Learning
Art & Technology
Our Arts and Technology curriculum at Pakenham Secondary College inspires creativity, innovation, and practical skills, preparing students for success in a dynamic world.
Students from Year 7-12 at Pakenham Secondary College engage in a wide range of subjects and opportunities within The Arts and Technology.
The Arts includes Visual Arts, Digital Art, Photography, and Visual Communication and Design, while Technology covers Food, Textiles, Wood, and Digital Technologies. All courses align with the Victorian Curriculum, blending practical skill development with theoretical knowledge. Students benefit from a dynamic program featuring Artist-in-Residence opportunities, art gallery excursions, artist workshops, and creative projects.
Indigenous Artist-in-Residence
Since 2024, we’ve been honored to work with Indigenous artist Sam Richards, a proud member of the Wurundjeri and Dja Dja Wurrung Tribes. Sam’s residency enriches both Art and Technology subjects, bringing cultural depth and expertise. Key projects in 2024 included:
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Year 7: Circular raffia weavings incorporating traditional symbols.
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Year 8: 3D animal sculptures inspired by Dreamtime stories.
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Year 9: Individual canvas artworks exploring composition, colour, and storytelling through Indigenous symbolism.
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Year 10: Design and painting of Totem poles representing local Dreamtime stories, such as Cardinia (the sunrise), Narre Warren (ochre), and Bunyip (swamp monster).
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Year 12: Personalised mentorship, with Sam offering feedback on artistic techniques and ideas.
In the PACT Art program, students designed a mural featuring meeting places, water elements, and Bunjil, the wedge-tailed eagle, with plans to complete it in 2025.
In 2025, students will participate in an exciting Indigenous food program with Sam Richards, studying Indigenous seasonal cycles and incorporating native ingredients into their cooking.
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Creative Victoria Grant
One of the highlights of 2024 was securing a $10,000 Creative Victoria grant, making our school one of just 20 recipients statewide. The grant funded the Collaborative Critter Character project, an innovative cross-curricular initiative involving our Year 7.1 English Enhancement and Year 9 and 10 Digital Art classes. Mentored by artist Tara Kingston and our wonderful Digital Art teacher, Miss Rhodes-Anderson, students created claymation critters for a stop-motion film.
The project began with Year 7 students writing detailed character descriptions, which Year 10 Digital Art students transformed into 2D renders. Year 9 students then converted these designs into 3D models, incorporating narratives and sound effects, ultimately culminating in several outstanding animations. Collaboration was essential throughout the project, with Year 7 students acting as "clients" and providing feedback at each stage.
The final stop-motion film will be screened in Term 1, 2025, celebrating the creativity and teamwork of students, families, staff, and the community. Special thanks to Miss Rhodes-Anderson for her dedication to the project.
VCE Offerings
At Pakenham Secondary College, our VCE Arts and Technology subjects offer students a dynamic and engaging pathway to explore their creativity, problem-solving, and technical skills. With a strong focus on practical application and innovation, our courses provide students with opportunities to develop expertise and prepare for future study or careers in creative and technical fields.
Our VCE offerings include:
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Art Making and Exhibiting
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Visual Communication Design
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Computing/Data Analytics
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Food Studies
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Product Design & Technology: Textiles
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Product Design & Technology: Wood
These subjects allow students to unleash their potential, build a diverse portfolio, and gain a solid foundation for further education and employment. For further information on each of these subjects, please read our Senior School Handbook.
Art & Technology Exhibition
Our Art and Technology department also hosts a bi-annual exhibition to showcase student work to the community, celebrating their creativity and achievements.
