Victoria Erese wants to be a doctor.

But both used their final-year artworks at Narrabundah College to let their imagination run free and foster a different kind of thinking.

''Photography is an interest and one of the subjects I did to get away from all the chemistry and human biology,'' Victoria, 19, said with a laugh.

And the results are stunning.

The pair are among the college's graduating students in graphic design, art and ceramics and dance whose work has been on show.

Narrabundah College's visual and performing arts head teacher, Peter Ranyard, said it was an opportunity for them to show their work in a formal way, and the exhibition always attracted interest, given the school's strong reputation.

''It's a celebration of what they've done,'' he said.

Mr Ranyard said part of the secret to the students' success was their collegial approach to their work, encouraging rather than competing with classmates.

''I think this is a stand-out year. They're really strong,'' he said.

Luke, 18, specialised in traditional Australian landscape painting, trying different techniques and styles.

His exhibition entries included a portrait of his cousin made using nails at different heights to create contours.

He also did a colourful self-portrait made from recycled materials from the tip.

His fellow students had encouraged him to experiment and ''find new ways to create art''.

''One hundred per cent, Narrabundah has been great for me,'' Luke said.

A member of the Canberra Water Polo Academy, Luke said he wanted to concentrate on his sport while also studying architecture.

''I'd like to eventually get on the Australian team and get on an Olympics team,'' he said

Victoria migrated from the Philippines with her parents last year to further her education.

She was back there last month and made the most of the opportunity to complete her photography portfolio.

''It's a series of photographs of things you usually see in the streets of Manila,'' she explained.

''There were things I took for granted when I was there.''

Victoria organised for the gold coin donation entry to the exhibition to be donated to victims of the Philippines typhoon.

She said it was difficult viewing the devastation from afar.

''I still feel like it's home, but I also believe home is the people with you, not necessarily a place,'' she said.