Arts
Arts: Theatre
Drama 8 – Introduction to Drama
Drama 8 is a half-semester course that is combined with Art 8. Students will be introduced to drama concepts and performance techniques through theatre games, class exercises and group presentations. Drama will help students develop their confidence and it gives them a safe and creative space to express themselves in new and imaginative ways. In Drama 8, students will work on storytelling through tableau(frozen pictures), how to create a character vocally and physically, mime and creating a re-mixed fairy tale. The skills that students develop in Drama will help them in other subject areas and throughout their lives.
Drama 9 - Intermediate Drama and Performance
Students of Drama 9 will continue to develop the skills they learned in Drama 8. They will learn the skills andattitudes necessary to succeed in a performance group, including teamwork, adaptability, support and leadership. Students will practice new performance techniques and applications through units such as playbuilding, reader’s theatre, lip syncs, puppetry, radio plays and theatresports. There will be a strong focus on mutual respect, personal expression and developing one’s creative voice within a supportive groupenvironment. Participation and inclusion are major aspects of this course. Students will be evaluated on these skills using rubrics published by the IB Middle Years Programme.
Drama 10 – Intermediate Drama and Performance
Students of Drama 10 will continue to develop the skills they learned in Drama 9. They will learn the skillsand attitudes necessary to succeed in a performance group, including teamwork, adaptability, support and leadership. Students will practice new performance techniques and applications through units such astheatre technology, character mask creation, Commedia dell’Arte, theatresports, lip syncs and the productionof a one-act play. There will be a strong focus on mutual respect, personal expression and developing one’s creative voice within a supportive group environment. Participation and inclusion are major aspects of this course.
Drama 11 and 12: Acting
Acting 11 and 12 will allow students to further develop their theatre skills as more complex material is explored and advanced acting techniques are learned. Some of the units this course will focus on mutual respect, personal expression and developing one’s creative voice within a supportive group environment. Participation and inclusion are major aspects of this course. Entry into this course may depend on past experience.
Drama 10 and 12: Theatre Company
Theatre Company 10 - 12 is a product focused class in which students will employ the skills they have developed in previous drama classes. Students will work together, forming Theatre Key 21 under the artistic direction of the drama teacher. Key 21 will complete three major production events at Hugh Boyd throughoutthe year. Students will be required to audition for roles, attend all rehearsals and performances, and mentor younger students who volunteer their time with the theatre company. This class will likely take place after school hours.
Drama 10 and 12: Theatre Production
Technical Theatre Production 10 - 12 will teach students the basics of technical theatre while working as an integral part of Theatre Key 21 throughout the year. The students in this class will learn fundamentals ofdesigning lights, sound, set, props, and costumes while operating as the crew of Theatre Key 21. Students donot need previous experience in these areas but should be motivated to work hard and learn quickly as critical members of Theatre Key 21. Students will be required to attend all necessary rehearsals and performances as well as leader younger students who volunteer their time with the theatre company. This class will likely take place after school hours.
Drama 11 and 12: Directing and Script Development
Directing and Script Development is a course for students who have drama experience and an interest in creating new theatrical work. Students will have the opportunity to direct already- published works as well as develop and direct their own scenes, monologues and a short one-act play. This course emphasizes theworking relationship between actor, director and playwright and the communication and collaboration skills that are necessary when directing one’s peers. Students will work in tandem with a Drama 9/10 block or Drama 11/12 block and they will direct in-class student projects as well as their own work. There will also be opportunities for Directing and Script Development students to direct or assistant direct school productions.
Arts: Music
Please note: your placement in Music courses is dependent on your level of experience. The first Music course you take (excluding Grade 8), whether you are in Grade 9 or 12 is Level 1.
Band 8
This course is designed for students who have some experience playing an instrument. However, students who have never played, but wish to start, are welcome to join. A variety of music cultures, eras, and genres will be explored such as Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop, and World Music while students develop and improve playing skills and musicianship on concert band instruments. Students will also be introduced to hand drumming techniques and styles. Course expectations include regular home practice and participation in evening concerts throughout the school year. Knowledge & Understanding, Creative Thinking, Developing Skills and Responding will be evaluated based on the IB MYP Arts rubric.
Concert Band 9 - 12
Students should have previous band experience or previous musical background to participate in these courses. A variety of musical traditions and styles will be studied and performed and students will continue to develop their technique, notation reading, and knowledge of music theory and history. Students will grow as musicians through regular practice and participating in live performances. There will be opportunities to attend festivals and a Spring music trip. Concert Band class may run outside of the regular timetable with classes held at lunchtime and after school.
Drumming 9 - 12
These are hands-on drumming courses designed for students wishing to explore rhythm and hand drumming technique. Drums and percussion instruments will be provided for class use. Students will work with musical elements such as form, dynamics, movement, and rhythmic design. The ability to read music is an asset, but not essential. West African, Afro Cuban, and Brazilian drumming traditions are the focus of course content but other cultures will be included. Evaluation will be based on daily participation, knowledge and skill development, and public performance.
Guitar 9 - 12
In addition to learning how to play the guitar, students will learn about basic music theory, rhythm, chord structure, improvisation and composition in these courses. Students will acquire a working knowledge of the fret board, chords, scales, and strumming/picking technique. A variety of musical traditions and styles will be covered including Pop, Rock, Folk, and Blues. Acoustic guitars will be provided in class for student use.
Jazz Band 9 - 12
Students should have previous band experience or previous musical background to participate in these courses. In addition to the standard jazz wind instruments (saxophone, trombone, and trumpet) this ensemble requires drums/percussion, electric guitar, piano, electric bass, and acoustic bass. Space is limited for students playing non-wind instruments so music reading ability and attitude will inform the selection of students for these important roles. Students will grow as musicians through regular practice and participating in live performances. There will be opportunities to attend festivals and a Spring music trip.
Jazz Band class may run outside of the regular timetable with classes held at lunchtime and after school.
Music Composition and Production 11 – 12
This course is designed for students who are interested in creating their own music and will be delivered online using MS Teams or similar platform. Working with music production software such as Garageband and Ableton to design original musical works, students will develop knowledge of musical elements, principles, vocabulary, and theory. They will learn techniques and skills to support creative processes and explore a variety of genres, cultural contexts, and time periods. Prior music learning and the ability to read music is an asset, but not essential.
Contemporary Music & Choir 9-12
This course provides students an opportunity to learn to perform a diverse range of music in solo and ensemble settings. Students will learn and develop musicianship skills both by ear and diverse forms of notation, will adapt and refine technical and expressive skills on available instruments and voice to support creative processes and to explore a variety of music genres, cultural contexts, and time periods. Some of the instruments available for performance and projects include keyboards, drums, percussion, bass, and guitar. Through individual and group projects, students will acquire basic music production and recording skills. Prior music learning and the ability to read music is an asset, but not essential.
Arts: Art
Art 8
Art 8 is a half–semester course combined with Drama 8. Students are introduced to a variety of 2D and 3D materials and processes, especially drawing, painting, and sculpture. Get ready to explore your creativity and investigate the Elements of Art and Principles of Design with fun, imaginative assignments. Students develop skills, vocabulary & knowledge to create, communicate, and respond to artworks across a range of art periods, styles and cultural contexts. Students begin an MYP process journal (sketchbook) to document process and develop self-reflective learning. Knowledge and Understanding, Creative Thinking, Developing Skills and Responding are evaluated based on the IB MYP Arts rubric.
Art Studio (9/10) Art Foundations
In Studio Art students develop their creative process through a broad range of concepts, materials, and techniques. Drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media concepts are investigated. Elements of Art and Principles of Design vocabulary are taught along with other image development strategies. Students create, communicate, perceive, and respond to artworks across a range of art periods, styles, and cultural contexts. Students use their MYP process journal (sketchbook) to document process and develop self- reflective learning. “Knowledge & Understanding”, “Creative Thinking”, “Developing Skills” and “Responding” are evaluated based on the IB MYP Arts rubric. The aim of the MYP program is to create internationally minded people who recognize their common humanity and role in the creation of a better, more peaceful world. This compliments “big ideas” from the New BC Arts Curriculum: “The arts provide opportunities to gain insight into the perspectives and experiences of people from a variety of times, places, and cultures.” “Creative arts experiences can build community and nurture relationships with others.” “Identity is explored, expressed, and impacted through arts experiences.”
NOTE: *New projects are developed each year in all art courses so students can take consecutive years of Art and not repeat any projects even in mixed grade classes. Course open to all, no previous experience required.
Art Studio (11/12) Art Foundations
Senior Studio Art students hone their creative thinking, communication, and craftsmanship through a range of design challenges, concepts, materials, techniques and processes. The bulk of projects fall under the categories: drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media. Students learn how Elements of Art, Principles of Art and Image Development Strategies are used to improve their art. Students create, communicate, document, perceive and respond to artworks across a range of art periods, styles and cultural contexts. Students use a sketchbook for prep work and ongoing process documentation. Students interested in portfolio building or pursuing careers related to the arts can be supported in this class. Students will be assessed considering the“5 C’s:” creativity, craftsmanship, composition, colour, & class time. In keeping with the big ideas from the New Arts Curriculum: “Active participation in the visual arts is an essential element of culture and personal identity and reveals insights into the human experience.”
NOTE: New projects are developed each year so students can take consecutive years of Art and not repeat any project even in mixed grade classes. Course open to all, no previous art experience required.
Studio Arts 2D (9/10) Drawing, Painting, Design & Photography
In Studio Art 2D students develop their creative process through a broad range of concepts, materials, and techniques. Drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, mixed media and graphic design concepts are investigated. Elements of Art and Principles of Design vocabulary are taught along with other image development strategies. Students create, communicate, perceive, and respond to artworks across a range of art periods, styles, and cultural contexts. Students use their MYP process journal (sketchbook) to document process and develop self- reflective learning. “Knowledge & Understanding”, “Creative Thinking”, “Developing Skills” and “Responding” are evaluated based on the IB MYP Arts rubric. The aim of the MYP program is to create internationally minded people who recognize their common humanity and role in the creation of a better, more peaceful world. This compliments “big ideas” from the New BC Arts Curriculum: “The arts provide opportunities to gain insight into the perspectives and experiences of people from a variety of times, places, and cultures.” “Creative arts experiences can build community and nurture relationships with others.” “Identity is explored, expressed, and impacted through arts experiences.”
NOTE *New projects are developed each year in all art courses so students can take consecutive years of Art and not repeat any projects even in mixed grade classes. Course open to all, no previous art experience required.
Studio Arts 2D (11/12) Drawing, Painting, Design & Photography
Senior Studio Art 2D students hone their creative thinking, communication, and craftsmanship through a range of design challenges, concepts, materials, techniques and processes. The bulk of projects fall under the categories: drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, mixed media and graphic design. Students learn how Elements of Art, Principles of Art and Image Development Strategies are used to improve their art. Students create, communicate, document, perceive and respond to artworks across a range of art periods, styles and cultural contexts. Students use a sketchbook for prep work and ongoing process documentation. Students interested in portfolio building or pursuing careers related to the arts can be supported in this class. Students will be assessed considering the “5 C’s:” creativity, craftsmanship, composition, colour, & class time. In keeping with the big ideas from the New Arts Curriculum: “Active participation in the visual arts is an essential element of culture and personal identity and reveals insights into the human experience.”
Note *New projects are developed each year so students can take consecutive years of Art and not repeat any projects even in mixed grade classes. Course open to all, no previous art experience required.
Ceramics & Sculpture - 9 and 10
In Sculpture students develop their creative process through a range of 3D concepts, materials and techniques. 3D may include: ceramics (clay), papier mache, wire, cardboard, plaster carving, found objects, mixed media and installation. Elements of Art and Principles of Design concepts and vocabulary are taught along with other image development strategies. Students create, communicate, perceive and respond to artworks across a range of art periods, styles and cultural contexts. Students use their MYP process journal (sketchbook) as a means to document process and develop self- reflective learning. “Knowledge & Understanding”, “Creative Thinking”, “Developing Skills” and “Responding” are evaluated based on the IB MYP Arts rubric. The aim of the MYP program is to create internationally minded people who recognize their common humanity and role in the creation of a better, more peaceful world. This is in keeping with the big ideas from the New BC Arts Curriculum: “The arts provide opportunities to gain insight into the perspectives and experiences of people from a variety of times, places, and cultures.” “Creative arts experiences can build community and nurture relationships with others.” “Identity is explored, expressed, and impacted through arts experiences.”
NOTE: New projects are developed each year so students can take consecutive years of Art and not repeat any projects even in mixed grade classes. Course open to all, no previous art experience required.
Ceramics & Sculpture - 11 and 12
Senior Sculpture students hone their creative thinking, communication and craftsmanship through a diverse range of 3D design challenges, concepts, materials, techniques and processes. Projects may use any of the following: ceramics (clay), found object assemblage, papier mache, wire, wood, plaster, fabric, cardboard, installation etc. Relationships between form and function are explored. Students learn how Elements of Art, Principles of Design and Image Development Strategies are used to improve their art. Students create, communicate, document, perceive and respond to artworks across a range of art periods, styles and cultural contexts. Students use a sketchbook for prep work and ongoing process documentation. Students interested in portfolio building or pursuing careers related to the arts can be supported in this class. In keeping with the big ideas from the New Arts Curriculum: “Active participation in the visual arts is an essential element of culture and personal identity and reveals insights into the human experience.”
NOTE: New projects are developed each year so students can take consecutive years of Art 3D and not repeat any projects even in mixed grade classes. Course open to all, no previous art experience required.
Photography 10 - 12
*Any/all levels of experience welcome and can be determined after registration.
(Level One - Beginner)
For students gr. 10-12, level one introduces a wide variety of techniques and concepts in photography including: traditional S.L.R. and digital camera basics, developing film, an introduction to the darkroom, photo- composition, history, theory, and criticism. This course is also an introduction to digital image manipulation and graphic design basics using an assortment of photo editing and creative software programs such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and Lightroom.) Collage techniques, mixed media and photo journaling will be used to investigate important image development strategies and Elements & Principles of Art & Design. Projects will be a mix of individual and small group. Students will have access to school SLR cameras (film & digital) for sign-out, however, their own personal phone-camera is an asset.
(Level Two – Intermediate)
For students gr. 10-12 who have already completed either level one photo at Boyd or have already taken Studio Arts 2D and practiced basic photography. Level two gives students the opportunity to improve on techniques and concepts developed in Beginners Photo. Goals are to continue to explore Digital Photography, lighting and advanced darkroom techniques and to develop richer photo imagery and strengthen composition. To have a more focused and creative approach to assignments and a strong work ethic. Students will have access to school SLR cameras (film & digital) for sign-out, however, their own personal phone-camera is an asset.
(Level Three – Advanced)
For students gr. 10-12 who have already completed 2 levels of photo or Studio Arts 2D and photo at Boyd and already have a solid grounding in photography. Level three gives students the opportunity to improve on techniques and concepts developed in beginner and intermediate Photo. Goals are to continue to explore digital or traditional photography, lighting, and advanced darkroom techniques, develop richer photo imagery and strengthen composition. Level threes will be supported to develop a creative photo-based portfolio following their own independent inquiry. Students will have access to school SLR cameras (film & digital) for sign-out, however, their own personal camera is an asset.
*Photo 10 MYP students will be assessed on the following criteria: Knowledge & Understanding, Creative Thinking, Developing Skills and Responding (based on the IB MYP Arts rubric.) All photo students will be assessed in accordance with BC curriculum guidelines for core & curricular competencies.
Yearbook & Photojournalism 9 – 12
This is a linear (full year) course for students who enjoy, and want to improve their skills in, desktop publishing, photography, and journalism. Students will be involved in every process of creating and publishing the school Yearbook – enjoying countless opportunities to flex their creative muscles while helping to preserve the memories of the Boyd community in visual and written form.
This course will run outside of the regular timetable. Course material and assignment submission will be handled through MS TEAMS. There is an expectation to meet in person after-school once weekly for: page design and editing sessions, camera equipment sign-out, computer lab access, and team meetings.
Advanced Placement Art 12 (2D portfolio, 3D portfolio or drawing portfolio)
* Please seek art teacher guidance if registering for this course.
This advanced placement course is designed to mirror a college/university experience in Visual Art. Expectations are high for productivity, image development, concepts, documentation, revision, and reflection. Students can decide to develop a 2-D, 3-D or drawing & design focused portfolio. Materials and processes are wide open to student interests, but may include pencil, ink, conte, charcoal, paint, mixed media, ceramics, assemblage, photography, or digital art. A key course objective is to allow you a creative space to foster synthesis between concept and practice. Students will engage in focused individual and group art “critiques”, and practice documenting and displaying their artworks.
The portfolio requirements are stringent and involve a “sustained investigation” of 15 high quality finished pieces along with written components. It is optional to submit your portfolio to the AP College board for adjudication and potential post- secondary course credit. Alternately, students may forgo the AP portfolio submission and only submit their works to the class teacher for an AP class mark.
Recommended prior or concurrent with: Art careers 11/12, or another senior visual arts course.
Art Careers 11 /12 (pre-AP)
This Inquiry based studio class provides you with extra guidance in building your art skills, personal style, and ideas. It will be both challenging and rewarding, as you develop through practice, experimentation, and revision. You will be asked to use a range of materials and processes, as well as to reflect upon the questions that guide your creative process. If taken in gr.11, this course can provide excellent preparation for AP Art 12. Alternately, this is a great course for gr.12 students wanting to develop a more flexible portfolio to meet a range of fine arts post -secondary portfolio admission requirements, while not having to adhere to the more specific AP portfolio parameters.
As this is a Career focused studio class, you are expected to investigate different post -secondary opportunities and begin to develop and document a suitable portfolio of work. A key course objective is to allow you a creative space to foster synthesis between concept and practice. Students will engage in focused individual and group art “critiques”, and practice documenting and displaying their artworks. Ultimately, this is what is needed for a successful Art Portfolio, and success in post-secondary. *Please seek teacher guidance when registering for this course.
Art Enriched 10
This Inquiry based studio class is a place to get extra guidance while developing your art skills, personal style, and ideas. It will be both challenging and rewarding, as you develop through practice, experimentation, and revision. This course is an extension of the studio art 10 class and runs within the same block. In addition to completing the studio art 10 projects, you will be supported to complete some independently generated projects exploring your personal goals and interests in art, investigating additional materials and processes, as well as being reflective about what guides your creative process. Broad goals include perceiving and responding and creating and communicating in relation to the Elements and Principles of Art and Design, Image development strategies, Art History and Context.
As this is an Enriched Studio class, its purpose is to allow you a creative space to develop creative and critical thinking and build your visual literacy. This course provides excellent preparation for AP Art or Art Careers.