German B - Copenhagen International School

Arts
Arts Department Philosophy Statement
The arts are a form of human expression through activity. They contribute to a school curriculum by
offering a distinctive way of learning where seeing, feeling, hearing, thinking and creating are
combined in a powerful form of visual, aural and tactile affective communication. Through the arts,
students working both cooperatively and individually have opportunities to research, identify and
discuss issues; to provide insights, opinions, solutions and resolutions; and to reflect on, appreciate
and evaluate artwork. The arts are a powerful medium for the exploration of the human condition, our
society and our world. In this respect they are a powerful educational tool for the exploration of
different areas of the curriculum, the MYP areas of interaction and of different cultures.
At CIS students start the MYP with three years of a quarterly rotation system that allows students to
study each of the three subjects (Drama, Music and Visual). The last quarter will combine the three
Arts in a collaborative project. This holistic approach prepares the students for, at the end of MYP3,
choosing one on the Arts to study in MYP4 and 5, leading into continuing in the Diploma programme.
Drama
Course Overview and Assessment
Course Duration: 1 quarter (7 periods per fortnight)
The Ensemble Approach
Drama in the first three years of the MYP at CIS focuses on developing skills and knowledge of
Theatre Arts through the Ensemble approach. It is essential that students lean about Drama and
themselves in an environment of teamwork and trust. The courage to explore ones own creativity and
expression comes only from a sense of common goal, and an agreement by the whole group to work
as a unit.
Curriculum
The curriculum consists of six units, each concentrating on different aspects of drama and theatre
arts, and on the acquisition and development of a variety of skills.
All the units are covered each year at varying depth, depending on the needs of the class and
the time available. A project may address several units the same time.
Unit 1 – Drama for Understanding, Using drama to examine concepts and ideas
Unit 2 – Social Awareness Drama, Using Drama to examine issues
Unit 3 – The Cultural Perspective, Drama in a Historical/Cultural context
Unit 4 – Page to Stage, exploring texts with the purpose of performance
Unit 5 – Performance and the Art Form, Focusing on theatrical skills (voice, body etc.)
Unit 6 – Personal Development, working as an ensemble, confidence building etc.
Developmental Workbook, a journal and record of the student’s development, ideas and progress
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