Samoa Year 13 Curriculum - Visual Arts

This information is based on the 2018 Samoa Secondary Leaving Certificate Visual Arts examination.

The curriculum is divided into five strands:

Strand 1: Learning About Our Environment - People

This strand focuses on portraiture and contemporary art. Students are expected to define "portrait," identify contemporary art, name major portrait artists, and analyze the use of art elements in specific portrait paintings. Practical application includes sketching a portrait of a seated person.

Strand 2: Elements and Principles of Art - Space and Movement

This strand explores the concepts of space and movement in artwork. Students define "space" in art, identify the effect of linear perspective, and describe methods for creating the illusion of space. The role of movement is also examined, along with ways to create it. Analysis of specific artworks and practical application through drawing are included.

Strand 3: Patterns of Oceania - Aboriginal Art

This strand focuses on Aboriginal art. Students identify the Aboriginal homeland, list natural materials used in their art, and describe "Dreaming" or "Dreamtime." The connection between Aboriginal art and culture is explored, and students analyze a specific painting using a chart of Aboriginal symbols. Practical application involves creating an Aboriginal-inspired dreaming story.

Strand 4: The Principles of Graphics Design and Illustration - Illustration of Legends

This strand covers illustration and its application to legends. Students define "illustration," list suitable art media, and describe appropriate language for children's books and Samoan legends. The importance of children reading in their native language and seeing illustrations of their environment is discussed. Analysis of illustrations from Samoan children's books and practical application through creating thumbnail sketches for a storybook are included.

Strand 5: The Language of Multi-Media Art - Modeling and Carving

This strand focuses on three-dimensional art, specifically modeling and carving. Students define three-dimensional art, identify materials suitable for sculpture, name a famous Renaissance sculptor, and list tools used for sculpting and carving. Traditional Samoan art forms using wooden relief boards are described, and students differentiate between low and high relief carvings. Interpretation of specific sculptures and practical application through designing a recycled sculpture are included.