Arts & Design Electives in Grades 9/10
Arts & Design Electives in Grades 9/10
In Grades 9 & 10 students get to choose 2 year long courses in the Arts and/or Design. They may select any 2 from the courses below. Please note that courses offered will run based on student interest level and teacher availability.
Performing Arts Courses 9/10
In this MYP (Middle Years Programme) Performing class, students engage in a dynamic blend of performance, creativity, and genre exploration. They begin by studying different theatrical practitioners and applying them to the performance of various genres such as pantomime, comedy, classic theatre, and political theater. Through this study, they learn the unique conventions and styles of each genre, analyzing key works and performance techniques.
Students also have the opportunity to apply their knowledge by devising their own scenes and one-act plays. They collaborate in small groups to create original work, exploring themes, characters, and structures within the chosen genre. This process includes brainstorming, improvisation, scriptwriting, rehearsing, and refining their performances.
The class culminates in student-directed presentations, where the emphasis is placed on creative expression, teamwork, and the ability to bring devised pieces to life. Throughout the course, students develop their skills in acting, directing, and analyzing theatre, fostering both individual creativity and collaborative problem-solving.
This is an advanced course for Band, students elevate their musical skills and confidence through challenging repertoire and refined techniques. They master coordination, breath control, and precision to express emotions through music. Students explore how music conveys ideas without words while collaborating with other arts to create dynamic, interdisciplinary performances. They perform a variety of styles, including concert band, jazz, pop, and film music, and take on solo opportunities to showcase their talent. Students also prepare for high-level performances at concerts and festivals like AMIS and APAC. Advanced Band is a journey of musical storytelling, creativity, and teamwork.
Advanced Orchestra challenges students to master their instruments through complex repertoire and advanced ensemble skills. They engage in in-depth rehearsals, preparing for high-level performances at concerts, festivals like AMIS and APAC, and collaborative events. Students develop conducting skills, enhancing their leadership, musical direction, and ensemble communication. Through community concerts and social service projects, they use music to connect with others and give back. Collaboration with theater, dance, and media arts creates dynamic, interdisciplinary performances. Advanced Orchestra is about passion, precision, and making a meaningful impact through music.
In Choir, students refine their vocal technique, broaden their range, and gain confidence as performers. They blend voices to create harmonies and express musical ideas, while learning to record with professional equipment like microphones and recording software. The course helps develop communication skills, using the voice to connect with others and tell stories. Students collaborate with peers in other performing arts to create dynamic performances. They also prepare for high-level opportunities, including festivals like APAC and AMIS, where they can showcase their talents globally.
Digital Music empowers students to harness technology to compose, create, and arrange music across genres. They learn to design adaptable compositions for diverse performance settings, even without traditional instrument playing. Students build recording skills by producing original songs, soundtracks, and music for advertisements. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, they integrate advanced music theory with composition and songwriting. The course also prepares students for the IB Diploma Programme in Music by bridging digital production with analytical skills. With a computer and creativity, students embark on a transformative musical journey.
MYP Media Arts is a creatively stimulating and collaboratively challenging course that introduces future filmmakers to the art of cinema. Throughout the two-year program, students deconstruct film as an art form, critically evaluating the cinematic language, including cinematography, editing, and sound design. They are exposed to contrasting film styles, genres, and movements, learning how directors convey intent and meaning through the screen as an artistic canvas. Additionally, students collaborate to create original films, engaging in the practical processes of scriptwriting, directing, filming, editing, and sound engineering. The course aims to ignite and nurture each student’s creative potential, emphasizing the importance of innovative collaboration and artistic expression.
Students in 9/10 Dance will explore a range of new dance styles while focusing on the skills of collaboration, technique, and the communities where the styles originate. Students will develop more of their expressive selves and learn how to complete a full rehearsal process for the performance of their original choreography. There will be various festivals and performance opportunities throughout the year.
Visual Arts Course 9/10
In this course, students will develop their artistic skills, critical thinking, and self-expression through hands-on exploration of various visual arts practices. The alternating A/B year structure allows students to experience a wide range of artistic techniques, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media, while building upon their knowledge each year. Students will engage in both independent and collaborative projects that foster creativity and innovation, preparing them for future studies, including the Diploma Program. By the end of the course, students will have the confidence to express themselves artistically and be ready for more advanced challenges.
Design Courses 9/10
Students in Grades 9 and 10 will engage in multiple design projects throughout the year, applying creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to real-world challenges. Through hands-on experiences, they will explore design principles, collaborate with peers, and develop solutions that consider both functionality and aesthetics.
In the first semester, students will focus on spatial design, working on projects that enhance environments to meet needs of the clients. In the second semester, they will shift their attention to food and nutrition design, exploring the intersection of health, taste, and cultural influences.
Throughout the course, students will refine their ability to research, prototype, test, and iterate their designs, while also developing essential skills in collaboration, consensus-building, and presentation. By the end of the year, they will have gained a deeper understanding of design as a problem-solving process and its impact on daily life.
In this course, students will....
Develop the knowledge and ability to create working solutions to problems using practical and computer-based design tools
Understand, appreciate and enjoy the design cycle processes
Use and apply technology as a means to access, process and communicate information
Encourage students to explore the role of technology in their everyday lives
Raise students’ awareness of impacts of design and their responsibilities as world citizens when making decisions and taking action on technology issues.
This MYP Design course empowers students to become innovative problem solvers by using robotics as a tool to tackle real-life challenges. Through hands-on learning with VEX robotics, students will develop engineering, programming, and critical thinking skills while designing and building robotic solutions for real-world applications.
This course begins with an introduction to robotics fundamentals, including mechanical design, sensors, and autonomous programming. Students will explore how robots can be used to solve problems in areas such as environmental sustainability, disaster response, healthcare, and automation. Using VEX components and coding in VEXcode (Block or Python), students will design, build, and program robots that perform specific tasks, applying the Design Cycle to test and refine their solutions.
Second Semester: Passion Projects & Project Management
In the second semester, students will apply their problem-solving and design skills to a digital passion project of their choosing. This could include coding, robotics, digital graphic design, web design, publications, digital photography, and more. A key component of this unit will be learning project management skills, which are essential for organizing long-term projects, managing time effectively, and optimizing resources.
Through this experience, students will explore their individual interests while gaining valuable life skills in planning, organization, and execution. By the end of the course, they will have a final project that showcases their creativity, technical skills, and ability to manage a complex task from start to finish.
In this course, students will...
*Develop proficiency in robotics by designing, building, and programming VEX robots.
*Apply the Design Cycle to create and refine robotic solutions for real-life challenges.
*Learn mechanical engineering concepts such as gear ratios, movement, and sensor integration.
*Think critically and troubleshoot robotic systems through iterative problem-solving.
*Collaborate and communicate effectively while working in teams on design challenges.
*Explore real-world applications of robotics in fields like automation, healthcare, and sustainability.
*Gain an appreciation for robotics as a tool for innovation, efficiency, and problem-solving.
*Develop project management skills to successfully plan and execute long-term digital projects.
*Pursue a passion project that aligns with their individual interests in digital design and technology.
By the end of this course, students will not only enhance their technical skills but also develop a problem-solving mindset and project management abilities, preparing them for future academic and professional success.
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