Why Study the Visual Arts?

Artistic expression is common to all cultures. From earliest times, human beings have displayed a basic need to make statements in a variety of graphic terms and to create objects which are aesthetically pleasing.

This urge to create has produced a vast tradition of experiential learning, which often defies precise definition. In no way does this diminish the value of the artistic experience as a learning process.

Art is not merely for pleasure or entertainment. Students may observe and personally experience how the arts can illustrate and comment on the human condition and on nature. Furthermore, the inspiration engendered by creative activity often becomes a driving-force in other studies and throughout life.

Stimulated by a knowledge of the rich artistic heritage of many cultures, students are aware that in this subject there is the freedom to create an intensely personal view of the world. In this special way, engagement in the arts promotes a sense of self-worth, and may make a significant contribution to the development of the harmonious person.

Art 1: Studio Foundations Grades 9 - 12
Duration : One semester, class meets every other day
Offered : Semester 1 and 2
Credit : 0.5

Art I is the foundation art course, taken as a prerequisite to all other art courses. It is an introduction to all other art courses. Students will explore and experiment with various techniques and media including: drawing, painting, collage, printing, 3-D, crafts, and technology.
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IB Art Grade 11 - 12
Duration : Two years, class meets every other day
Credit : 2
Prerequisites : Art 1 and Art 2, current Art teacher approval

The IB program seeks to provide the high school student with a college-level visual art experience leading to an exhibition of work and as oral presentation of ideas. This course is suitable for highly-motivated students who wish to further their education in the arts. Students have free choice in the use and materials and media and develop a personal theme running through both years. All students keep a workbook. 70 percent of the mark is for studio art, 30 percent are collected from workbook entries. Students who are taking IB Art certificate are encouraged to take other art electives. Students must complete Art 1 and Art 2 courses to enter the IB Program. Students who are taking IB Certificate may complete Art 2 simultaneously in the first Semester of Grade 11 only. New students must submit a portfolio of work for review before they enter the IB Program. Students who are taking Standard Level are required to complete up to 20 pieces of work over 2 years and Higher Level students are expected to complete a maximum of 30 pieces of work. An external art examiner visits the school to assess the work.
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Art History Grade 11 - 12
Duration : One semester, class meets every other day
Offered : Semester 1 and 2
Credit : 0.5

Does art imitate life, or life imitate art? This course addresses this question from a historical perspective, prehistoric to modern. This course will cover prehistoric to modern art, and will explore influential works from each historical period. A variety of media will be covered-painting and drawing, sculpture, architecture and music. The course will show the connection between focal points in history and the great art that results.
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Drawing Grade 9 - 12
Duration : One semester, class meets every other day
Offered : Semester 1 and 2
Credit : 0.5
Prerequisite : Art 1

This course develops skill and insight into drawing. Students will develop individual styles in different media; pencil, charcoal, pastel, oil pastel. markers, collage, and pen and ink. They will gain fluency in the use of composition, line, tone and creative thinking. This unit provides a strong foundation in drawing and is highly recommended for students who are considering an IB Art course of study, including entering an art college in Thailand.
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Painting 1 Grade 9 - 12
Duration : One semester, class meets every other day
Offered : Semester 1 and 2
Credit : 0.5
Prerequisite : Art 1and interest in drawing

This course develops skill and insight into painting. Students will develop individual styles in various media: watercolor, acrylic and ink, and will gain fluency in color theory, tone, value, line and composition. The maximum number of students is 12.
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Sculpture Grade 9 - 12
Duration : One semester, class meets every other day
Offered : Semester 1 and 2
Credit : 0.5
Prerequisite : Art 1

To succeed in this course, students must be prepared to experiment and develop their ideas in three-dimensional form addressing the issues of mass, volume, form, plane light and texture and explore a variety of materials clay, plaster, metal, wood, papier mache and found objects. Students are encouraged to keep a sketchbook. Maximum number of students 15.
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Graphic Design 1 Grade 9 - 12
Duration : One semester
Offered : Semester 1 and 2
Credit : 0.5
Prerequisite : Art 1

This course introduces students to graphic design and illustration. Students will respond to a variety of stimuli to produce exciting and imaginative design work. Students will experiment with computer aided design though the emphasis will be in the development of hand skills.
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Graphic Design 2 Grade 10 - 12
Duration : One semester, class meets every other day
Offered : Semester 1 and 2
Credit : 0.5
Prerequisites : Art 1 and Graphic Design 1

This course is ideal for students who are considering following a career in graphic design or are interested in computer aided design. Students are expected to build upon basic graphic design and Illustration skills
learned in Graphic Design 1. They will gain an insight into the graphic design industry and how computers can used as creative design tools. Students will be taught how to produce layouts and manipulate images
using the computer. Graphic Design 2 students need to be self-motivated (particularly when it comes to personal research) and have a hardworking, methodical approach towards their design work.
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Textile 1 Grade 9 - 12
Duration : One semester - class meets every other day
Offered : Semester 1 and 2
Credit : 0.5
Prerequisite : Art I

This course introduces students to textiles. They will explore the surface qualities, structures, modification, enrichment and textural quality through investigation, understanding and design.
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Textile 2 Grade 10 - 12
Duration : One semester - class meets every other day
Offered : Semester 1 and 2
Credit : 0.5
Prerequisites : Art I plus Textile I

Students on this course will be able to utilize their skills from the Textile I class and use them for manufacturing processes to plan design and make-up cloth into fashion garments and/or interior textiles.
Maximum number of students is 15.
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Introduction to Photography/Printing Grade 11 - 12
Duration : One semester, class meets every other day
Offered : Semester 1 and 2
Credit : 0.5
Prerequisite : Art 1, only for Grades 11 & 12. Must have access to a camera (preferably with manual option).