Art

Art

Teacher – Monique White & Cadi Watchman

Visual Art – White Hills Primary School 2026

The structure, creativity, and learning goals of the Visual Arts program in 2026:

At White Hills Primary School our Visual Arts program provides a dynamic, hands-on experience where students explore creativity, cultural understanding, and artistic expression across a wide range of mediums. Each term, students develop their skills and confidence as they learn about famous artists, experiment with techniques, and apply elements and principles of art to produce original works.

Yearly Scope by Term

Term 1 – Drawing, Painting & Art History
Students begin the year building foundational skills in drawing and painting. They learn to express ideas through line, value, shape, and colour, while exploring key art principles like contrast, and movement & rhythm. Lessons include mixed media and an introduction to important historical art movements and artists.

🔹 Term 2 – Printing, Collage, Indigenous Art & Art History
In Term 2, students expand their repertoire by experimenting with printing and collage techniques, while exploring traditional and contemporary Indigenous art. Elements like colour, texture, value, and space are explored alongside principles such as emphasis, repetition & pattern.

🔹 Term 3 – Textiles, Construction, Digital Media, Indigenous Art & Art History
This term encourages hands-on creation with textiles, construction, and digital media, while continuing to build cultural awareness through Indigenous art studies. Students develop their use of shape, texture, form, and colour, and explore design principles such as balance and unity.

🔹 Term 4 – Modelling, Collage, Digital Media & Mixed Media
In the final term, students dive into modelling, advanced collage work, and continue exploring digital media. They apply a comprehensive range of elements (space, line, texture, form) and principles (contrast, movement & rhythm, repetition, emphasis, balance, and unity) in their final artworks.

Art Elements & Principles Covered

Throughout the year, students develop their understanding of:

  • Art Elements: Line, Shape, Colour, Texture, Form, Space, and Value
  • Art Principles: Contrast, Emphasis, Movement & Rhythm, Repetition & Pattern, Unity, and Balance

These concepts are embedded in every project, helping students to critically think about art and apply theory in practical and imaginative ways.

Artist Studies by Year Level

Each year level explores the styles and techniques of renowned artists to inspire their work:

  • Prep – Picasso, Mondrian | Cubism, Abstract, Portraits | Primary Colours
  • Year 1 – Kandinsky, Miro | Abstract & Real Life | Cool, Warm, Neutral
  • Year 2 – Pollock, Matisse, Peter Cromer | Pattern, Abstract | Primary to Tertiary Colours
  • Year 3 – Van Gogh, Seurat, Yayoi Kusama | Landscapes, Dot Art | Analogous, Complementary
  • Year 4 – Monet, Frida Kahlo, Kusama | Landscape & Portraits | Analogous, Complementary
  • Year 5 – Salvador Dali, Sidney Nolan | Surrealism & Australian Landscapes | Monochromatic, Polychromatic
  • Year 6 – Andy Warhol, Paul Cézanne | Pop Art & Abstract | Monochromatic, Polychromatic

By engaging with both local and global artists, students not only develop technical art skills but also deepen their appreciation for diverse cultural and historical perspectives.

Collaboration, Creativity & Community

While students complete individual artworks that reflect their personal ideas and growing skills, they also regularly take part in collaborative projects such as group murals, large-scale installations, and shared displays around the school.

These team-based experiences foster:

  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Communication and cooperation
  • Respect for others’ ideas and creative approaches
  • A strong sense of community and belonging

Through these group efforts, students learn that art is not only a personal expression but also a powerful tool for working together, celebrating differences, and creating something meaningful as a team.

A Creative Journey for Every Child

Our Visual Arts program nurtures imagination, critical thinking, and individual expression. Each student is encouraged to take creative risks, explore new ideas, and take pride in their unique artistic voice. Art at White Hills is more than just a subject—it’s a journey of discovery and self-expression.