Learning at DSHS

The Arts

Expressing ideas, emotions and perspectives through creative practice — developing artistic skills, cultural understanding and a lifelong appreciation of the arts.

About the Subject Area

Creativity, expression and cultural understanding

The Arts at Denmark SHS encompasses Dance, Drama, Media Arts, Music and Visual Arts. Students engage with each art form as both practitioner and audience, developing creative skills alongside critical and cultural understanding. The Arts nurture creativity, resilience and the ability to communicate complex ideas.

The WA Curriculum Arts framework develops students' skills in making and responding — creating artworks, performances and productions while also developing their ability to analyse, interpret and evaluate the work of others in cultural and historical context.

Students recording in the media studio at Denmark SHS

Arts Disciplines

Five ways to create

Students explore all five Arts disciplines in Years 7–10, then specialise in senior school.

Dance

Exploring movement as an art form — choreographing and performing dances from diverse traditions while developing body awareness, coordination and expressive skills.

Drama

Developing performance skills through character work, improvisation, devised and scripted theatre — building confidence, empathy and collaborative communication.

Media Arts

Creating media products — films, digital images, audio productions and interactive media — while developing critical literacy about how media constructs meaning and identity.

Music

Performing, composing and listening — developing musicianship across a range of genres and traditions, using both acoustic and digital instruments.

Visual Arts

Creating works in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, photography and digital art — developing technical skills and a personal artistic voice.

Performance & Exhibition

Students regularly share their work through school productions, exhibitions and performances — building confidence, professionalism and appreciation of diverse art forms.

Senior School Pathways

Arts courses in years 11 & 12

Develops musicianship through performing, composing and analysing music across a range of styles and traditions. ATAR Music includes music theory and aural skills. Both pathways prepare students for music-related tertiary and vocational careers.

Students create, perform and analyse dramatic works. ATAR Drama involves the study of drama in cultural and historical contexts alongside practical performance work. Excellent preparation for performing arts, teaching, and communication careers.

Students develop a personal body of artwork while building technical skills and critical understanding. The ATAR course requires a sustained folio and written analysis. Strong preparation for art, design, architecture and creative industries.

Students produce media works — film, photography, digital media — and critically analyse how media constructs meaning. Prepares students for careers in media, communications, journalism and the creative industries.

Arts at DSHS

A creative community

Denmark SHS has a vibrant arts culture with regular productions, exhibitions and performances. Arts students benefit from working with experienced specialist teachers and having access to dedicated performance spaces, art studios and media facilities.

Course Handbooks

Questions about the Arts at DSHS?

Contact the school to find out more about our Arts programs, upcoming productions and senior course options.

Contact the School Course Handbooks