Visual and Performing Arts
This domain tests your ability to teach making, performing and responding in visual arts, music, drama and dance, and to assess creativity fairly.
Core rules
- Visual arts elements: line, shape, colour, texture, form, space and value; principles: pattern, balance, contrast, emphasis and rhythm.
- Music elements: beat, rhythm, pitch, dynamics, tempo, timbre and form.
- Drama: role, tableau, improvisation, voice, movement and audience.
- Dance: body, space, time, energy and relationships.
- The creative process - explore, plan, make, refine, present and reflect - matters as much as the final product.
- Arts integration uses arts to teach another subject without losing arts-specific learning.
- Assess with criteria, process folios, self-reflection and performance rubrics; avoid judging talent.
Worked example
A class creates tableaux of a community scene. Groups freeze in role; the audience describes what they see, then asks what a character might be thinking. The teacher assesses whether the tableau shows clear focus, levels, facial expression and relationship, and whether students can explain their choices. The reasoning: the criteria are observable and teachable, not a vague judgement of whether the scene is good.
Traps
Do not grade only the neatest or most realistic product. Do not use art as filler or a reward for finishing other work. Do not impose a single model for children to copy. Do not assess performance without teaching the criteria and allowing rehearsal. Do not ignore safety in drama trust exercises or materials handling.