Visual Arts

Through a lens of inquiry and guided by the IB PYP programme and the Australian Curriculum, Visual Arts at St Andrew’s encourages imagination, experimentation, expression and individuality. Our approach encourages and supports our students to develop critical and creative thinking skills. Students create works in the fields of art, craft and design, utilising a range of mediums and processes. Learning in and through these fields, students create visual representations that communicate, challenge and express their own and others’ ideas as artists and audience members.

When a child is engaged in art making, they are developing their fine motor skills as well as being involved in decision-making, risk-taking and invention. When involved in collaborative art projects, which are commonplace at St Andrew’s, they are developing their language and social skills in addition to learning about patience and compromise.

Art is a subject that has far-reaching benefits for the student and here, at St Andrew’s, it is no exception. Students from the ELC to year 2, and from year 3 to year 6 have specialist Visual Arts Teachers to develop stimulating art experiences that challenge the children’s view of themselves and the world around them. It is not a discreet subject that is contained within its weekly block. The students take with them skills and attitudes that can be applied in other lessons and in the life beyond the classroom.

Integral to our Visual Arts program is ensuring there is a commitment to an environment that fosters respect and nurtures everyone’s stories, including stories from diverse and far-reaching cultures along with those of First Nations Australians. As well as introducing them to the wider world, art allows the children the opportunity to learn more about themselves, encouraging self-expression and creativity, and builds a sense of individual identity.

“Learning about and through the arts is fundamental to the development of the whole child, promoting creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills and social interactions.” - IB PYP

Take a virtual tour of our art room.