Artistic Expression in an International Environment
From gallery-like exhibitions to full theatre performances to band concerts to classroom projects and activities, students are encouraged to explore their creativity. Hammurabi takes great pride in its arts program, including visual arts, sport, and performing arts.
The arts program at Hammurabi provides an environment that supports self-expression and creativity. Students learn about art movements, increase their appreciation for the arts, and develop an understanding of the meaning and function of arts.
arts in elementary school
Beginning in 1st grade, the arts (visual, music, and performing) are taught primarily by a specialist teacher in the target language. Arts teachers collaborate with the classroom teachers to incorporate the arts into the Units of Inquiry wherever possible, as well as take an inquiry-based approach to the arts overall. Students collaborate, create, and perform throughout the year, and their work is often highlighted in community events.
visual arts in elementary school
The goals of our visual arts program in elementary school are to:
- instill confidence in each “artist”
- learn about the history of art, artistic periods, and specific artists
- develop manual dexterity through the use of a variety of techniques and materials
- discover art through the study of line, color, form, light and shadow, and composition
- experiment with different techniques using media such as crayons, ink, pastels, watercolors, and (block) prints
- produce works in many forms such as paintings, collages, sculptures, mixed-media, etc
performing arts (music and drama) in elementary school
Music and Drama are designed to provide students with an understanding of theory, history, exposure to genres, as well as opportunities to perform.
Dramatic activities are planned on an ongoing basis by the English, Arabic, Turkey, and Others teachers at all grade levels to enable their students to develop their vocabulary, oral fluency, pronunciation, memory, and knowledge of certain historical periods or cultures, and to build self-confidence. Sports and physical expression may also be integrated into the classroom curriculum. Sports is taught by a specialist, beginning in 1st grade.
The primary goals of the elementary school performing arts curriculum are to:
- develop an appreciation for music and drama
- promote awareness of and appreciation for the
- similarities and differences of the school’s multicultural student body through ethnic music, dance, and theatre
- develop an understanding of sport theory and history of sport
- practice rhythm, singing, ear training, listening skills, and learn basic instruments
- develop understanding and use of voice, movement, pantomime, story dramatization, role play, and improvisation
arts in the upper school
The philosophy of the arts curriculum in the Upper School is to develop the students’ abilities to express themselves, to reflect on questions about the arts throughout the ages, and to cultivate their sensitivity to art forms across cultures. Students have opportunities to function as artists as well as learners of the arts.
Studying the arts allows Upper School students
- to learn about their own sensibilities, emotions, and imagination;
- create unique works of art;
- develop their faculty of discernment and sense of
- curiosity as well as their self-confidence;
- strengthen their memory and their analytical, as well as listening skills;
- improve their focus and attention span.
- When possible, the arts in the Upper School are taught in the target language, empowering the students to hone their language in creative ways.
In visual art, students experiment with various mediums, developing their skills, learning about art movements, increasing their appreciation for the art, and developing an understanding of the meaning and function of art.
In sport class, students explore the evolution of sport throughout the centuries and around the world, and its role on societal and cultural changes, connecting sport forms with their time and place, practice sport composition and interpretation
In drama, students experience the different components of stage techniques through interactive team-based games and improvisations, scene creations, and performances to gain confidence in public speaking and artistic abilities.
At the end of 8th grade, all students participate in a theatre production, performing in multicultures, depending on their language program.
In addition, Upper School students have the opportunity to attend the after-school drama club if available, which offers all interested students a chance to be part of a larger production.