Throughout Middle School, in Visual Arts, students will have experiences in three main learning domains:

Exploring Visual Arts in Context

• Exploring the context of artworks to form personal meaning and understand the intent of the artist

• Studying art in relation to work created in the studio

• Studying themes and ideas that are prevalent in art

• Learning specific vocabulary and art terminology

• Understanding how cultural perspectives shape art

• Understanding the role of art in society as well as the role of the artist, the critic, the art world and the audience

• Studying art history in relation to the times and broad contextual issues

Creating visual art

• Conceiving, nurturing and developing artistic ideas

• Using the skills, techniques, processes and conventions of art

• Generating art that communicates  ideas

• Planning and organising effectively to define and set goals

• Negotiating and making decisions

• Experimenting with spontaneous and structured activities

• Choosing appropriate forms for the expression of ideas, thoughts and feelings in a creative manner

• Demonstrating a range of techniques and skills

• Finding original and inventive solutions

• Developing ideas for the creation of a final artwork

• Presenting work for exhibitions

Analysing and interpreting art

• Applying aesthetic understanding to respond to, reflect on and evaluate art

• Understanding how to convey meaning and provoke a personal response

• Deepening an understanding of self and others

• Using feedback and critique to support creative development

• Analysing the formal qualities of art (Elements and Principles of Design)

Throughout the year we arrange for professional artists from around the world to work with our students. This provides a unique experience for students to see first hand how artists work in the studio and manage their art practice.  Students make connections with what they are learning in Art and how it relates to the real world. They learn specific techniques and skills and have the opportunity to collaborate with a practicing artist.

Students are assessed on their knowledge and understanding, reflective and analytical written work, planning, design development and practical work. Feedback and assessment of their sketchbook, digital portfolio and studio work is ongoing and includes teacher feedback, peer and self-assessment.

In Grade 6 Art, students explore three concept-driven units that nurture observation, imagination, and personal expression. In the first unit, students investigate Relationships by exploring the connections between the natural and human-made world through a campus “Critter Walk” and studio-based clay sculpture. They design imaginative hybrid creatures inspired by their observations, learning how relationships between species and environments influence life and art. In the second unit, students delve into the concept of Balance through expressive drawing using wet and dry media. They explore how emotions, experiences, and cultural contexts influence artistic choices and how visual balance can convey meaning. A special outdoor education session, Tioman Sketch Explorers, deepens this inquiry as students create zero-waste artworks using found materials on Tioman Island, reflecting on balance and connection to place through sustainable practices. Throughout the year, students analyse diverse artists, take creative risks, and reflect on how art-making connects to identity, environment, and wellbeing.

The Grade 7 Art Unit, titled "Too Kool For Skool," explores how artists find inspiration for their artwork. This course focuses on the significance of inspiration as a catalyst for creativity, the development of artistic techniques through hands-on activities and experimentation, the integration of inspiration with personal ideas to encourage self-expression, and the promotion of self-discovery and artistic fusion. By drawing from a wide range of sources of inspiration, and studying artists who effectively convey various concepts, the program aims to foster creativity, enhance artistic skills, and empower students’ artistic voices. Throughout the course, students analyse the visual qualities of artworks and broaden their experience with various materials, tools, and techniques, and develop their understanding of the Elements and Principles of Design. They then apply this knowledge to their own art-making processes. Additionally, students explore compositional techniques and cultivate technical skills in acrylic painting, digital art, drawing, and design. Their artistic journey, reflections, and artworks are all documented in Digital Portfolios.

The Grade 8 Unit, titled ‘Soul Journey,’ is an immersive exploration into the captivating world of emotions as portrayed through the power of artistic expression. Students engage with diverse artworks from various cultures and time periods, developing a deeper appreciation for how artists communicate and evoke emotions through the skillful use of the Elements and Principles of Art. Through thoughtful discussions and analysis, students learn to interpret the visual language artists use to convey complex emotional experiences. They create a unique sculpture that expresses a specific emotion, applying techniques in clay modeling and ceramic sculpture to bring their ideas to life. In addition, students work in a variety of wet and dry media of their choice to produce two-dimensional artworks that explore emotions both abstractly and realistically. Throughout the unit, students document their artistic journey in Digital Portfolios, which serve as visual and written records of their growth, showcasing their evolving art vocabulary, critical thinking, and personal insights.