Our Creative Arts and Design program offers a rich blend of disciplines, including Visual Arts, Media, Design and Photography, Food, Textiles, Jewellery, and Children, Family & Community.
We offer students the freedom to explore, create and refine their skills across a range of expressive disciplines. Through progressive learning pathways, students develop technical ability, creative thinking and design confidence – whether for personal growth or future study and careers.
CREATIVE ARTS AND DESIGN PROGRAM
In Year 7, all students take part in Art, Design, Food and Textiles, allowing them to explore a variety of creative practices. This foundational year is designed to spark curiosity, uncover hidden talents and inspire passions that students may not have previously encountered.
In Year 8, subject selection becomes elective-based, with students choosing to study subjects for one semester or the full year. New areas such as Design Photography and Media are introduced, broadening the creative offering and giving students more agency in shaping their learning.
In Years 9 and 10, subjects become more specialised as students begin to refine their interests and deepen their skills. Drawing on their earlier experiences, students choose electives that align with their passions and creative strengths, whether in Design Photography; Jewellery; Food Textiles; Children, Family & Community; Media or Visual Arts.
In Years 11 and 12, students can pursue Creative Arts and Design courses through a mix of ATAR, General and VET pathways. This diverse offering supports a wide range of future aspirations – from university study in design or fine art to industry-recognised qualifications in fields such as hospitality, digital media or fashion.
Creative Arts and Design FAQs
Who does Creative Arts and Design?
- In Year 7, all students do Art, Design, Food and Textiles.
- In Years 8 to 10, Creative Arts and Design subjects are electives.
- In Years 11 and 12, students can select courses to suit their academic strengths and post-school ambitions.
What Year 11 and 12 Creative Arts and Design courses do we offer?
- Visual Art (ATAR)
- Visual Art (General)
- Design (ATAR)
- Design: Photography (General)
- Media Production & Analysis (ATAR)
- Food Science and Technology (ATAR)
- Food Science and Technology (General)
- Children, Family & Community (General)
What creative facilities are available to students?
Creative Arts and Design at Penrhos is brought to life in our purpose-built Creative Arts and Design Centre – a vibrant hub that houses leading-edge facilities across three dedicated floors. Each space has been designed to support hands-on learning and creative excellence, including:
- Drawing, painting and printing studios
- A fully equipped ceramics studio, with a clay room and kiln
- A professional dark room for film development and hand printing photographs
- Industry standard photography studios with professional lighting equipment
- A dedicated AV room for media projects
- State-of-the-art food rooms and industrial kitchens, with pantry, prep areas and cold storage
- Light-filled spaces for textile and fashion design
- Jewellery design studio and workbenches
REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCES
Students are supported to experiment, refine their skills and showcase their work through a range of exciting opportunities. Our ever-growing Art Club encourages students to explore new techniques and ideas outside of class time, while visiting artists regularly share their expertise to inspire and extend creative thinking.
A major highlight is the Year 10-12 Art Exhibition, a celebrated calendar event that showcases the talent, innovation and dedication of our students. The exhibition is proudly catered by our own Food Science and Technology students, demonstrating the collaborative strength of the department.
Creative Arts and Design students also have the opportunity to take part in the biennial Creative and Performing Arts Tour to New York City, shared with Dance and Drama students, offering cultural enrichment and creative inspiration beyond the classroom. As of 2026, a new Food and Fashion tour to Italy and Denmark will be offered as another travel opportunity for our Creative Arts and Design students.
READ MORE ABOUT OUR SECONDARY SCHOOL
