§-Visual Arts syllabus

Visual Arts syllabus, dot point by dot point

Every dot point in the SA Visual Arts subject outline, in syllabus order, with a focused answer for each. Open any dot point for the answer, exam-style questions and links to related points.

Assessment Type 1: Folio

Topic overview →

How do I explore and document media, techniques, and processes effectively in my folio?

Explore a range of media, techniques, and processes, and document skill development and material decisions in the folio.

6 min read →

How do I use visual thinking and investigation to develop ideas across my folio?

Use visual thinking and investigation to generate, test, and refine ideas and concepts as your folio develops.

6 min read →

How do I gather sources of inspiration and develop a personal visual language in my folio?

Document sources of inspiration and use exploration and experimentation to develop a distinctive personal visual language.

6 min read →

How do I study art styles and movements without just copying them?

Investigate art styles and movements, understand their visual logic, and redirect their strategies through your own work.

6 min read →

How do I use the visual elements and design principles to analyse an artwork closely?

Use the visual elements and design principles as a vocabulary for formal analysis, explaining how an artwork creates its effects.

6 min read →

How do I understand and use the cultural, historical, social and personal contexts of art?

Investigate the cultural, historical, social, and personal contexts that shape artworks and use them to inform your inquiry.

6 min read →

How do I analyse artists, artworks, and their contexts to inform my own folio?

Analyse artists, artworks, and the contexts in which they were made, and apply those insights to your own visual development.

6 min read →

Assessment Type 2: Practical

Topic overview →

How do I use photography and digital media as a resolved medium in my practical work?

Use photography and digital or new media deliberately to develop and resolve a body of work.

6 min read →

How do I use printmaking techniques to develop and resolve practical work?

Apply printmaking techniques and processes to develop ideas and resolve a coherent body of work.

6 min read →

How do I apply the visual elements and design principles to strengthen my practical work?

Apply the visual elements and design principles deliberately to communicate concepts in your resolved practical work.

6 min read →

How do I choose and control painting media and techniques in my practical work?

Select and control painting media and techniques to resolve a body of work that communicates your concept.

6 min read →

How do I work ethically, safely and authentically in my art practice?

Practise safely and ethically, using original sources and respecting authorship, materials, and cultural protocols.

6 min read →

How do I resolve a coherent body of work from my folio development?

Resolve one or more practical works into a coherent body of work that demonstrates conceptual and technical resolution.

6 min read →

How do I use drawing techniques and mark-making to build skill and meaning in my practical work?

Develop and apply drawing techniques and mark-making to observe, develop ideas, and resolve practical work.

6 min read →

How do I write a practitioner's statement that explains my resolved body of work?

Write a practitioner's statement that explains the intention, development, and resolution of your body of work.

6 min read →

How do I work with sculpture, three-dimensional form and ceramics in my practical work?

Develop and resolve three-dimensional work in sculpture or ceramics, controlling form, material and space.

6 min read →

Assessment Type 3: Visual Study (External)

Topic overview →

How do I connect research, experimentation, and reflection in the visual study?

Connect research, visual experimentation, and critical reflection so the visual study reads as a coherent, evidenced inquiry.

6 min read →

How do I choose a strong focus for my visual study?

Choose a focused style, technique, idea, or practitioner strategy that can sustain a genuine visual investigation.

6 min read →

How do I structure a visual study as a focused exploratory investigation?

Structure the visual study as a focused investigation that explores ideas, styles, or techniques through visual and written response.

6 min read →