The Arts Learning Area at Damascus College enables students to develop their creative and expressive capacities by learning about the different practices, disciplines and traditions that have shaped the expression of culture locally, nationally, and globally.

At Damascus Year 7 and 8 students are provided with the opportunity to participate in Art, Visual Communication Design, Drama and Music. Year 9,10, 11 and 12, can choose from Visual and Performing Art electives, including Art, Studio Arts Photography, Visual Communication Design, Media, Drama, Music and Music Performance.

Each subject provides students with hands-on experience within the different creative fields, allowing students to explore their passions and future pathway opportunities.

Music and drama performance evenings are held throughout the year for students to showcase their talents, whilst VCE Art, Studio Arts Photography, Visual Communication Design, Media, students are given the opportunity to display their work in a formal end-of-year exhibition. These events allow parents, staff, students, and the wider Damascus community to celebrate students’ achievements and provide students with real-world industry experience.

The Arts Learning Area also offers growth opportunities outside the classroom, including Drama club, Improvisational workshops, Drumming, Art club, lunchtime Musical performances, and the annual School Productions.

The College is also excited to welcome a new member of staff to lead the Arts team, Naomi Olthof (pictured below), and she is the Learning Area Leader, Arts. Naomi completed a bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts & Multimedia and later completed a Diploma of Education before securing a role at Lakeview Senior College, Caroline Springs. Whist at Lakeview she taught Media and VCD and worked in various roles as a Head of Arts, Year 10 Coordinator and Acting Wellbeing and Student Engagement Leading Teacher.

Welcome to Damascus Naomi, and we look forward to exciting times ahead for students engaging in Arts subjects at Damascus.