Page 7 - Art Attack Gr 9 LB SKU1007

As you will learn this year, Design form part of the visual language, it is an information
technology and a form of expression. Each one of us makes Design related decisions every day,
without even being aware of it. You create your hairstyle, the outfit you will wear and you even
balance the proportions of your sandwiches (or make sure your mom does) so that you do not
get embarrassed at break time. Design creates the clothes we wear, the cars we drive and the
memories we cherish in photographic form. Design produces the movies we watch, the computer
games we play as well as the websites we visit.

The Arts has an important role to play in our lives. Knowing all this you can no longer say that it is
irrelevant, boring and a waste of time - I am sure you will agree with us that Creative Arts is a
relevant and an important field of study. In Grade 8, you have been introduced to the basics in the
disciplines of visual arts and design. Hopefully, you still remember the art elements and design
principles which designers and artists use to communicate with the world. We will now continue our
journey of development and exploration into this exciting world of visual culture.
Grade Nine is a particularly important year, as during the year you will start to think about which
subjects you will take in the FET phase of your school career. This is an important decision as
your subject choice will direct your future path in tertiary education or in the working world yet do
not put too much pressure on yourself. Don’t start freaking out because you haven’t got a clue
which subjects to take- you still have lots of time to decide but you need to start working towards
the decision. Start the process by analysing which of your current subjects you enjoy the most
and are achieving the highest marks in. Look at your current interests and hobbies- are there
common threads that run through? What advice are knowledgeable and wise people giving you?

With these important facts in mind there is some valuable knowledge we would like to pass on to you
to make sure you do well in Creative Arts Design at the end of this year:
x Make sure you understand what is expected of you for each task - ask questions if you do not
understand properly

x Don’t be shy to ask what you think are “silly questions”- the questions asked the better!
x Don’t be scared to take risks and make mistakes- be courageous and show initiative!
x Complete all the set tasks - if you are absent you must catch up

x Hand your work in on the deadline day - you cannot afford to get penalized. Refer to your
deadline sheet - it is your responsibility to adhere to deadlines
x Do not lose any of your work including your tests, scripts and homework
x You must not start assignments at the last minute - manage your time
x Grade 9 is a demanding year - you must be organized from the beginning- work hard and
consistently

x We expect you to do your best at all times - nothing less! Track your progress on your goal
sheet.

We have planned to do some wild and exciting things this year. As we have to complete a large amount
of work during the year, we need to make sure that we are listening, following the instructions
carefully and obeying the rules. These rules are non-negotiable, and must be obeyed at all times.
You will find a copy of the “Design Rules” over the page. Read through them carefully, making sure
that you are fully aware of all the procedures and regulations.

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