A primary school booklist might ask for crayons, coloured pencils and basic painting materials. Later, a secondary school art class may require a visual art diary, particular brush sizes or materials suited to a specific project. These changes can leave parents wondering which supplies their child actually needs.

This guide explains how art supply requirements can change from primary school to secondary school in Australia, why requirements vary between schools and subjects, and how to choose the right supplies using the current booklist. It is part of our classroom art supplies guide.

Quick answer

Primary school art supplies often include general drawing, colouring and painting materials. In secondary school, requirements may become more specific, depending on the subject, project and school booklist. Students taking a dedicated visual arts elective may need a visual art diary, particular brush sizes or materials selected for specific techniques. The Australian Curriculum allows for broader arts learning in primary school, greater depth in Years 7 and 8, and specialisation in Years 9 and 10. However, the exact supplies students need depend on how their school delivers the curriculum.

How the Australian Curriculum Shapes This Shift

The shift in art supply needs is not arbitrary. It follows directly from how the Australian Curriculum structures arts education.

The Australian Curriculum: The Arts covers five subjects: Dance, Drama, Media Arts, Music and Visual Arts. In primary school, the curriculum allows students to experience these subjects from Foundation to Year 6. In Years 7 and 8, students can study one or more arts subjects in greater depth. In Years 9 and 10, they can specialise in one or more arts subjects. State and territory authorities and individual schools determine how the curriculum is implemented, so these stages do not translate into one identical supply list across Australia. 

This progression, from broad exposure, to deeper experience, to specialisation, explains almost everything about why art supply lists change the way they do.

Key note: Individual schools implement this curriculum differently, and exact booklist requirements vary. This guide describes a general pattern, not a fixed rule every school will follow identically.

Primary School Art Supplies: Broad and Shared

In primary school, Visual Arts is one of five subjects within The Arts learning area. The supplies students need depend on their school's activities, teaching approach and current booklist.

This shapes what gets requested on a typical primary booklist:

• Drawing and colouring tools: Booklists may include crayons, coloured pencils, markers or other materials suited to the student’s age and classroom activities.
• Basic painting materials: Some schools ask families to supply individual brushes or paint, while others provide some materials in class.
• Paper, books and craft supplies: A school may request a scrapbook, drawing book or other paper product, depending on the activities planned.
• Straightforward specifications: Some booklists use general descriptions, while others name a size, quantity or particular product. Follow the wording on the current list.

Our guide to crayons vs oil pastels vs textas covers which of these early tools suit which age within the primary years, since even within primary school, needs shift gradually as motor control develops.

Early Secondary: More Individual, Still General

In Years 7 and 8, students can study one or more arts subjects in greater depth. Depending on the school and subject, booklists may include more specific art materials or individual supplies. However, requirements vary, so students should follow their current school booklist.

Common changes at this stage:

• A visual art diary may be required: Some secondary visual arts courses use a diary to record ideas, experiment with materials and develop artworks. Check the booklist before substituting a scrapbook. See our Scrapbook vs Visual Art Diary guide.
• Brush specifications may become more detailed: A booklist might name a brush number, shape or other feature. Match the stated requirements rather than assuming a particular size is standard. Read our guide to paint brush sizes explained.
• More individual materials may be requested: Students may need drawing tools, pastels, markers or other materials depending on the course and planned activities.
• Requirements depend on the school: Some classes provide materials, while others ask students to bring specific supplies. The current booklist is the best guide.

Senior Secondary Art Electives: Specific and Assessment-Linked

By Years 9 and 10, students may have the option to specialise in Visual Arts through an elective course, depending on their school’s subject offerings. In NSW, the Visual Arts 7–10 syllabus distinguishes between the mandatory course and elective courses. Under the new NSW syllabus scheduled for implementation from 2027, approximately 70% of class time in the mandatory course is allocated to art making and 30% to art critical and historical studies. In the elective course, the proportions are approximately 60% and 40%, respectively. These figures describe the NSW syllabus, not a national rule for every Australian school. 

Depending on the course and school, booklists may specify materials in greater detail: 

• A visual art diary may support ongoing work: Students may use it to develop ideas, test techniques and record their creative process where the course requires it.
• Material requirements can be more precise: A project may specify a brush shape, paper type or particular medium. Check each requirement before buying supplies.
• The range of materials can expand: Depending on the course, students may work with drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media or digital tools.
• Looking after supplies becomes important: Clean and store materials according to their instructions, particularly when students need them across several projects

 Our guide to making classroom art supplies last a whole year covers practical habits for this stage specifically.

A Side-by-Side Comparison

Brush Sizes and Tools Across the Stages

Brush requirements depend on the activity, the medium and the instructions provided by the school. A general booklist may ask for a paintbrush, while a specific project may name a brush number or shape. These details can affect the tool’s suitability, so check the full specification before buying a replacement.

Our EXP 577 No. 16 Paint Brushes and EXP Paint Brushes No. 22 are two options in our range. Compare their specifications with the current booklist to decide whether either product is suitable for the required activity.

Key note: If a school booklist specifies both a brush number and a shape, such as No. 16 round or No. 16 flat, check both details before purchasing. Brush shape affects how the brush performs.

Visual Diaries and Paper Through the Years

Paper and journal requirements follow a similar pattern of increasing specificity.

• Primary school: A school may request a scrapbook, drawing book or another paper product for classroom activities.
• Years 7–8: Some visual arts courses require a dedicated visual art diary for drawing, experimentation and developing ideas.
• Years 9–10: A visual art diary may be used to document and refine work during a course. Check the booklist and paper specifications to confirm the required format.

Our guide to scrapbook vs visual art diary covers exactly which format suits which stage in more depth, including how to tell which one a specific booklist term is actually asking for.

Budgeting for the Shift

Understanding this general progression helps with planning ahead, rather than being caught off guard each year.

• Primary school: Check which supplies are required and whether the school provides any materials.
• Early secondary: Review the full list before buying extra items, particularly if brush sizes, paper products or individual art materials are specified.
• Years 9–10 electives: Budget according to the actual course requirements. Some projects may need specialist materials, while others may use general-purpose supplies.

Buying multi-packs can be useful when several children or a classroom need the same items. However, check the quantity and specifications against the booklist before choosing a bulk pack.

Related Art Supplies at School Stationery Supplies

Our Art & Craft collection includes drawing and painting supplies that may suit different classroom activities. The products below are examples from our range, not a substitute for checking a school’s booklist. Compare each product’s specifications with the required materials before ordering, and confirm current availability on the product page. 

Common Mistakes When Shopping Across Stages

• Using last year’s list without checking: Requirements may change when a student moves to a new year level or subject.
• Guessing the required brush size: Check the brush number and shape if the book list specifies them.
• Substituting a scrapbook for a visual art diary: Confirm the requested format before buying.
• Buying specialist materials too early: Wait until the school confirms which materials the student needs.
• Ignoring pack quantities: Make sure a multi-pack provides the right number and type of supplies for the task.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do art supply requirements change so much between primary and high school?

Art supply requirements can change as students explore different arts subjects and take on more specialised projects. The Australian Curriculum allows for broader arts learning in primary school, greater depth in Years 7 and 8, and specialisation in Years 9 and 10. However, the actual supplies required depend on the school, subject and current booklist. 

Does every high school student need a full individual art kit?

No. Requirements depend on the subjects a student takes and the materials the school provides. Some students may only need basic drawing and painting supplies, while a visual arts elective may require more specific items. Check the school’s current booklist before purchasing a full kit. 

What is the biggest change in art supplies between primary and secondary school?

One possible change is that secondary school booklists may specify materials in more detail, such as a particular brush size, paper format or visual art diary. This is not the same for every school, so use the current booklist to determine what your child needs.

Should I buy expensive art supplies for a primary school student?

Not unless the school requests them. Start with the supplies listed for your child’s year level and choose products that meet those requirements. More expensive or specialist materials are only worth considering when they are needed for a particular activity or course. 

How do I know if my child's school requires a visual art diary or a scrapbook?

Check the exact wording on the booklist, since the two terms are not interchangeable. Our guide to scrapbook vs. visual art diary explains how to tell the difference.

Planning Ahead as Your Child Moves Through School

Art supply needs can change as students move through school, particularly when they begin studying visual arts in greater depth. The best way to prepare is to check each year’s booklist, match products to the stated requirements and avoid buying specialist materials before they are needed.

For more guidance, read our classroom art supplies guide, or browse our Art & Craft collection for drawing and painting supplies.

About the Author: 

The School Stationery Supplies Team publishes practical buying guides for Australian students, parents and teachers. Visit School Stationery Supplies for notebooks, paper, pens and school essentials.

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