjoying what we study should be the key reason for selecting a subject.

Finding a subject that you love attending, looking forward to what you might learn of yourself or discover new skills or talents, should be something every student has the chance to experience. With this in mind, I hope students can select subjects that allow them to develop their individual talents and passions, making school a place of active learning and enjoyment.