The Arts
An extensive array of creative programs catering to a diverse range of artistic interests and passions
St James’ offers Performing Arts, Dance, Music and Creative Technology programs as a platform for students to nurture and unleash their unique talents and abilities to the fullest. With a creative curriculum and a wide range of co-curricular opportunities, we empower our students to explore their artistic passions.
Through captivating concerts, performances and impressive exhibitions, we actively encourage our students to seize centre stage and exhibit their remarkable talents. These experiences not only provide them with a chance to shine, but also foster belief in their abilities.
Performing Arts
St James’ offers a dynamic and vibrant Performing Arts and Drama program, providing students with a platform to explore their creativity, develop their talents and express themselves through various forms of performance.
Students delve into the world of theatre, learning acting techniques, improvisation, stage presence and character development. They study influential playwrights, explore different theatrical styles and gain a deeper understanding of the power of storytelling.
St James’ offers both General and ATAR Drama in Years 11 and 12.
Dance
St James’ is proud to offer Dance as an option for students in the Senior School. The subject caters to students of all skill levels providing a comprehensive curriculum in various dance forms and disciplines.
Students learn technical skills, choreography and performance techniques while developing their physicality, coordination and artistic expression.
Dance at St James’ provides students with a creative outlet, physical fitness, teamwork opportunities and the chance to develop lifelong skills in a vibrant and expressive art form.
Music
St James’ offers an extensive music program, integrating it into the curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 6 through weekly music lessons. Building on the Early Years Learning Framework, the program engages students in purposeful and creative play, fostering their wellbeing and connection to the world.
As students progress, they continue to develop their musical skills, including listening, performing and composing. They explore the fundamental elements of music, such as rhythm, pitch, dynamics, expression, form, structure, timbre and texture.
Creative Technologies
Creative Technologies at St James’ encompasses a range of disciplines, including Design and Technology, Visual Arts and Media. Design and Technology offers students the opportunity to explore graphic design, metalwork, engineering, woodwork and other creative endeavours. Visual Arts and Media inspire students to express their creativity through various mediums, fostering artistic growth and digital storytelling.
The Creative Technologies program at St James’ provides a platform for students to explore their artistic abilities while developing critical thinking, problem-solving and technical skills. Integrating technology and creativity, the subjects prepare students for a world where digital media and visual communication play increasingly essential roles.
In Graphic Design students delve into the world of visual communication, learning principles of design, typography and layout. They explore industry-standard software and develop their skills in creating captivating graphics for various purposes, including advertising, branding and digital media.
The Photography subject option equips students with technical and artistic skills, enabling them to capture the world through their lens. From composition and lighting techniques to digital editing, students learn to produce visually stunning photographs that convey powerful messages and emotions.
Studying Media provides students with a dynamic platform for creative expression and digital storytelling. Through engaging coursework and hands-on projects, students gain valuable skills in media production, digital communication and critical analysis. They explore various mediums, from photography to filmmaking, preparing them for a future in this exciting field.
At St James’, we nurture our young artistic talent through our comprehensive Visual Arts programs. These programs are offered across Junior and Senior Schools, providing students with rich and diverse opportunities to develop their skills.
Focusing on developing foundational skills and fostering creativity, students are exposed to a variety of mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking. They learn about different art styles and techniques while exploring their own unique artistic voices. Collaborative projects and annual exhibitions further enhance their artistic journey.
In Year 11 and 12 students have the opportunity study Visual Arts ATAR and General, where they delve deeper into art history and theory, honing their technical skills and exploring personal themes and concepts in their work. They also have opportunities to participate in art competitions, showcase their creations in public exhibitions and even visit art galleries and studios to gain real-world exposure.
Design and Technology offers students an exciting opportunity to explore woodwork and metalwork, fostering creativity, critical thinking and practical skills in a hands-on environment. Students learn fundamental concepts, safety procedures and craftsmanship while using trade-quality tools.
In woodwork, they develop advanced techniques like furniture construction and joinery, while in metalwork, they explore welding, forging and fabrication. Emphasising design principles, students think critically about aesthetics, functionality and sustainability. They create prototypes, refine designs through experimentation and receive feedback.
These subjects enhance practical skills, nurture creativity and open potential career pathways in carpentry, furniture making and metal fabrication.
St James’ is excited to introduce a new Textile subject option, providing students with an opportunity to explore the fascinating world of textiles and develop their skills in fabric design and construction.
Students can expect to learn techniques such as sewing, embroidery and fabric manipulation while exploring various textile materials and their applications. This subject option will encourage critical thinking, problem-solving and artistic expression, equipping students with valuable skills for future endeavours in fashion, design, or textile-related industries. The Textile subject aims to ignite a passion for textile arts and provide a supportive and stimulating environment for students to discover their unique artistic voices.
