Revealing the Mystery of DCSZ Art Journey through IB Exhibition

Do you know what skills will be the most in demand in the future? Innovation, creativity and the expression of ideas using computer technology, design and the arts will be high on the list.

This week is IB Art exhibition week for Senior School. DCSZ values the importance of arts and from DUCKS to Senior School, students will have a wonderful opportunity to express their ideas through the arts.

Let’s go on DCSZ students' journey through the arts.

DUCKS

Goal

At DUCKS, all teachers recognize the significance of an arts based education. The integration of art elements into DUCKS' learning environment immerses children in the captivating world of artistic expression. The art-immersive atmosphere at DUCKS inspires creativity, encourages out-of-the-box thinking, and stimulates children's imagination.

Nursery/Reception

During the Nursery and Reception stage, we foster a culture of imagination where children are encouraged to explore the art world and engage in experiments. They discover the differences between painting tools, learn how to blend colours to generate new ideas, and blend various materials together for their drawings. Initially, children may draw without specific meaning, but as they grow, they begin to understand and think about how to depict specific images. Additionally, drawing at DUCKS serves not only as a means of artistic expression but also contributes to the development of fine motor skills, such as learning how to hold a pen. Art education also aids in the advancement of writing skills and critical thinking abilities.

KS1

In Key Stage 1, children are better equipped to express themselves with accessibility to more specialised knowledge about specific topics. For example, we may assign the topic of drawing a rabbit and require them to use specific tools. Instead of focusing on evaluating the quality of their rabbit drawings, we assess the level of their art skills based on their artwork. Our teachers also systematically note down each student’s individual personal growth skills (including arts) in detail. Based on this assessment, we offer students targeted skills training and provocation activities when we identify areas where they might benefit from additional development. We also create inviting spaces where students can explore and practice specific skills in a caring and supportive way.

Finally, art education contributes to the development of skills such as writing, listening, the ability to follow instructions, and memory retention. DUCKS also celebrates the arts regularly through MADD (Music, Art, Dance, and Drama) days. As children progress to Junior School, they enter with a solid foundation of art skills and personal growth, enabling them to embark on a remarkable journey at the next stage of their education.

Junior School

At our Junior school, we prioritize Art education as a means to encourage students to explore various mediums and develop their creative thinking skills. 

As an international Junior School, we recognize the importance of introducing students to a diverse range of artists from around the world. We create vibrant and colourful spaces that stimulate creativity and enhance students' enjoyment of the subject. By exploring different artistic traditions, children can broaden their understanding of various cultural arts. 

In each year group, specific art skills are taught through various projects. Here is an overview of the projects in different year levels for Term 1:

Year 3

• All Shapes and Sizes: Students explore abstract collage and portraits inspired by artists like Picasso and Cubism. This project helps assess their skills in cutting and sticking, as they create a collage by mimicking a painting by Picasso, including cutting the cardboard.
• Bee Inspired: To complement their study of bees in the ‘topic lesson’, Year 3 students delve into pencil sketching, illustrations, and graphic design.

Year 4

• Art of Water: Building upon their study of water in their ‘topic lesson’, students explore Chinese ink painting techniques to understand the influence of water on ink. They also learn marbling techniques and PVA batik, enhancing their understanding of the art of water.
• Jewellery: Students skillfully incorporate gemstones into their artistic creations. They begin by designing their ideas on paper and then hand-make their designs in clay. They also explore computer-aided design (CAD) and aim to replicate their designs using the Tinker CAD program and a 3D printer.

Year 5

• Trading Pencil: Aligned with their topics lesson, students focus on developing their sketching abilities using various types of pencils. They learn the importance of observation and accurately capturing subjects through sketching. These observational sketching skills are valuable for students considering a future in Art. They also explore the impact of trade on the world of art through art history.
• The Big Mistake: Students engage in a collaborative artwork where they explore and compare street art and graffiti, understanding the differences between the two forms. This project emphasizes teamwork and effective communication among students to transform a "Scribble" into a piece of artwork. Each lesson introduces a new technique or artist to inspire them.

Year 6

• Artist Page:Three carefully selected artists are introduced to the students for exploration. Working collaboratively, students complete a project focused on these artists, deepening their understanding and appreciation for different artistic styles.
• Eye of the Tiger:Students choose an animal's eye as their subject and use watercolour paint to add tone, form, texture, shape, and colour. This project goes beyond a simple painting exercise, encouraging students to observe and capture details accurately.

Throughout their art education in the Junior School, students are nurtured and equipped with artistic skills that prepare them for further art learning in the Senior School. 

Senior School

From Year 7 to Year 13, students entering Senior School are introduced to a structured Art program that aligns with the REDO Learning Process. This method is instrumental in preparing students for the IGCSE Art curriculum. The REDO acronym stands for Recording, Experimenting, Developing, and producing an Outcome, which are the key assessment areas for students:

Year 7 to Year 9: Building Foundations

In the first stage of Senior School, our art curriculum aligns with the English National Curriculum. Students attend one art class each week, focusing on developing core skills:

• Drawing: Mastering the basics of form, line, and tone
• Collage:Exploring composition and mixed media techniques
• Painting:Understanding colour, texture, and application
• Sculpture:Experimenting with three-dimensional forms and materials

We pair these skills with a variety of thematic projects, including cubism, hybrid creatures, and portraiture. Additionally, students learn about significant artists, craft makers, and designers, gaining insight into art's historical and cultural contexts. The goal is to equip students with a broad skill set, cultural literacy, and an understanding of art's evolution.

Year 10 to Year 11: Specializing in IGCSE Art

During these years, with three art classes per week, students engage deeply with the REDO Learning Process which is aligned with the Cambridge International Assessment Objectives, which guides them in producing sophisticated art and design work:

• Recording:Documenting ideas and observations
• Experimenting:Testing techniques and materials
• Developing:Refining ideas and exploring concepts
• Outcome: Producing polished, final pieces

Our curriculum covers the study of colour theory, light properties, and a diverse array of artistic materials and methods. Through primary and secondary research, students expand their capacity for visual analysis and creative development. Our comprehensive approach prepares students for further studies in art, including the IB program.

Year 12 to Year 13: Advancing to IB Visual Arts

The IB Art course is designed to foster in-depth analysis, personal expression, and a professional approach to art and design, serving as a strong foundation for future artistic endeavours.

The Visual Arts course within the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework for Years 12 to 13 is an immersive, advanced program that is ideal for students aiming to pursue art at a higher level or establish a career in the arts. The course is structured around three pivotal components, delivered through four weekly classes that provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

• Comparative Study: A critical component of the curriculum, the comparative study requires students to engage in an in-depth analysis of different art forms. This scholarly work is encapsulated in a comprehensive 6000-word essay, which encourages students to develop their analytical writing and research skills, forming the theoretical foundation for their practical work.
• Process Portfolio: Concurrently, students are tasked with compiling a portfolio that reflects their technical skills and conceptual understanding. This portfolio is not merely a collection of finished pieces; it stands as a testament to their artistic evolution, showcasing their capacity for experimentation and proficiency in various media and techniques. The development of this portfolio is central to the course, as it represents the students' journey of growth and their readiness to undertake further art studies or enter the professional art world.
• Exhibition: The final element is the exhibition, where students curate and present their original artwork. This public display is the culmination of their IB Art experience, allowing them to share the outcomes of their creative pursuits. It highlights their artistic expression and the conclusions of their investigative processes.

Together, these components of the IB Visual Arts course equip students with an extensive understanding of art's theoretical aspects, as well as practical abilities to produce and present art. The program is designed to be a comprehensive preparatory experience for those looking to delve deeper into the study of art or embark on a creative career, fostering a balance between academic inquiry and artistic practice.

Our school's commitment to the Arts education reflects our recognition of its transformative power. As a culturally diverse institution, we proudly foster an environment where language is not a barrier but a bridge to artistic engagement, allowing every student to thrive. Our comprehensive art curriculum, supported by enriching Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs), ensures that students not only develop their artistic talents but also acquire invaluable skills such as creative problem-solving, independent thought, and self-reflection. 

Art education extends beyond the canvas, instilling in students an aesthetic sensibility that enhances their perception and interaction with their surroundings. The versatile skills gained through art transcend the classroom, offering applications in myriad aspects of life and various career paths. 

Let us continue to value and invest in the arts, for in doing so, we enrich the tapestry of our school's culture and the future paths of every student who discovers the joy and the discipline of artistic expression.

We extend our gratitude to Ms Kate Kang and Ms Vivian Chen, DUCKS teachers; Ms Connie Turner, JS/SS Art teacher; and Ms Kimberley Moreland, Head of Creative Arts in the Senior School, for their invaluable contributions to our art learning at DCSZ!