The Arts: Music, Theatre,

Visual Arts

Group 6

It may be taken as a Higher level (HL) or Standard level (SL) * * In rare cases it may also be taken as a non-IB subject in order to obtain AISJ credit

Students of group 6 subjects study the various artistic ways through which knowledge, skills and attitudes from different cultural traditions are developed and transmitted. These subjects, known collectively as “the arts” allow students to investigate and reflect on the complexities of the human condition. By exploring a range of materials and technologies, students should aim to develop an understanding of the technical, creative, expressive and communicative aspects of the arts.

What is the Arts? What do you study? Visual arts continually creates new possibilities and can challenge traditional boundaries. This is evident both in the way we make art and in the way we understand what artists from around the world do. Theory and practice in visual arts are dynamic, ever changing and connect many areas of study and human experience through individual and collaborative production and interpretation.

A vibrant musical education fosters curiosity and openness to both familiar and unfamiliar musical worlds. Through such a study of music we learn to hear relationships of pitch in sound, pattern in rhythm and unfolding sonic structures. Through participating in the study of music we are able to explore the similarities, differences and links in music from within our own culture and that of others across time. Informed and active musical engagement allows us to explore and discover relationships between lived human experience and specific sound combinations and technologies, thus informing us more fully of the world around us, and the nature of humanity.

Theatre is a combined art that is forever evolving in new forms. It nourishes, sustains and extends the human spirit. It is a means of exploring society and relationships both individually and in groups. It is the application, through play, of energy and imagination to frame, reflect, expose, critique and speculate. By studying theatre, and engaging with it practically, students discover how elusive, fascinating and varied theatre can be. The IB Theatre course encourages students to examine theatre in its diversity of forms from around the world for all purposes.

VISUAL ARTS: While it is possible to take the Diploma Programme visual arts course without previous experience, this is helpful, particularly at HL option A (HLA). Teacher recommendation is required if no art courses were taken in 9th and 10th grades.

Pathways to Group 6 studies

THEATRE: No previous drama classes are required.

MUSIC: Completion of the IB Music Curriculum requires prior study in music at both SL and HL levels. Students wishing to complete the HL course must be proficient on a solo instrument/voice and ideally study privately.

What will I study?

VISUAL ARTS: You will investigate past, present and emerging forms of visual arts and engage in producing, appreciating and evaluating your own creative artworks. · develop an understanding of visual arts from a local, national and international perspective · build confidence in responding visually and creatively to personal and cultural experiences · develop skills in, and sensitivity to, the creation of works that reflect active and individual involvement · take responsibility for the direction of their learning through the acquisition of effective working practices.

DRAMA: Theatre Making, Theatre in Performance, Theatre in the World

MUSIC Both standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) music students are required to study musical perception. All students therefore submit a musical links investigation and also respond to a listening examination paper. In the latter, HL students are required to answer a further two questions. The first of these two questions allows them to demonstrate a wider understanding of music in relation to time, place and cultures. The second requires them to carry out a comparative analysis of music in response to pieces not previously studied. SL students in music are required to choose one of three options: SL creating (SLC) SL solo performing (SLS) SL group performing (SLG). HL students are required to present both creating and solo performing. HL students are required to present both creating and solo performing. For creating, SLC students are required to present two pieces of coursework, while HL students present three. For solo performing, SLS students are required to present 15 minutes, while HL students present 20 minutes.

How will I be assessed?

VISUAL ARTS: Studio work 60% The student prepares a selection of his or her studio work in the form of an exhibition. This is externally assessed by a visiting examiner following an interview with the student about the work. Investigation Workbooks 40% Internal assessment The student presents selected pages of his or her investigation workbooks that have been produced during the course. This selection is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO at the end of the course.

Theatre: External Assessment Research Investigation 25% Essay Practical Performance Proposal 25% Directorial Perspective Notebook Internal Assessment Independent Project Portfolio 25% (Performance or Writing or Workshop) Theatre performance and production presentation 25% Oral presentation Music: The Perception components of the syllabus, including the listening papers and the Music Links Investigation is externally assessed. All Performance and Creation components are internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO at the end of the course.