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Browse by Grade: Year 6

Australia · ACARA Content Descriptions

Year 6 The Arts

This course explores the multifaceted world of the arts through performance, composition, and critical analysis. Students engage with visual arts, music, dance, and drama to develop their technical skills and understand how diverse cultural contexts shape artistic expression.

4 units·42 topics·Ages 11-12

01Visual Narratives and Studio Practice

10 topics·Term 1

Students investigate drawing and composition techniques to communicate complex ideas through visual media.

Symbolism in Contemporary Art

An exploration of how modern artists use symbols to represent identity and social issues.

Gallery WalkCarousel Brainstorm
One-Point Perspective Drawing

Mastering one-point perspective to create the illusion of depth in interior spaces and landscapes.

Peer TeachingExperiential Learning
Two-Point Perspective for Buildings

Applying two-point perspective techniques to draw realistic exterior structures and cityscapes.

Stations RotationProject-Based Learning
Art Critique: Giving & Receiving Feedback

Developing the vocabulary and empathy to analyze and provide constructive feedback on peer and professional artworks.

Think-Pair-ShareFishbowl Discussion
Color Theory: Warm and Cool Colors

Investigating how warm and cool color palettes evoke specific feelings and messages in art.

Carousel BrainstormExperiential Learning
Color Theory: Complementary Colors

Exploring how complementary colors create visual tension and vibrancy when used together.

Stations RotationCollaborative Problem-Solving
Texture in Sculpture: Implied vs. Actual

Experimenting with various materials and techniques to create three-dimensional forms with diverse textures.

Project-Based LearningStations Rotation
Drawing from Observation: Still Life

Developing observational drawing skills through the study of light, shadow, and proportion in still life arrangements.

Peer TeachingGallery Walk
Introduction to Monoprinting

Exploring basic monoprinting methods to create unique, one-of-a-kind original artworks.

Experiential LearningStations Rotation
Linocut Printmaking Basics

Learning linocut techniques to create multiple original artworks from a carved block.

Experiential LearningProject-Based Learning

02Rhythm, Melody, and Soundscapes

10 topics·Term 2

A deep dive into music theory and composition using both digital and acoustic instruments.

Exploring Complex Rhythms and Syncopation

Understanding how off-beat rhythms create energy and movement in diverse musical genres.

Role PlayStations Rotation
Digital Composition: Layering Sounds

Using technology to layer sounds and create original atmospheric soundscapes.

Project-Based LearningCase Study Analysis
Musical Traditions of Indigenous Australians

Investigating the instruments, vocal styles, and cultural significance of Indigenous Australian music.

Experiential LearningExpert Panel
Musical Traditions of Pacific Nations

Exploring the diverse musical traditions of Pacific Island nations, focusing on their cultural contexts.

World CaféGallery Walk
Melody Construction and Variation

Understanding how melodies are built and how they can be varied while maintaining recognition.

Stations RotationPeer Teaching
Introduction to Harmony and Chords

Exploring how harmonies support or contrast with melodies, focusing on basic chord structures.

Experiential LearningConcept Mapping
Exploring Timbre and Instrumentation

Investigating the unique sound qualities (timbre) of different instruments and how they are combined in ensembles.

Experiential LearningConcept Mapping
Musical Form: AABA and Rondo

Analyzing common musical forms like AABA and Rondo, and understanding how they organize musical ideas.

Case Study AnalysisJigsaw
Music and Storytelling: Program Music

Exploring how music can convey narratives, characters, and settings without words through program music.

Project-Based LearningRole Play
Composing with Found Sounds (Musique Concrète)

Creating original compositions using everyday objects and environmental sounds, exploring musique concrète principles.

Experiential LearningInquiry Circle

03Dramatic Action and Characterization

10 topics·Term 3

Focusing on the physical and vocal techniques required to bring a character to life on stage.

Improvisation: Building Scenes

Building confidence and collaborative skills through unscripted performance exercises and scene work.

Role PlaySimulation Game
Script Analysis: Character Motivation

Learning to look beneath the written word to find a character's true motivation and objectives.

Case Study AnalysisSocratic Seminar
Stagecraft: Set and Props

Examining the roles of set design and props in supporting a performance and establishing setting.

Museum ExhibitProject-Based Learning
Stagecraft: Costumes and Lighting

Exploring how costume and lighting design contribute to character, mood, and storytelling in theatre.

Gallery WalkCase Study Analysis
Voice for Character: Projection and Articulation

Developing vocal projection, articulation, and inflection to create distinct and believable characters.

Role PlayExperiential Learning
Movement for Character: Physicality

Developing physical embodiment, gestures, and posture to bring a character to life on stage.

Role PlaySimulation Game
Creating Dramatic Tension and Conflict

Exploring techniques to build suspense, conflict, and emotional intensity in a scene.

Simulation GameCase Study Analysis
Devised Theatre: Collaborative Storytelling

Working in groups to create original theatrical pieces from scratch, focusing on collective storytelling.

Project-Based LearningCollaborative Problem-Solving
Introduction to Playwriting: Dialogue & Plot

Learning the basic elements of scriptwriting, including effective dialogue and simple plot structure.

RAFT WritingPeer Teaching
Directing a Short Scene: Blocking & Pacing

Understanding the role of a director in shaping a performance, including blocking, pacing, and actor guidance.

Simulation GamePeer Teaching

04Movement and Choreography

12 topics·Term 4

Exploring dance as a means of expression and the structural elements of choreography.

Elements of Dance: Weight and Flow

Experimenting with how varying physical force and continuous movement changes the impact of dance.

Experiential LearningGallery Walk
Elements of Dance: Time and Rhythm

Exploring how dancers manipulate tempo, duration, and rhythmic patterns to create dynamic movement.

Experiential LearningStations Rotation
Elements of Dance: Space and Levels

Exploring how dancers use personal and general space, and varying levels (high, medium, low) in their movements.

Experiential LearningGallery Walk
Collaborative Choreography: Unison & Contrast

Working in small groups to sequence movements that convey a specific theme, using unison and contrasting actions.

Peer TeachingCarousel Brainstorm
Dance Criticism: Analyzing Choreography

Observing professional dance works and analyzing the intent of the choreographer and impact on the audience.

Case Study AnalysisStations Rotation
Dance and Cultural Expression: Traditional Forms

Investigating traditional dance forms from various cultures and their social significance.

Expert PanelWorld Café
Dance and Cultural Expression: Contemporary Forms

Exploring contemporary dance forms and how they draw from or diverge from traditional styles.

Case Study AnalysisProject-Based Learning
Improvisation in Dance: Guided Exploration

Developing spontaneous movement responses and creative problem-solving through guided improvisation exercises.

Role PlayExperiential Learning
Choreographic Devices: Repetition & Canon

Learning about common choreographic tools such as repetition and canon to build dance sequences.

Peer TeachingConcept Mapping
Choreographic Devices: Retrograde & Accumulation

Exploring advanced choreographic tools like retrograde (reversing a sequence) and accumulation.

Experiential LearningCollaborative Problem-Solving
Dance and Emotion: Expressive Movement

Exploring how movement can express a wide range of emotions and psychological states.

Role PlaySimulation Game
Safe Dance Practice and Body Awareness

Understanding principles of safe movement, injury prevention, and body conditioning for dancers.

Experiential LearningPeer Teaching