The Arts

Grades 9 & 10

Art and Design

This is a two-year course in which students will gain an understanding of the basic elements of art and the principles of design through a range of media and techniques. Exploring both 2 and 3 D projects, students will develop skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics. Relevant art historical and contemporary contexts will be studied.

Drama

This is a two-year performance based course designed to (a) develop understanding and use of techniques in Drama through a variety of activities, (b) develop the students’ understanding of the world around them, and (c) foster individual awareness and group interaction through practical work. Students will be introduced to practitioners and theatre makers from the past as well as exploring contemporary theatre practice through a project based curriculum. Use of multi media is an integral part of the course.

Music

This is a two year practical course consisting of (a) the development of performance skills (b) composition (c) listening skills and (d) the study of set works. The set works could be from classical/romantic periods, world music, musicals or film soundtracks. Students will also have the opportunity to work on digital compositions. There are no pre requisites for taking this subject. Assessment is based on coursework but will include a final written exam.

Grades 11 & 12

IB Visual Arts (Standard Level)

This is a two-year course consisting of investigative workbooks containing ongoing visual and written investigation, experimentation and contextual studies. The two year course culminates in an exhibition. The examiner visits and interviews each student about his or her work. Final assessment 60% studio projects, 40% investigative workbook.

IB Visual Arts (Higher Level)

This is also a two-year course much the same as IB Standard Level except that a total of 240 hours instead of 150 hours of study take place. There is also an increased expectation in the amount of work and depth of study proportionate to the additional time.

IB Theatre (Standard Level)

This is a two-year course consisting of the study of (a) theatre in the making (b) theatre in the world (c) theatre in performance.

The Research Investigation and a Practical Performance Proposal (Externally Assessed 50%); Theatre Performance and Production Presentation and an Independent Project Portfolio (Internally Assessed 50%) are the final assessment tasks for the IB Diploma.

These assessment tasks evaluate the level of attainment by the student in the key objectives of the course. It is hoped that the student of Theatre can demonstrate knowledge of theatre traditions from more than one culture, critically evaluate performances, understand production elements and theatre practices, create performances, reflect upon their success, research and analyse texts as well as be aware of the complex process of theatre from concept to post –production analysis.

To gain success in this subject the students must be self –motivated and have the capacity to work both individually and collaboratively as part of an ensemble. Students must also be prepared to explore different roles within the making of theatre e.g. actor, director, technician and designer.

IB Theatre (Higher Level)

As for IB Standard Level except that word lengths for projects, time lengths for presentations, and performance requirements are extended for Higher Level.

IB Music (Standard Level)

A two-year course consisting of the study of music from 1650 to the present day, a brief overview of World Music and the study of two set works. The course also consists of the development of either composing skills or performing skills-including group choir, bands and solo performance. Students are also required to prepare a musical investigation of approx. 2000 words based on a topic of their choice. Final Assessment: 50% composing or performance, 20% musical investigation and 30% listening paper based on the music from 1650 to the present day and two questions on the set work.

IB Music (Higher Level)

A two-year course consisting of the study of music from 1650 until the present day, a brief overview of World Music and the study of two set works. A further component is the development of composing and performing skills. Students are also required to prepare a musical investigation of approximately 2000 words based on a topic of their choice. Final Assessment: 50% Examination, 25% Composing and 25% Performance.

IB Film (Standard Level)

IB Film is a two-year course that focuses on Film history, theory, analysis and all aspects of Film production. The IB grade awarded to a Film student will be based on the following: 1) an Independent Study in the form of a documentary script on any aspect of film history and/or theory (25%); 2) a formal Oral commentary analyzing a film sequence (25%); 3) a film Production Portfolio that includes a completed short film and the accompanying documentation (50%). At Standard Level, the Documentary Script is 8-10 pages, the Oral Commentary is 10 minutes, and the Film Production Portfolio consists of one completed production of 5 minutes and accompanying documentation of 1,200 words.

IB Film (Higher Level)

The course description is the same as above with the following assessment modifications: Higher Level students will produce a documentary script of 12-15 pages; their formal oral commentary will be 15 minutes long; and they will complete a Production Portfolio of 1,750 words, and a trailer for a 6-7 minute film.