Top Arts is an annual exhibition that displays exemplary works by students who have completed Art Making and Exhibiting and Art Creative practice as part of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) in the previous year. It is one of the most popular annual exhibitions held by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). The exhibition highlights innovative use of materials and .techniques, with themes that explore cultural identity, personal experiences and broader subjects like knowledge and nature. It serves as a platform for young artists to present their work.
In the past several years Portland Secondary College has had several students represented in this prestigious exhibition. These achievements highlight the importance of the interaction between the teacher, the student and the task; and that the conditions that support high-quality instruction must be the focus of the school
Every year the Art Staff at Portland Secondary College welcomes a group of students into the hot house of creativity that is the Year 12 art room. This journey begins in Year 7 and is characterised by a variety of quality teaching and learning experiences embedded in the curriculum. We aim to allow each student access to a wide variety of quality materials, techniques and technologies, but above all, to be inspired by the professional excellence and passion of the art teaching staff. As a like-minded team we work consciously in creative play with our students to help them develop their full potential and see the ‘big picture’ of life. We are proud to recognise that even though we are a remote Government school our students have achieved sustained success in regular selection in Top Arts, which demands work of the highest quality.
What is the role of the teacher? As a teacher we travel the Year 12 road closely with our students. We guide them as they articulate their personal concepts, which underpin their artworks. We introduce relevant historical and contemporary artists to explore. We utilise the experience of other teachers in the team. We challenge our students to problem solve as hurdles and apparent dead ends are confronted. We support as frustration and exhaustion sets in. We challenge them to create additional layers and depth as new solutions appear. In the end, we celebrate what is the outstanding personal achievement of being selected for Top Arts.