
Course Descriptions
2D STUDIO ARTS
Learn a collection of visual arts techniques that focus on two-dimensional art. This would include drawing, painting, collage, print making and graphic design/digital illustration.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Learn not only how to take a great picture - but how to edit and share that image too! Photography courses focus on the compositional elements and use of light to create stunning images, as well as the professional processes used in post to create a final work of art.

3D STUDIO ARTS
Learn skills to render your 2D designs into realized 3D objects. Learn how to design, build and refine your ideas through clay, sculpee, cardboard and a variety of mixed media materials.

MEDIA ARTS
ANIMATION
& FILM
Use the latest technologies in animation and media studies to create digital narratives and designs. You'll work in the computer lab, learning drawing and design processes, then move through a series of software programs to render your final creative project.


Will you be in grade 11 next year??
IB ART 11/12 has launched for 24/25!
IB Art 11/12 is a two-year commitment (grade 11 & 12) where students complete projects aligned with the IB Diploma program in Visual Arts. Students finish their two years with a portfolio of finished works and a group exhibition. Any student can enroll in this course - and you don't have to take any other IB courses. For those enrolled in IB, this counts as a "Category 6" class and can count as your sixth course. Please select "IB ART 11" on your course selection sheet if you are interested in signing up!
The IB Diploma Programme visual arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. It is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers.
2D VISUAL ARTS
Visual Arts 9 | MVA-09
The BIG IDEA for this course is to explore the many aspects of studio art (2D art) and sculpture (3D art) as it enables your artistic expression and the creative process including: exploring personal identity, diverse perspectives, and the language of visual art. You will be introduced to the basics of drawing and design processes such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and more. Get your hands on cool art equipment and technology to learn the art of communicating with visual imagery. A list of specific supplies needed for this course will be provided in the first week of class.
Art Studio 10 | MVAST10
The BIG IDEA for this course is to explore the many aspects of visual arts in both 2D and 3D mediums as it enables artistic expression. Students will learn the creative process including exploring personal identity, diverse perspectives, and the language of visual art. Students will review the elements of art, produce work at their technical level and expand their skills and ability. Get your hands on cool art equipment and technology to learn the art of communicating with visual imagery. A list of specific supplies needed for this course will be provided in the first week of class.
Introduction to Studio Arts 10-11 | MVAST11/MVAST12
These intro art courses are for students who have little or no experience in visual arts. Learn techniques for basic drawing, painting, and planning processes to make your ideas come to life. This course is perfect for the grade 11/12 student who is interested in starting an art practice or looking to get experience in the arts for graduation credit requirements. A list of specific supplies needed for this course will be provided in the first week of class.
Graphic Arts 11-12 | MVAGA11/ MVAGA12
Love to design? This course offers you time to discover design and the importance of balance and visual language. This unique art form uses specific technical processes to convey messages to attract and impact audiences. Graphic artists use the power of line, text, colour and image to contribute to culture and reveal insights into our human experience through perseverance, resilience, and artistic risk taking. This course may be of interest to those considering a career or post-secondary instruction in applied design, advertising, and visual communications. A list of specific supplies needed for this course will be provided in the first week of class.
2D Studio Arts: Painting & Drawing 10 | MVAD-10
This course offers time in your day to explore meaningful and unique ways of expressing yourself and discovering your artistic process. You will get your hands on real artist’s materials and technologies for artistic expression. You will learn to notice how art connects our personal experience to our communities, cultures and histories and you will learn how to talk about your own work and other students’ work to build artistic skills and interpretation. Projects in this class will focus on 2D art practices such as painting and drawing. This course is looking at more advanced techniques and as such is best suited to students with experience in drawing and/or painting. A list of specific supplies needed for this course will be provided in the first week of class.
2D Studio Arts: Paintng & Drawing 11 - 12 | MVAD-11 MVAD-12
Take a class during your day to get creative! You will get your hands on real artist’s materials, tools, and technologies for artistic expression. You will learn to notice how art connects our personal experience to our communities, cultures and histories and you will learn how to talk about your own work and other students’ work to build artistic skills and interpretation. Projects in this class will focus on 2D art practices such as painting and drawing. This course is looking at more advanced techniques and as such is best suited to students with experience in drawing and/or painting. A list of specific supplies needed for this course will be provided in the first week of class. Students enrolled in this class should have taken a studio arts class in the last 2 years.
3D VISUAL ARTS
3D Studio Arts 10: Sculpture and Beyond | MVAC-10
In this course students explore meaningful and unique ways of expressing and discovering their artistic process. You will get your hands on real artist’s materials, tools and technologies for artistic expression. You will learn to notice how art connects our personal experience to our communities, cultures and histories and you will learn how to talk about your own work and other students’ work to build artistic skills and interpretation. A list of specific supplies needed for this course will be provided in the first week of class. Typical projects may include: sketchbook exploration, drawing and painting techniques, carving, modelling, casting, construction, multimedia, abstraction, realism, architecture or landscape. Students are expected to purchase supplies for the class.
3D Studio Arts 11 & 12: Sculpture & Beyond | MVAC-11 MVAC-12
This course gives you time and opportunity to play with shape and form in a way that communicates ideas, emotions and perspectives. You will begin to understand how sculpture connects artist to their communities, histories and society. As an artist your growth will depend on your ability to persevere, be resilient and reflect in meaningful ways. Typical projects may include: sketchbook exploration, drafting, clay, found objects, paper mache and costume. This course is looking at more advanced techniques including carving, modelling, casting and construction. As such is best suited to students with experience visual arts. A list of specific supplies needed for this course will be provided in the first week of class. Students enrolled in this class should have taken a studio arts class in the last 2 years. It is particularly good course for students looking to pursue post-secondary art training or training in the creative industries.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography 10 - 12 | MVAPH-10 MVPH-11 MVPH-12
This course allows students to explore and experiment with ideas and concepts related to digital photography. Camera basics, developing an eye for compositional style and proficient use of post-production software will help students create visual art and hopefully instil a love of photography for their futures. Students will be exposed to various genres of the craft including art & product photography, portraiture, playing with light and capturing action & events that are happening in their own lives and around the school community.
MEDIA ARTS, FILM & ANIMATION
Media Arts 9 | MVAM-09 (APPLIED DESIGN, SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGIES ELECTIVE)
This is an introductory course to learn how to communicate and express through media arts such as digital imagery, animation, video, film, new media (ie: art that uses technology as a main component) and/or sound. Students will use media arts to explore culture, history, identity, aesthetics and will use media arts to create and communicate. Students will watch some animations and learn how they were made.
Media Arts 10 | MVAM-10A
This course introduces you to communication and expression through media arts such as digital imagery, animation, video, film, new media (ie: art that uses technology as a main component) and/or sound. Students will use media arts to explore culture, history, identity, aesthetics and will use media arts to create and communicate. Students will watch a wide variety of animations and learn how they were made. Note: Grade 9 students may take this course.
Media Arts 11-12 | MVAMT-11A / MVAMT-12A
In this course you will explore communication and expression through media arts such as animation, digital imagery, video, film, new media (ie: art that uses technology as a main component) and/or sound. Students will use media arts to explore culture, history, identity, aesthetics and will use media arts to create and communicate. This course could prepare students for entry into a post-secondary media arts program and a career in animation, video, film, new media and/or sound.
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New Westminster Secondary School
820 Sixth Street,
New Westminster,
British Columbia
Canada, V3M 3S9
Phone: 604-517-6220
Fax: 604-517-6204
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The Visual & Performing Arts Department at New Westminster Secondary School recognizes the unceded, traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the QayQayt (qiqéyt) Nation, as well as all Coast Salish Nations, on which we live, work and play.
© 2021 Amie Le Blanc / VPA Dept.,
New Westminster Secondary School.