Arts

We offer a wide variety of Art programs for students at Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School. Throughout the school year, students have an opportunity to perform and showcase their work.

Courses offered

Drama 
These courses offer students opportunities to explore dramatic forms and techniques, using material from a wide range of sources and cultures. Students will use the elements of drama to examine situations and issues that are relevant to their lives. Students will create, perform, discuss, and analyze drama, and reflect on experiences while developing an understanding of themselves, the art form, and the world around them. 
Drama - Music Theatre
These courses are designed for students who wish to take part in the various theatrical productions in our Austin Community Theatre, including the school musical. It is also designed for students who have a special interest in, and aptitude for, the performing arts as they relate to music theatre: drama, costume design, lighting and sound, movement, music, set design, theatre technology, directing and stage management. Students will have the opportunity to work intensively in their own area of interest (i.e. acting, singing, playing music, play writing, stagecraft, choreography design and theatre practice). 
Drama - Production 
These courses are designed for students with an interest in and aptitude for all areas of production - including lighting, sound, design, audio and video recording, editing, stage management and set construction.  Dramatic Arts - Production provides students with numerous opportunities to work on all major school productions, as well as assemblies, liturgies and special services. The students in the Production course will take part in active, experiential learning under the guidance of their course instructor and other specialists. 
Drama - Film Studies 
These courses introduce students to the medium of film. Students will explore various film genres and directors, while contextualizing the role of film in today's society, as a source of entertainment, information and historical significance. Student will also be introduced to both the artistic and technical aspects of film making, through the exploration of basic screen writing, directing and editing techniques. 
Dance 
These courses emphasize the development of students' artistry, improvisational and compositional skills, and technical proficiency in dance genres from around the world. Students will apply dance elements, techniques, and tools in a variety of ways, including performance situations; describe and model responsible practices related to the dance environment; and reflect on how the study of dance affects personal and artistic development. 
Exploring the Arts 
This senior level arts course integrates two or more of the arts (dance, drama, media arts, music, and visual arts), giving students the opportunity to produce and present art works created individually or collaboratively. Students will demonstrate innovation as they learn and apply concepts, styles, and conventions unique to the various arts and acquire skills that are transferable beyond the classroom. Students will use the creative process and responsible practices to explore solutions to integrated arts challenges. This is not a performance/production course. 
Instrumental Music 
These courses emphasize the performance of music at a level that strikes a balance between challenge and skill and is aimed at developing technique, sensitivity and imagination. Students will participate in creative activities that teach them to listen with understanding. They will also learn correct musical terminology and its appropriate use. The above will be achieved through the study of instrumental music at the beginner level. 
Instrumental Music - Percussion 
This course is designed to broaden knowledge and skill in percussion performance, including, but not limited to, work on snare drum, drum set, djembe, tympani, congas, bongos, etc. Students will learn to read and sight read drum and percussion music proficiently and apply this reading to instrumental performance.  
Vocal Music 
These courses emphasize the performance of music at a level that strikes a balance between challenge and skill and is aimed at developing technique, sensitivity and imagination. Students will participate in creative activities that teach them to listen with understanding. They will also learn correct musical terminology and its appropriate use. The above will be achieved through the study of vocal music. 
Visual Arts 
These courses focus on enabling students to refine their use of the creative process when creating and presenting two- and three-dimensional art works using a variety of traditional and emerging media and technologies. Students will use the critical analysis process to deconstruct art works and explore connections between art and society. The studio program enables students to explore a range of materials, processes, and techniques that can be applied in their own art production. Students will also make connections between various works of art in personal, contemporary, historical, and cultural contexts. 
Visual Arts - Photography 
These courses provide students with opportunities to further develop their skills and knowledge in visual arts. Students will explore a range of subject matter through studio activities, and will consolidate their practical skills. Students will also analyze art works and study aspects of Western art history, as well as art forms from Canada and other parts of the world. The above will be achieved through the study of photography. 
Visual Arts - Year Book
This course emphasizes the development and skills required for the production of the annual school yearbook. Students will use a variety of technologies towards the development and publishing of the yearbook. Interested students must apply for this course through the course instructor. A successful interview is a necessary prerequisite.