Academic Program > Arts Department
Group
6 -- Artand Electives OR a second subject in Group 1, 2, 3 or 4
Visual Arts
“The impulse
to make art is common to all people. From earliest times, human beings
have displayed a fundamental need to create and communicate
personal and cultural meaning through art.”
Aims
From the IB Visual Arts guide.
“ The aims of the visual arts course at higher and standard level are to
enable students to:
- investigate past, present and emerging forms of visual arts and engage
in producing, appreciating and evaluating these
- develop an understanding of visual arts from a local, national and
international perspective
- build confidence in responding visually and creatively to personal
and cultural experiences
- develop skills in, and sensitivity to, the creation of works that reflect
active and individual involvement
- take responsibility for the direction of their learning through the
acquisition of effective working practices.”
Programme
Outline:
The programme
invites students to use their personal experiences as the motivation
for the making of art works. Emphasis is placed upon
the multicultural perspective of IB, and as a means of enriching
visual understanding a variety of cultural traditions and concepts
are explored.
Students will be challenged to develop ideas and to make informed
decisions about visual issues. While a variety of techniques and media
will be
explored, the focus is on understanding how the visual arts operate
rather than just on technical skill.
Successful students commit many hours beyond the classroom to the study
of the Visual Arts. Generally this is an enjoyable experience and the
Art Studio is a busy, productive and positive place. Having done Art
before is helpful, especially at HL Option A, but is not a necessary
prerequisite. Each year a number of students take up Art who have no
prior learning in the subject and achieve good results. Speak to some
2nd year Art students and find out how they feel about their Visual Arts
experiences.
The programme is
divided into two parts, Studio Work and Investigation Workbooks:
Studio Work is the production of resolved Art works that culminates in
a combined exhibition. The work may take the form of paintings, sculptures,
prints, photography, etc. or a combination of media.
Investigation Workbooks involve the gathering and sorting of visual information
and ideas. The Workbooks will include drawings, collage, photos, and
written notes etc. covering contextual, visual and critical investigations.
Standard
Level and Higher Level:
At both levels the percentage mark weighting is a 60% - 40% split between
Studio Work and Investigation Workbooks and may be allocated as the
student chooses.
Option A: 60% Studio Work and 40% Investigation Workbook (the most popular
option);
Option B: 40% Studio Work and 60% Investigation Workbook.
Assessment
The assessment in Visual Arts consists of two parts. Option A students
present an exhibition of their finished Studio Work, which is assessed
by an external examiner following an interview with each student. Their
Investigation Workbooks are assessed internally, and moderated externally.
In this way the process of artistic development is considered as well
as the finished product. For Option B, the Investigation Workbook is
assessed by the examiner and the Studio Work is assessed internally
and moderated by the IBO.
Selwyn Price
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Theatre Arts

Aims
The aims of the programme in Visual Arts are to:
- Develop self-confidence.
- Develop communication skills.
- Develop team building skills.
- Develop creativity and imagination.
- Study theatre forms and styles from around the world.
- Study theatre practitioners (actors, directors, designers etc).
- Develop performance skills (voice, movement, and characterization).
- Develop technical theatre skills (such as stage lighting and theatre design).
- Develop research skills.
Programme
Outline
The programme
is designed with reference to three factors:
- The cultural
background and personal needs of the student
- The location
of the school, its facilities and the influence of local culture
- The students
own training and special needs
The programme
reflects the distinctive multicultural perspective of the IB and attempts
to avoid a programme based on merely one or two traditional concepts of
Theatre Arts
External assessment.
- Research Commission. This is a research essay investigating an area of world theatre studies of your choice. 25% of total mark.
- Practical Play Analysis. This is an oral exam in which you outline how you would direct a play from a choice of play scripts. 25% of total mark.
Internal assessment - teacher assessed.
The knowledge and learning you will acquire will help you to develop as a person and is valued by many professions and higher learning institutions. You will also have fun in the process!
Steve Reynolds
Drama-based
Quan Cai : Playback;
Drama Club; 24 Hour Drama Event
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