The Arts
Arts are viewed by the PYP as a form of expression that is inherent in all cultures. They are a powerful means to assist in the development of the whole child, and are important for interpreting and understanding the world. Arts in the PYP promote imagination, communication, creativity, social development and original thinking.
In the PYP, the arts are identified as drama, music and visual art, which are significant disciplines in their own right. However, the transdisciplinary nature of the arts makes them an essential resource throughout the curriculum: through the arts we learn to communicate, have exposure to other cultures and other times, and find out more about ourselves. The creative process is seen as a driving force in learning through inquiry.
Exposure to and experience with the arts opens doors to key questions about life and learning. Evidence of students’ learning will be seen in their willingness and ability to take action in order to make a difference in the world.
Knowledge and skills in the arts
Arts are built into the curriculum as essential areas of learning, not added on optional extras. Students are exposed to all three arts, identified within the PYP as drama, music and visual art, which are significant disciplines in their own right.
The arts component of the curriculum also provides opportunities for students to:
- develop proficiency as musicians, actors and visual artists
- acquire audience skills such as listening and viewing responsively
- interpret and present their own or others’ works to a range of audiences
- evaluate the different roles of artists in society such as to entertain, provoke debate or challenge views and perceptions
- create and critique plays, compositions and artwork using a selection of tools and techniques
- express feelings, ideas, experiences and beliefs in a variety of ways
- improve coordination, flexibility, agility, strength and fine motor skills.
Within the subject areas of drama, music and visual art, the expectations are arranged into subject-specific strands. Although these strands are considered separately, in practice they are inextricably linked. Within each of these interconnected strands, there should be a balance between the acquisition of knowledge and skills, and the development of conceptual understanding.
Please click on the subject strand headings below to open a table of the appropriate subject strands
Drama Strands | Music Strands | Visual Art Strands