Arts

Art

Our Art program offers the student an opportunity for self-expression based on his/her visual perception of their environment while further developing their creative skills and knowledge of visual art.

The course includes a sequential development of art elements, concepts and skills covering a number of areas. The emphasis is on drawing skills, perspective, colour theory and painting, printmaking techniques, design elements and principles, clay hand building and decorating, cartooning, and animation. Students build on the artistic skills they possess and experience a variety of media.

Drama

Our Drama program is a creative, interactive and energized environment where each student is invited to explore the world in which we live. Through drama the students can become anyone, anywhere, at any time. Working cooperatively with others, building self-confidence and developing interpersonal skills are three areas where students grow and mature.

• Environment: The Drama class is an open, "desk-free" atmosphere where the students themselves are the central instruments. They will explore their own creativity through theatre games and exercises, improvisation and original scene development in an accessible environment.
• The Cooperative Process: Throughout the year, students work cooperatively with others in pairs, small groups, large ensembles as well as the class as a whole. The creative dramatic process is built upon a foundation of trust and acceptance established at the beginning of the year, building confidence and self-esteem for every individual involved. By studying the elements of drama and theatre, students place themselves in other contexts: they learn to walk in other’s shoes.
• Interpersonal Skills and Self Awareness: Drama focuses on the development and improvement of a number of interpersonal skills: speaking and performing for and with others; communication – both verbal and non-verbal; listening to and collaborating with others; developing leadership skills; problem-solving as well as critical and creative thinking. Students are given the chance to develop these skills in a creative manner through a variety of mediums such as role play, improvisation, short scene creations, costuming, soundtracks, script writing, adaptation and directing.
• Performance: The drama classroom is a safe environment where students work with and perform for each other. There are, however, opportunities for students to participate outside of the classroom in performances for other students within Charleswood or scheduled visits to other schools.