The Catalyst program is an exciting new addition to the curriculum in Year 10 at MLMC this year. The program runs on Wednesday afternoons and it allows students to choose between EISM Sport, Visual Arts, Performing Arts and STEM, aiming to create a space for students to be coached rather than taught in a field of their choosing.
In the Visual Arts Catalyst program, students are allowed to work solo or in groups using any art or design medium. The only requirements of the course are that they must follow a design process that includes exploring techniques and ideas as they work towards an end-of-semester exhibition. The work will not be assessed and is designed to accentuate the intrinsic benefits of learning.
The students seem to be loving the program and flourishing under the flexible guidelines. We have students working in a vast array of mediums including drawing, painting, printmaking, clay, digital art, photography and videography.
Here are some reflections from the students who have been taking part in the program:
I enjoy that I can freely express my artistic ability without it being a stressful and strictly structured classroom. There are many different mediums to choose from and lots of time in class to create art. I also like that there is nothing to be harshly marked and just evaluated and looked at. There are lots of positive vibes in the classroom and just a really good place to be where I can have enjoyment.
— Ai Bainbridge (Year 10 Silver)
I am enjoying the freedom of this program. I don't have to worry about fitting criteria, I can just create what I want.
— Alexis Bush (Year 10 Silver)
Catalyst is fun and stress-free.
— Charlotte Donovan (Year 10 Purple)
This class have given me so many opportunities to experiment with different mediums.
— Sinead Francis (Year 10 Red)
I enjoy the freedom that we have been given to create anything that we would like to. I like the fact that there is no set work for us to accomplish, rather it is whatever comes to our minds.
— Ava Griffin (Year 10 Jade)
I am really enjoying how Catalyst is such a hands-on program. I've always loved being creative freely, and doing this every Wednesday has been a stress reliever for me.
— Ava Licciardi (Year 10 Jade)
It is incredibly relaxing. I like that I have a choice on whether or not to do physical activity. It’s fun getting to be creative and it's a good wind-down from a hard day having to use all my brain power.
— Lillian Lucas (Year 10 Silver)
This program is a great way for the more creative students who are willing to try something new and express themselves in different ways. It has been a great way for me to enhance my skills and give me freedom in an environment I love.
— Leonilda Parrella (Year 10 Red)
What I enjoy about the program is that it is very freeing and we are able to do what we want and adaptable to all our different styles of art. It is also a nice way to be social with friends and a good way to learn a new style of art.
— Emily Spence (Year 10 Jade)
I enjoy the freedom to create what I want.
— Noah Tarulli (Year 10 Silver)
I enjoy trying new things that I never thought I would have enjoyed. I had never done pottery before, now I love it and I'm doing a whole project on it.
— Patrick Van Der Linden (Year 10 Gold)
