SpecialArt

Selection of students is based on:

• Visual Art talent and aptitude
• Portfolio
• Interview
• Practical workshops
• School Reports

The criteria for selection are:
Visual Art talent and aptitude demonstrated through:

• Ability to express ideas and feelings and talk about their own art work
• Creativity and originality of ideas and use of visual arts elements
• Ability to use art media, skills and techniques
• Critical thinking skills, capacity to make decisions and solve problems in visual arts contexts
• Capacity to work with others
• Academic and other achievements as indicated through school reports, targeted teacher reports and interview.

Practical Workshops
Year 6 applicants are required to attend a 2-day ‘testing’ program to complete a number of standardised practical art activities in a group situation with other Visual Art applicants. The applicant’s practical work, produced in the controlled ‘testing’ environment, will be assessed by a panel of art specialists in accordance with the selection criteria.

Interview
Applicants who rank in the top of the cohort as a result of the ‘testing’ process will be invited to attend an interview at Applecross Senior High School in the company of a parent or guardian.

Interview Requirements
Please bring the following with you to the interview:

• Portfolio of work completed by the applicant in the past 12 months ~ two-dimensional and three-dimensional art forms eg. Drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, craft projects etc.
• A photocopy of the applicant’s most recent school Report
• Certificates of Merit for Visual Art achievements (to be sighted)
• Signed Confirmation/Contract (Issued prior to Interview)

Feedback
An offer of a place in the Visual Arts Program indicates that the student is ranked in the top 35 of the group ‘tested’ and interviewed by Applecross Senior High School for the current intake.

Review of selection processes
Students not selected in the program may ask for a review of the selection process. The basis for these requests must be on the grounds that the stated process was, in some way, not followed. Requests for review should be lodged in writing with Applecross Senior High School within 14 days of notification of results. Where a review is requested, an independent panel will be established and report to the District Director.

Targeted Teacher Reports
The present school of applicants will be approached by Applecross Senior High School, and requested to complete a specific teacher report that reflects upon the applicant’s Visual Arts aptitude, academic performance, and capacity to work with others.

Application Information

• The only point of entry into the Visual Arts Program at Applecross Senior High School is in Year 8.
• Usually the number of applicants exceeds the possible intake at Year 8 level.
• For example, Applecross S.H.S. has had as many as 190 applicants.
• Each year approximately 35-40 students are enrolled in the Visual Arts Program at Year 8 level.

Application Forms
Application Booklets are produced by the Department of Education and Training and distributed annually  to all primary schools in the state.