Engage your students through our fun, curriculum-linked Creative Arts and Communication workshops. Designed to align with the Australian National Curriculum, these free workshops will teach your students skills relevant to their studies.
Explore our workshops below to see how they link to the curriculum, what your students will learn, and if they're available at our campus, at your school or online. If you'd like to tailor any of the workshops to suit your class, simply get in touch.
Communication
In this lesson, students will acquire fundamental skills and knowledge about podcasting. The focus of this lesson is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the key elements involved in creating and hosting a successful podcast. By the end of the session, students will have learned, Podcast Presentation and Recording skills, Sound Mixing Principles and how to create engaging content for a podcast.
Year group: Years 7–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus
Duration: 90 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 15 students
Study areas:
- Media Arts (Year 9-10)
- ATAR Design (Years 11 & 12)
- Creative Industries (Cert II & III)
Curriculum links:
- Year 9
Media Arts VCAMAR005, VCAMAE007, VCAMAR007 - Year 10
Media Arts VCAMAE001, VCAMAM002, VCAMAR004, VCAMAE005, VCAMAR008, VCAMAM010, VCAMAR012 - Year 11
ATAR Design Units 1 & 2 - Year 12
ATAR Design Units 3 & 4
In this hands-on workshop, students will get a taste of what it’s like to conduct a video interview and then edit it using Adobe Audition. The workshop will familiarise students with the basics of video journalism and how to handle equipment, work from the field and conduct a simple interview with the camera. Back in the studio, students will learn how to conduct a simple digital audio edit.
Year group: Years 10–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus
Duration: 90 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 15 students
Study areas: ATAR Media Production & Analysis (Years 11 & 12)
Curriculum links:
- Year 10
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAM074, ACAMAM075, ACAMAM076, ACAMAR078 - Year 11
ATAR Media Production and Analysis Unit 2 - Year 12
ATAR Media Production and Analysis Unit 4
This workshop helps students generate creative stories and teaches approaches to developing first drafts. Students will respond to each other’s ideas and experiment with alternatives, as they aim to produce an engaging narrative. They will give and respond to feedback from others and use creative writing strategies that can be expanded and developed back in the classroom.
Year group: Years 8–10
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus
Duration: 60 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 20 students
Study areas: English (Year 8–10)
Curriculum links:
- Year 8
English ACELA1547, ACELT1627, ACELY1733, ACELY1736, ACELY1810 - Year 9
English ACELA1553, ACELA1557, ACELA1561, ACELT1634, ACELT1636, ACELT1772, ACELY1746, ACELY1747 - Year 10
English ACELA1569, ACELA1570, ACELA1571, ACELT1640, ACELT1642, ACELT1643, ACELT1814, ACELT1815, ACELY1757
The world of social media is full of fake news and it is the job of a journalist to be able to spot a hoax and find the real story. In this workshop, we will look at the tricks and tools used to spot fake photographs and videos.We will discuss which sources are trustworthy and how journalists can unearth harder-to-find stories using simple investigative skills. If time allows, we will look at Freedom of Information laws and how journalists can use them to hold government officials to account.
Year group: Years 11–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus or at your school
Duration: 60 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 15 students
Study areas: ATAR Media Production & Analysis (Years 11 & 12)
Curriculum links:
- Year 11
ATAR Media Production & Analysis Unit 2 - Year 12
ATAR Media Production Unit 4
The world will always need storytellers. In this workshop, students will learn the craft of writing a news article. They will be introduced to the process of finding a story, what a news angle looks like and how to structure stories using the inverted pyramid format. This workshop will be an introduction to journalism and will give students hands-on experience in writing news. Come ready to put your writing skills to the test!
Year group: Years 10–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus, at your school or online
Duration: 60 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 15 students
Study areas:
- English (Year 10)
- Media Arts (Year 10)
- ATAR English (Year 11 & 12)
- ATAR Media Production & Analysis (Year 11 & 12)
Curriculum links:
- Year 10
English ACELT1641, ACELT 1643, ACELT1815, ACELY1750, ACELY1813, ACELY1756
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAM074 - Year 11
ATAR English Units 1 & 2
ATAR Media Production & Analysis Unit 2 - Year 12
ATAR English Units 3 & 4
ATAR Media Production & Analysis Unit 4
This workshop will explore what online personal branding means, the increasingly blurred lines between our private lives and our public persona, the conventions of different social media, and the issues people face as a result of the need to manage their ‘digital footprint’. The workshop will also offer practical help for students in how to create and curate an online identity that represents their character while exploring some critical thought on the increasing commodification of our online personas.
Year group: Years 9–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus
Duration: 60 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 30 students
Study areas:
- English (Years 9 & 10)
- Media Arts (Years 9 & 10)
- ATAR English (Years 11 & 12)
- ATAR Media Production & Analysis (Years 11 & 12)
- Creative Industries (Cert II & III)
Curriculum links:
- Year 9
English ACELY1742, ACELY1745
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAM074, ACAMAM077, ACAMAR078, ACAMAR079 - Year 10
English ACELA1565, ACELT1641, ACELT1643, ACELT1812, ACELT1814, ACELT1815, ACELY1749
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAM074, ACAMAM077, ACAMAR078, ACAMAR079 - Year 11
ATAR English Unit 1 & 2
ATAR Media Production & Analysis Unit 1 - Year 12
ATAR English Unit 3 & 4
ATAR Media Production & Analysis Unit 4
This workshop will unpack the approaches of activists and advocates on social media, using case studies and a hands-on approach that digs deep into the social impact of social media. Social media has only been part of our lives for little more than 15 years. Yet, it has irrevocably changed how we communicate, affecting governments, big businesses and not-for-profits while challenging some of society’s major institutions. Social movements, once relying on street protests, stunts, printed posters, mainstream media and on-the-ground activism are now adept at garnering support through hashtags, livestreaming, likes and engagement, to name just a few tactics. Social media strategies and tactics by advocates and activists in the battleground for public opinion and the results of their campaigns will be interrogated.
Year group: Years 9–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus
Duration: 60 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 30 students
Study areas:
- English (Years 9 & 10)
- Media Arts (Years 9 & 10)
- ATAR English (Years 11 & 12)
- ATAR Media Production and Analysis (Years 11 & 12)
Curriculum links:
- Year 9
English ACELY1742, ACELY1745
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAM074, ACAMAM077, ACAMAR078, ACAMAR079 - Year 10
English ACELA1564, ACELA1565, ACELT1641, ACELT1643, ACELT1812, ACELY1749
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAM074, ACAMAM077, ACAMAR078, ACAMAR079 - Year 11
ATAR English Unit 1 & 2
ATAR Media Production and Analysis Unit 1 - Year 12
ATAR English Unit 3 & 4
ATAR Media Production and Analysis Unit 4
Games art and design
In this workshop, students will learn how to create their very own 3D character animation. This class has been designed for secondary school students starting out as beginners. Students will complete the session with a copy of their animated characters on a USB.
Year group: Years 9–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus or at your school
Duration: 60 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 15 students
Study areas:
- Media Arts (Years 9 & 10)
- Visual Arts (Years 9 & 10)
- ATAR Media Production and Analysis (Years 11 & 12)
- ATAR Visual Arts (Years 11 & 12)
- Creative Industries (Cert II & III)
Curriculum links:
- Year 9
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAM075
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM129 - Year 10
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAM075
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM129 - Year 11
ATAR Media Production and Analysis Unit 1; ATAR Visual Arts Units 1 & 2 - Year 12
ATAR Media Production and Analysis Unit 3
ATAR Visual Arts Units 3 & 4
This workshop will introduce students to skills and techniques used for digital painting in Photoshop through developing their own character design. By the end of the session, each student will have a basic understanding of how to navigate the program and will learn a simple approach to designing and drawing characters that are used by industry professionals.
Year group: Years 9–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus, at your school or online
Duration: 60 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 15 students
Study areas:
- Media Arts (Years 9 & 10)
- Visual Arts (Years 9 & 10)
- ATAR Media Production and Analysis (Years 11 & 12)
- ATAR Visual Arts (Years 11 & 12)
- Creative Industries (Cert II & III)
Curriculum links:
- Year 9
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAM075
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM129 - Year 10
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAM075
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM129 - Year 11
ATAR Media Production and Analysis Unit 1
ATAR Visual Arts Units 1 & 2 - Year 12
ATAR Media Production and Analysis Unit 3
ATAR Visual Arts Units 3 & 4
Pixel Art is probably one of the most simple art styles, however creating a compelling design can sometimes be challenging. This workshop will teach students about the history of Pixel Art in game design and show them how to use this knowledge to create their own retro self-portrait or design of their favourite character using the website Pixilart.
Year group: Years 9–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus, at your school or online
Duration: 60 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 15 students
Study areas:
- Media Arts (Years 9 & 10)
- Visual Arts (Years 9 & 10)
- ATAR Media Production and Analysis (Years 11 & 12)
- ATAR Visual Arts (Years 11 & 12)
- Creative Industries (Cert II & III)
Curriculum links:
- Year 9
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAM075
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM129 - Year 10
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAM075
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM129 - Year 11
ATAR Media Production and Analysis Unit 1
ATAR Visual Arts Units 1 & 2 - Year 12
ATAR Media Production and Analysis Unit 3
ATAR Visual Arts Units 3 & 4
Low polygon (or low poly) effects and patterns are used in almost all visual communication fields today. From interior design, web design, graphic design and interface design, the low poly effect turns complex surfaces into simplified faceted 3D forms. This workshop will help students to think about the underlying structure and forms of surfaces and objects. Students will use images of animals, humans or themselves to create a low poly portrait using Adobe Illustrator.
Year group: Years 10–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus
Duration: 60 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 15 students
Study areas:
- Media Arts (Year 10)
- Visual Arts (Year 10)
- ATAR Media Production and Analysis (Years 11 & 12)
- ATAR Visual Arts (Years 11 & 12)
- Creative Industries (Cert II & III)
Curriculum links:
- Year 10
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAM075, ACAMAR078
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM127, ACAVAM129 - Year 1
ATAR Media Production and Analysis Unit 1
ATAR Visual Arts Units 1 & 2 - Year 12
ATAR Media Production and Analysis Unit 3
ATAR Visual Arts Units 3 & 4
Graphic design
Design thinking is a practice that involves rethinking how we approach problems of any kind, for any project. It focuses on exploring the underlying core issues of project problems through creative and game-oriented methods. Participants in this session will be introduced to design methods involving play to investigate, redefine and understand how problems are generated and therefore, learn how to approach them effectively. Big business, government and socially-driven organisations are applying these radical techniques to rethink how we might improve the way we live around the globe.
Year group: Years 9–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus
Duration: 60 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 15 students
Study areas:
- Visual Arts (9 & 10)
- Design & Technology (Year 9 & 10)
- ATAR Visual Arts (Years 11 & 12)
- ATAR Design (Years 11 & 12)
- Creative Industries (Cert II & III)
Curriculum links:
- Year 9
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM127, ACAVAM128, ACAVAM129
Design and Technologies ACTDEK040, WATPPS54, WATPPS55, WATPPS56, WATPPS57 - Year 10
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM127, ACAVAM128, ACAVAM129
Design and Technologies ACTDEK040, ACTDEK041, WATPPS61, WATPPS62, WATPPS63, WATPPS64, WATPPS65 - Year 11
ATAR Visual Arts Units 1 & 2
ATAR Design Units 1 & 2 - Year 12
ATAR Visual Arts Units 3 & 4
ATAR Design Units 3 & 4
Ideation is the design process of developing project concepts using creative methods such as sketching, prototyping, brainstorming and many other thought-provoking strategies. During this workshop, participants will engage in creative techniques for producing bold, innovative ideas that can literally change the world!
Year group: Years 9–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus
Duration: 60 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 30 students
Study areas:
- Visual Arts (Year 10
- ATAR Visual Arts (Years 11 & 12)
- ATAR Design (Years 11 & 12)
- Creative Industries (Cert II & III)
Curriculum links:
- Year 9
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM128, ACAVAM129 - Year 10
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM128, ACAVAM129 - Year 11
ATAR Visual Arts Units 1 & 2
ATAR Design Units 1 & 2 - Year 12
ATAR Visual Arts Units 3 & 4
ATAR Design Units 3 & 4
What we design affects the people that interact with it. Understanding those human interactions are essential for the development of innovative and sustainable designs. This workshop explores methods to identify the diversity of stakeholders connected to any design project and how to drive design towards enhancing these human experiences.
Year group: Years 9–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus
Duration: 60 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 20 students
Study areas:
- Visual Arts (Year 9-10)
- Media Arts (Year 9-10)
- ATAR Visual Arts (Years 11 & 12)
- ATAR Design (Years 11 & 12)
- Creative Industries (Cert II & III)
Curriculum links:
- Year 9
Media Arts: ACAMAM073, ACAMAR078, ACAMAM076, ACAMAR079
Visual Arts: ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM128, ACAVAM129 - Year 10
Media Arts: ACAMAR078, ACAMAM073, ACAMAR078, ACAMAR079
Visual Arts: ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM128, ACAVAM129 - Year 11
ATAR
Visual Arts Units 1 & 2
ATAR Design Units 1 & 2 - Year 12
ATAR
Visual Arts Units 3 & 4
ATAR Design Units 3 & 4
Prototyping is an essential way to play, explore and invent new products and services. Prototypes are used for many sectors and are made in various ways to predict how products and services might function once developed. This workshop invites participants to engage in exciting methods for developing prototypes which are commonly used in industry.
Year group: Years 9–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus
Duration: 60 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 20 students
Study areas:
- Visual Arts (Year 9-10)
- Media Arts (Year 9-10)
- ATAR Visual Arts (Years 11 & 12)
- ATAR Design (Years 11 & 12)
- Creative Industries (Cert II & III)
Curriculum links:
- Year 9
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAR078, ACAMAM076, ACAMAR079
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM128, ACAVAM129 - Year 10
Media Arts ACAMAR078, ACAMAM073, ACAMAR078, ACAMAR079
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM128, ACAVAM129 - Year 11
ATAR Visual Arts Units 1 & 2
ATAR Design Units 1 & 2 - Year 12
ATAR Visual Arts Units 3 & 4
ATAR Design Units 3 & 4
Testing is an essential process of product and service delivery. Without testing, we have no idea of understanding whether our concepts will succeed and who they might affect. This workshop offers participants strategies for testing concept ideas and refining prototypes to ensure that what is launched will succeed and why!
Year group: Years 9–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus
Duration: 60 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 20 students
Study areas:
- Visual Arts (Year 9-10)
- Media Arts (Year 9-10)
- ATAR Visual Arts (Years 11 & 12)
- ATAR Design (Years 11 & 12)
- Creative Industries (Cert II & III)
Curriculum links:
- Year 9
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAR078, ACAMAM076, ACAMAR079
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM128, ACAVAM129 - Year 10
Media Arts ACAMAR073, ACAMAM076, ACAMAR078, ACAMAR079
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM128, ACAVAM129 - Year 11
ATAR Visual Arts Units 1 & 2
ATAR Design Units 1 & 2 - Year 12
ATAR Visual Arts Units 3 & 4
ATAR Design Units 3 & 4
Deep problem investigation can be like a can of worms with many unforeseen project issues coming to the surface. Project scoping is a way to tame the beast when projects become overwhelming. During this workshop, participants will learn techniques for creating manageable project scopes to ensure that any project is possible and also enjoyable!
Year group: Years 9–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus
Duration: 60 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 20 students
Study areas:
- Visual Arts (Year 9-10)
- Media Arts (Year 9-10)
- ATAR Visual Arts (Years 11 & 12)
- ATAR Design (Years 11 & 12)
- Creative Industries (Cert II & III)
Curriculum links:
- Year 9
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAR078, ACAMAM076, ACAMAR079
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM128, ACAVAM129 - Year 10
Media Arts ACAMAR078, ACAMAM073, ACAMAR078, ACAMAR079
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM128, ACAVAM129 - Year 11
ATAR Visual Arts Units 1 & 2
ATAR Design Units 1 & 2 - Year 12
ATAR Visual Arts Units 3 & 4
ATAR Design Units 3 & 4
Screen production
In this workshop, students will learn the technical aspects of operating a TV studio, including the specific roles found on the studio floor (camera, lighting, floor manager, presenter, talent) and in the control room (director, switcher, sound, auto prompt, video playback). They will work as a team to create a 5-minute live panel show, complete with titles, music and video.
Year group: Years 9–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus
Duration: 120 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 15 students
Study areas:
- Media Arts (Years 9 & 10)
- ATAR Media Production and Analysis (Years 11 & 12)
- Creative Industries (Cert II & III)
Curriculum links:
- Year 9
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAM074, ACAMAM075, ACAMAM077, ACAMAR078 - Year 10
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAM074, ACAMAM075, ACAMAM077, ACAMAR078 - Year 11
ATAR Media Production and Analysis Units 1 & 2 - Year 12
ATAR Media Production and Analysis Unit 4
Writing a short film script can be daunting: the blank digital page glares back in an unashamed defiance that has broken many before you. This workshop introduces the concept of Creative Limitation and provides a solid foundation in film story-telling to help get the ideas flowing. Existing films are analysed in terms of their story structure and characterisation, and methods for successfully seeking inspiration are detailed.
Year group: Years 9–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus or online
Duration: 60 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 15 students
Study areas:
- Media Arts (Years 9 & 10)
- ATAR Media Production & Analysis (Years 11 & 12)
- Creative Industries (Cert II & III)
Curriculum links:
- Year 9
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAM074, ACAMAM075, ACAMAR078, ACAMAR079 - Year 10
Media Arts ACAMAM073, ACAMAM074, ACAMAM075, ACAMAR078, ACAMAR079 - Year 11
ATAR Media Production & Analysis Unit 1 - Year 12
ATAR Media Production & Analysis Unit 3
Photography
In this workshop students will develop innovative design ideas and create photographs of ‘Zombies. With a focus on storytelling through visuals. Students will explore the aesthetics required to create a visually striking image within the genre of the undead. Through this creative journey, participants will develop their artistic skills, experiment with makeup and wardrobe choices to achieve the perfect zombie appearance as well as learning about some of the technical aspects of studio photography. This project encourages students to unleash their imaginations, push the boundaries of their creative potential, and capture the eerie allure of the undead in a captivating visual narrative.
(The zombie photography workshop can be extended into a Graphic Design Poster project where students layout their images into a Zombie poster.)
Year group: Years 9–12
Delivery location: Murdoch University Perth campus
Duration: 90 minutes
Number of students: Maximum of 15 students
Study areas:
- Visual Arts (Year 9-10)
- Media Arts (Year 9-10)
- ATAR Visual Arts (Years 11 & 12)
- ATAR Design (Years 11 & 12)
- Creative Industries (Cert II & III)
Curriculum links:
- Year 9
Media Arts VCAMAE001, VCAMAM002, VCAMAR004, VCAMAE005, VCAMAR008, VCAMAM010, VCAMAR012
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM128, ACAVAM129 - Year 10
Media Arts VCAMAE001, VCAMAM002, VCAMAR004, VCAMAE005, VCAMAR008, VCAMAM010, VCAMAR012
Visual Arts ACAVAM125, ACAVAM126, ACAVAM128, ACAVAM129 - Year 11
ATAR Visual Arts Units 1 & 2
ATAR Design Units 1 & 2 - Year 12
ATAR Visual Arts Units 3 & 4
ATAR Design Units 3 & 4
In photography light painting is a creative technique achieved by using a long exposure in a dark environment, typically with the camera mounted on a tripod. The photographer moves a light source, in front of the camera during the exposure, leaving streaks of light in the resulting image. Artistically, there are many creative possibilities when using a light source to paint any given scene. Light painting can be applied to different subjects in order to create a photographic scene.
Duration: 60 - 90 mins
Study Areas
- ATAR Visual Arts (Year 11 & 12);
- ATAR Media Production & Analysis (Year 11 & 12);
- Creative Industries (Cert II & III)
Maximum Participants: 15
Event Type: Excursions
Year Group: 8,9,10,11,12
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are becoming increasingly ubiquitous, with many AI generated images winning prestigious photography competitions worldwide. This workshop encourages students to think about how AI is being implemented in creative industries and discuss the ethics and morality behind these technologies. Students will also explore some of the newly installed AI components in Photoshop (Adobe Fifefly) to learn how images can be generated from simple text prompts
Duration: 60 minutes
- Media Arts (Year 9 & 10);
- ATAR Visual Arts (Year 11 & 12);
- ATAR Media Production & Analysis (Year 11 & 12);
Creative Industries (Cert II & III)
Maximum Participants: 15
Event Type: Excursions
Year Group: 8,9,10,11,12
Book a workshop
For more information or to book a workshop for your class, email our Outreach team on steven.aldrin@murdoch.edu.au.
