Give your students a head start on a career in the Entertainment Industry!
CDW Studios is an internationally recognised school for visual effects and entertainment design. We are passionate about teaching the next generation of artists and believe the best way to help them achieve success in their future careers is to demystify the industry and provide them with solid artistic foundations as early as possible.
We provide secondary, tertiary and private study programs Australia-wide, with a strong focus on middle and senior school students who are interested in pursuing art as a career. We want students to always feel like they are achieving wins and moving towards their goals while having fun in a practical learning environment. Our classes are all taught by industry professionals and are project-based to allow students to build their knowledge as well as their portfolios.
Our programs are designed to be both flexible and collaborative to work inside your existing curriculum or provide extension studies to schools that are interested in fast-track programs.
Available Programs
High Schools Extension Studies Programs
We are now offering Extension Studies Programs in conjunction with Flinders University and two South Australian based schools, Thebarton Senior College (Torrensville) and Trinity College (Gawler). These programs give Year 12 students the chance to complete two Flinders University topics and learn directly from industry professionals in a school setting. Successful completion of both topics is a direct pathway into the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Visual Effects & Entertainment Design) and provides credits towards the first year of the degree, helping students transition smoothly into university study. In addition to the extension studies programs, we also partner with Thebarton Senior College to deliver a Cert III in Screen & Media. This also acts as a pathway into tertiary studies. Students outside of these schools are invited to apply for Extension Studies at Thebarton Senior College and Trinity College.
There are a few pathways students can take to enrol:
- Students can enrol in the extension studies courses as a stand-alone ATAR pathway.
This is a great opportunity to get a high ATAR grade. However, with this option, students cannot enrol in the following SACE topics: Creative Arts, Visual Arts Design, Visual Arts Art, Digital Communication or Digital Technologies.
- Students can enrol into the SACE Creative Arts with the Flinders units embedded into the creative arts assessment.
By choosing this pathway students are able to study Creative Arts, Visual Arts Design, Visual Arts Art, Digital Communication or Digital Technologies courses but will not be able to count the Flinders results in their ATAR Calculation.
- Students can do the Flinders University course and top up with SACE subjects including the above precluded subjects.
Students who choose this pathway will qualify with SACE but not provide eligibility for an ATAR.
Essential Information
Full year, with weekly feedback sessions.
Online
On Application
See below for enquiries
Beginning of School Year
Computer/laptop, software (student discounts apply)
If you're interested in learning more about Extension Studies offered at:
Thebarton Senior College contact Kayla Marshall at kayla.marshall284@schools.sa.edu.au
Trinity College, contact Alix Rogerson via rogersal@trinity.sa.edu.au or contact reception (08) 8522 0666
University Senior College - Adelaide University, contact Adam Rogers via adam.rogers@adelaide.edu.au
Interested in an Extension Studies Program or VET course at your school?
If you have 10 or more students who are interested in participating in the Extension Studies programs we offer, you may wish to talk to us about developing a program at your school. This program is available nationally. We are also always happy to speak with schools about working together to deliver VET courses and alternative pathways for students.
For more information please contact Zoe Doherty-Dawson at zoe@cdwstudios.com
High School Visits & Demonstrations
We offer high schools FREE one-off presentations, either on-location at one of our CDW Studios facilities (Adelaide, Melbourne & Sydney), remote via video conferencing, or at the high school themselves*.
These presentations cover exactly what the Visual Effects & Entertainment Design Industry is about and provides information on the courses we have on offer for your students. Presentations can include a live digital painting demo by an industry professional and a Q&A session with students. Schools that participate also receive a Holiday Workshop voucher for a promising student, valued at $120. These presentations are a great way to:
- Give students a taste for what it is like working in the film and game industry
- Inform students about study pathways and options
- provide an opportunity for students to interact directly with industry professionals
- introduce students to industry standard and open source software programs.
These presentations are also a great opportunity for teachers to find out how our programs could work in the classroom and explore how industry teaching and partnerships can complement the curriculum.
*If this presentation is being held at your school we will need to confirm what hardware and software we will have access to.
Essential Information
Approximately 40 minutes to One Hour.
Any High School Year 9 and Above
In Person or Online
By Appointment
Any of our major stream topics can be selected during the booking process.
Computer suite or laptops available to students.
Please direct all enquiries to info@cdwstudios.com or use the contact form at the bottom of the page.
Designer in Residence
For high schools that are interested in having CDW provide ongoing education in the classroom, we run a program called ‘Designer in Residence’.
In consultation with you, CDW creates a bespoke curriculum that will enhance your students' learning in a variety of areas. We then provide weekly classes taught by industry professionals, directly to your classroom. This program is available both in person and online via video conference.
Our Designer in Residence program can cover a variety of areas including concept art, character design, 2D or 3D animation, 3D modeling and digital painting.
Students will uncover tricks and techniques and upskill using industry software. This is a great way for students to interact with professional artists and get targeted feedback on their work.
Our Designer in Residence program includes:
- Industry professionals directly teaching your students either online or in person
- Flexible delivery to suit your timetable and curriculum
- Bespoke learning programs specific to your students
- Individual and group projects
- Short and long term residencies available
Essential Information
Flexible, term engagements or weekly intensives.
Any High School Years 9 and Above
In Person & Online. Regional options available.
Throughout the school year
On Application
Computer/laptop, software (student discounts apply)
Please direct all enquiries to info@cdwstudios.com or use the contact form at the bottom of the page.
High School Instructor Demos
Benefits for Schools
- Industry Instructors
All of our instructors are working in industry, so they know what tools are relevant today and what employers are looking for. Students get to learn from their experience, ask questions and see first-hand what careers are available.
- Practical Learning
The best way to learn is by doing and the best way to engage students is for them to see rapid improvement in their work. All of our lessons are hands-on and are filled with tricks and techniques to show students how to improve their art.
- University Pathways
Many of our programs provide alternate pathways into university to help students work to their strengths. These programs are available both for high school and mature age students.
- Project Based
Our programs are project based but broken down into easily followed components. Students get to see their work come together over time and develop pieces for their portfolio.
- Engaging Course Structure
Our courses are built to be fun and engaging! By leveraging the excitement around film and video games, students learn art fundamentals while connecting their learning to other activities they love.
- Highly Collaborative
Our programs are designed to be flexible so they can work within your existing timetable and curriculum. We offer classes that are “ready to go” but we love working with teachers to find the right solution for your classroom and your students.
Available Topics
2D Animation
3D Animation
3D Modelling
Character Design
Concept Art
Digital Painting
Digital Sculpting
VFX
Speak with CDW About Your School Today
CDW Studios is committed to helping teachers and students find exciting educational pathways that work for you.
We are available via phone, skype, or on campus. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us and we will get back to you shortly!