Overview
The Sydney Art School Training & Assessment Strategy is built on three pillars:
- Atelier-Style Learning to provide professional mentorship,
- Participation in a Group Exhibition for real world industry relevance, and a
- Flexible Leraning Model where students can tailor learning experiences.
Our Flexible Learning Model ensures students of all levels can engage in artistic development at their own pace, with options for in-studio and online delivery to suit diverse schedules and needs.
This model supports qualifications like the Certificate III, IV, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma in Visual Arts, aligning with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and preparing students for creative careers.
Studio Sessions, Lectures & Tutorials
Structed in-studio sessions are generally of 3 types
- Artistic Skills Studio Sessions
- Professional Practice Lectures
- Assessment tutorials
Assessment Approach
At Sydney Art School, we do not deliver discrete lectures for each Unit of Competency. Instead, students acquire and aggregate skills across Artistic Skills Studio Sessions, Professional Practice Lectures, and Unit of Competency Tutorials.
These integrated learning experiences enable students to develop a cohesive body of work and apply their skills practically, producing evidence that demonstrates mastery of AQF performance criteria for each unit.
Through hands-on practice, professional guidance, and focused assessment discussions, students build portfolios that showcase their competency in areas such as drawing, painting, or creative collaboration, ensuring alignment with industry standards and qualification requirements.
Artistic Skills Studio Sessions – Content Overview
These hands-on, atelier-style small group classes combine tutor demonstrations and one-on-one guidance.
The focus on skill development in artistic disciplines such as drawing, painting, printmaking, jewellery/object design, and photography/digital art.
Students produce works to demonstrate capability against AQF Unit of Competency performance criteria and build a body of work for portfolios or exhibitions.
Delivery:
Primarily in-studio, with online options available.
Standard session duration: 2 hours.
Timetable: Flexible scheduling options, including evening and Friday sessions, to accommodate diverse student needs.
View full timetable at https://sydneyartschool.com.au/master-timetable/.
Professional Practice Lectures – Content Overview
These lectures provide supplementary material covering essential industry topics, including:
- Health and safety (e.g., studio safety protocols).
- Colour theory, art culture, and history.
- Business and marketing skills, such as promoting work, building a personal brand, and using platforms like Instagram or Meta.
- Exhibition and curation skills, including writing artist statements and preparing portfolios for galleries or clients.
- Workplace skills, aligning with units like CUAIND311 (Work effectively in the creative arts industry).
- Participation in the annual student group exhibition is a key component, fostering collaboration and industry-relevant experience.
Delivery:
In-studio and online, with recorded sessions available for enrolled students.
Timetable: Tuesdays, 9:30–11:30 AM.
Unit of Competency Tutorials – Content Overview
These tutorials provide focused discussions on AQF Unit of Competency performance criteria, assessment tasks, and documentation requirements.
They are designed to supports students in completing workbooks and meeting competency standards.
Delivery:
In-studio and online, with recorded sessions available.
Timetable: Thursdays, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM.
Time Commitment
A full time qualification is scheduled to be completed over 4 x 8 week terms. Additional terms may be enrolled in if required.
Full-time students usually allocate approximately 20 hours per week over each 8-week term, including studio sessions, lectures, tutorials, and self-directed learning in Sydney Art School studios or home studios.
Example in Practice
During each term, a full-time student might:
- Attend each week 4 x 2-hour Artistic Skills Studio Sessions to develop technical skills (e.g., drawing or painting)
- Participate in the weekly Professional Practice Lecture to learn about exhibition curation or art marketing.
- Join Unit of Competency Tutorials to understand assessment requirements for specific units like CUADRA401 or CUAIND311.
- Complete self-directed tasks, such as creating portfolio pieces or documenting competencies, in their own time either in the SAS Studio or their personal home studio.
Why Choose the Flexible Learning Model?
- Tailored to You: Accommodates diverse schedules and skill levels, with evening, Friday, and online options to suit your needs.
- Comprehensive Support: Combines hands-on studio work, professional lectures, and focused tutorials to ensure success in AQF qualifications.
- Career Preparation: Builds skills and portfolios for further study (e.g., Certificate IV, Diploma of Visual Art) or creative industry careers, culminating in a professional group exhibition.
Join us at Sydney Art School to experience flexible, learner-focused training and unlock your creative potential. Visit our Master Timetable (https://sydneyartschool.com.au/master-timetable/) to explore session options or contact us to discuss how our programs align with your goals.
