Art, drama, dance, and music are taught across various parts of the curriculum in all three school sections, where the development and refinement of practical skills, techniques, and knowledge are promoted. The Arts at RIS provides students with a variety of opportunities to explore and develop their creativity, imagination, and self-expression. They experience the processes of creating, rehearsing, performing, and responding to a wide range of themes, contexts, and styles. These metacognitive activities nurture the effective work habits and RIS ideals of curiosity, risk-taking, innovation, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration.
At RIS, students in every section are encouraged to experiment in a variety of performance experiences. Students can choose to join vocal and/or instrumental ensembles such as the Jazz Band and Symphonic Ensemble, as well as participate in major theatrical and musical productions put on by RIS each year. Students are also exposed to and encouraged to experiment with all facets of visual arts, from Pre-K all the way through to IB Art for Juniors and Seniors in high school.
2021 IB Art Year 2 Exhibition – Gallery on Official RIS Facebook.
Most RIS arts teachers have experienced lives as professional actors, artists, musicians, and performers and know, first-hand, what it takes to reach that level of expertise. They bring their collective experiences with them to their courses and students. Meanwhile, RIS students themselves often take advantage of the opportunity to take part in events at the school’s state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center (PAC), Liguori Gallery, Godbout Hall, and the mini-theaters in the MS and HS, as well as in special cultural celebrations such as International Cultural Week and the Spanish Festival, among others.
