6-8

Full year

The aim of the visual art program is to give students the chance to develop and expand their art interests and skills by exploring a variety of materials and techniques, learning to respect originality in their own and others' work, and discovering the enjoyment of communicating ideas through visual expression.

The elements of line, shape, color, value, and space are emphasized as basic to composition. The various techniques and processes within the arts of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and crafts will be introduced.

Projects may include watercolor painting, resist painting, value drawings, pastel drawings, perspective, calligraphy, mask making, papier-mache sculpture, plaster carving, ceramic sculpture, reposes metal work, and linoleum block printing.

Through group critiques of their own work and the work of professional artists, and journal reflection students will learn to use objective standards to interpret and judge art. In addition, they will develop confidence in their ability to discuss aesthetic qualities.

6-8

Full year

The music program in the middle school builds sequentially on the music program in the elementary school and provides the foundation for the music program in the high school.

In grades 6, 7 & 8, students participate in a school band program. Every student has the opportunity to learn a band instrument. Instructional activities are directed toward achieving a good standard in musical performance. The repertoire taught includes music representing diverse genres and styles from various periods and styles. It is hoped that students will be able to communicate proficiently in the chosen musical instrument by the end of the middle school years.

6-8

Full year

The main objective of AISG's three-year Communication Arts program is to allow students to develop both written and oral communication skills. There is a strong emphasis on collaboration, creativity, and reflection as well as performance in areas such as drama, public speaking and debate.. Students do activities such as improvisation, miming, skits and script By the end of the program students will have been given opportunities to develop a broad range of communication skills.