Artsmedia Specialist Program Overview

Delivered in partnership with university and industry partners, the Specialist Program in Artsmedia provides students with in-depth industry knowledge and technology, developing their skills in visual arts, digital design, film and television, photography, and journalism.

Artsmedia students collaborate with educators, artists, galleries, and tertiary institutions, including Murdoch University, North Metropolitan TAFE, and Edith Cowan University, as well as industry partners, gaining:

– Practical, insider knowledge and guidance from qualified specialists
– Confidence and high-level skills as job-ready creatives with a working knowledge of industry standards
– Tertiary and vocational connections, giving increased access to university or training organisations
– Excursions, camps, tours, and participation in real-life projects, collaborations and exhibitions
– Academic and creative extension and challenge, inspiring talented students to discover and achieve their potential

Secondary School Creative Pathways

The Artsmedia Course runs as an accelerated academic stream throughout lower school, catering to students in Years 7 to 10. Over four years, students learn and understand key concepts of Visual Art, Design and Media, with the course covering both practical (making) and written (responding) aspects of Arts curriculum to a high standard.

After completing the course in Year 10, Specialist Artsmedia students are given the opportunity to explore both academic and vocational streams of creative study in upper school (Years 11 & 12). This includes ATAR pathways for direct entry to university, general courses in art or design, and nationally recognised certifications in creative industries, which give students direct pathways to tertiary study or future employment after high school.

Completing Governor Stirling Senior High School’s Approved Specialist Artsmedia Program helps gifted and talented students to unlock their potential, pursue their passions through further education and employment, and achieve the advanced skills and experience required to confidently succeed in their field.

Artsmedia Specialist Program Coordinator Bio

Sylvia Sippl is a multidisciplinary artist and educator, passionate about providing engaging and accessible learning experiences for all students.
Graduating from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Education, Ms Sippl has been working professionally in both visual and performing arts spaces for over 15 years. Ms Sippl’s unique range of experience in the creative industries deeply impacts her professional practice: whether in the classroom, in the gallery, or on the stage.

A true “all-rounder”, Ms Sippl has industry experience as an award-winning visual artist, musician, theatrical performer, public speaker and event manager. Ms Sippl has produced artworks for exhibition, commission and display around Perth and beyond, including drawings, murals, paintings, digital artworks and performance art pieces. As the former manager of an award-winning performing arts studio, she has coordinated countless classes, large-scale concerts and events, as well as national and international tours and competitions, all while continuing to teach disciplines including visual art, graphic design, piano, voice, music theory & aural skills, drama & acting, and musical theatre. This breadth of industry experience has allowed Ms Sippl to plan and deliver highly engaging programs to students of all ages, focusing on giving students unforgettable real-world experiences in The Arts regardless of their age or ability.

Having served as Year Coordinator at Governor Stirling SHS for two years, and as a former Gifted and Talented secondary student herself, Ms Sippl places significant importance on supporting Pastoral Care for students. Sippl is particulary passionate about providing care, support and guidance to students tackling challenges like GAT or ATAR courses, learning to balance their personal life with their school workload, and maintaining good mental health practices while going through secondary schooling. Sippl is co-coordinator of the QC lunchtime club providing a welcoming space for diverse students, and cares deeply about supporting accessibility, intersectionality and social justice both in and out of school.

Stepping into the role of Artsmedia Coordinator in 2025, Ms Sippl has maintained the excellent standards of the reputable Approved Specialist Program, aligning closely with its goal to expose students to a wide range of creative industry pathways – whether academic or vocational – offering extension and inspiration to students who are passionate about The Arts. Each year Ms Sippl ensures Artsmedia students have multiple opportunities for extension beyond the classroom, with multiple excursions offered throughout the school year, as well as the annual Arts Showcase exhibition held in the school’s state-of-the-art exhibition space. Having personally experienced the benefits of multiple school camps and tours herself, Ms Sippl also creates opportunities to broaden Artsmedia students’ horizons far beyond their school environment: each year alternating between an Year 7-10 Artsmedia Camp, and a Senior Artsmedia Interstate Tour – ensuring that students have unique opportunities to experience the world beyond their classroom, sparking inspiration and creating life-long memories and connections. Ms Sippl now has many former students who have gone on to experience great success as professional visual artists and performers, with some following in her footsteps to become the next generation of inspiring Arts educators. Over the coming years as Artsmedia Coordinator, Ms Sippl looks forward to continuing to build and maintain the strong network of creative students and alumni at Governor Stirling Senior High School.

Artsmedia Specialist Program Entry Requirements

Entry into the Artsmedia Specialist Program is through a formal selection process. Students apply directly to the school via the online application form below. Upon application, please provide a copy of the student’s most recent school report, Year 5 NAPLAN results, relevant certificates of achievement, as well as a letter of reference from the student’s Year 6 teacher.

Limited places are still available. Testing for round 2 is now open. Applicants are to complete a selection test on Thursday, 27 August 2026, at 9.00am (approximately one hour duration). Register prior to this date to apply. Students will be notified of the outcome of their test via email. Students who successfully complete the selection test are then required to submit a portfolio of work and attend an in-person interview with the Artsmedia Coordinator.

Portfolio Requirements:

– A cover page with name, address, phone number, and attending primary school.
– A minimum of three (3) and no more than ten (10) examples of visual art and/or media work completed by the student in the last 12 months, presented either in hard-copy format, digital format on USB, or a combination of the two.

Creative portfolio works may include, but are not limited to, painting, drawing, digital or graphic design, photography, creative writing (one example), or recordings/evidence of 3D sculpture, ceramics, textiles, animation, game design, podcast or film-making. Please note that portfolios are presented in person on interview day, with students invited to discuss their work and the production process they undertook in detail. Students are encouraged to present works that demonstrate their technical strengths and skills as well as their creativity and imagination. Digital submissions such as short films may be displayed on a student’s own device (no wi-fi access available), or provided on USB to be viewed on a school device during the interview.

Students apply to join the Artsmedia Specialist Program the year before commencement (i.e., apply in Year 6 for entry in Year 7). Year 5 students may register their interest to receive information about future places, and current Governor Stirling Senior High School Students may express interest in late entry to the program by contacting the school directly on (08) 6274 0300 at any time of year.