Parkerville Campus (Class 7-8)
Class 7 Craft
In the seventh grade the children enter the artistic flourishing of the Renaissance and the rebellion of the Reformation in both the curriculum and their own development. The idea of transferring an artistic hand drawn design onto a piece of cloth for something to wear is a new experience. First, they created a design and then worked to carry out that design in all its details.
The Class Seven students commenced the hand sewing of the basic design for their pyjama pants last term, with their personally selected fabrics. The project incorporates a number of elements including pattern reading and design, learning new stitches, problem solving, perseverance of will, and much, much more.
Once the practical, simple design of their pyjama shorts are completed, they are encouraged to add aesthetic beauty to their pyjamas such as embroidery, crochet, buttons or a pocket to individualise their creation, which can be an interesting challenge for some.
Some children are already well versed with a sewing machine but in our fast-paced world of instant gratification, it is important to know how things were once made in order to be able to appreciate their true value. The slow stitching of their own hand made garment can be slow and tedious for some and brings comments such as, ‘this is so boring!’ and, ‘this is taking so long!’ whilst others enjoy the social aspect of conversing while at the same time keeping their hands busy, surprising themselves with their progress.
I'm excited for the final products later this term and to see what the students come up with and how they put their own unique stamp on their garments!
Alison Anthoni
Craft Teacher
Class 8
“During Year Eight, the interest in and depiction of the outer world reaches a new level, as drawing becomes the means by which ideas are visualised and recorded”
This semester in Art, the Class Eights have been practicing their observational and rendering skills. The students collected objects from around the school and spent time observing and drawing these in detail. This activity was met with joy from some students, while others found the process frustrating and tedious. The class are developing resilience and perseverance, while at the same time improving their artistic abilities. Students have experimented using a variety of drawing techniques, and have explored the use of line, shape and tone to represent three-dimensional forms. More recently, the Class Eights have been using conte pastels in earthy colours, to produce a tonal still-life drawing of vessels.
Throughout the remainder of Term Two, the class will continue expanding their observational and drawing abilities by challenging their limits in a number of different mediums. Students will attempt to portray objects made from a variety of materials, such as glass and metal, which have reflective surfaces and have the ability to create optical illusions.
Students are encouraged to bring any interesting objects from home to school so that they can share in the exploration of objects together.
Krystal Hickman
Art Teacher
