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. INTL takes great pride in its arts program, including visual arts, music, and performing arts.
The arts program at INTL 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 Chinese, English, French, and German 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. Dance and physical expression may also be integrated into the classroom curriculum. Music 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 music theory and history of music
  • 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 music class, students explore the evolution of music throughout the centuries and around the world, and its role on societal and cultural changes, connecting musical forms with their time and place, practice music 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 Chinese, French or German, 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.

Upper School students who play an instrument are also encouraged to participate in the all-school band program. Band students are expected to perform at school events and other occasions.

arts night

In early December, the Cohn Campus is transformed into a beautiful art gallery featuring projects from every student and grade level to showcase their artwork to the entire INTL community. Arts Night is one of the largest community events of the year, and the entire community comes together to pull off this celebration of the diversity and creativity. The boundless dedication of the parents and teachers who make the evening possible is heartening.

Notice of Nondiscriminatory policy as to students

Silicon Valley International School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

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