At The Patch Primary School, we believe that every child is an artist. Creative learning experiences in the Visual Arts give students the skills, confidence, and imagination to express themselves and to participate fully in the arts throughout their lives.

Through artmaking, students learn to develop ideas by drawing on personal experiences, exploring feelings, observing the world, and researching new concepts. They build their understanding of the elements and principles of art, as well as the processes, techniques, and cultural influences that shape different art forms.

In responding to artworks, students learn to observe, analyse, and interpret. They consider how the visual arts are practised and valued across different cultures and times, and they reflect on the skills, intentions, and messages of artists. This helps them to form thoughtful personal responses to their own work and that of others.

Our Visual Arts program is deeply connected to nature-based learning and the environment that surrounds us. Students are encouraged to use natural materials found around our school grounds, linking their creativity to our school’s sustainability values and our appreciation for the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges.

Where possible, we integrate learning in the Visual Arts with other specialist areas, particularly STEM and Outdoor Education, to strengthen connections between creativity, problem-solving, and environmental understanding. These cross-curricular experiences allow students to explore the world through multiple lenses and to see how art, science, and nature intertwine.

We also connect art learning with classroom units and our vibrant school community events such as the Lantern Parade, NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week, PatchFest, and school productions. These experiences celebrate creativity, identity, and community connection.

Please ensure your child has an art smock or old shirt at school to protect their uniform during art sessions. Smocks are kept in classrooms to ensure students can participate fully and confidently in the program.

At The Patch, every child learns to see themselves as an artist and we remind them often:

'I am an artist.'