Why the Primary arts at Northbridge offer fun and much more

In Primary, we love performances and try and get the students to do at least two performances a year. But in the classroom, we are equipping the students with the skills needed for the future, whether that be drawing skills, painting skills or music reading and writing skills all of these foundations are taught from KG to Grade 5. By the time they reach the Secondary classrooms they should have the tools and opportunity to take any Art all the way through to IB.

In Primary Music, children learn to play basic keyboard, sing, read and write music, as well as appreciate different styles of music and how it is created by studying the elements. They sometimes play other instruments as well. The Juilliard curriculum compliments these learning processes and so when they leave Grade 5, all students will be able to read and write music, collaborate with peers to perform and sing. This fits with all elements of the PYP from risk-taking to knowledge; and from communicating to reflecting.

Highlights of the year have definitely been Festival of Lights, International Day and The Primary Musical – Mulan! Next year, we will be offering individual music lessons as well, so children can learn from professional instrumental teachers here at Northbridge and we have many instruments to loan out here at Northbridge so it’s perfect if you are not ready to committing to buying an instrument.

In Primary Visual Arts, students focus on the concepts related to the 7 elements of the arts - line, color, shape, form, space, texture, and value. They also learn about principles of design including concepts like proportion, balance, and contrast.  Students work on these concepts through age-appropriate tasks and explorations to build skills in a variety of different mediums including drawing, painting, sculpting, building, and digital/video production.

Students also learn to follow the creative process - from generating ideas, to drafting (sketchbooks) to editing to peer and self-reflection. And in all activities, students are encouraged to be confident and caring risk-takers and inquirers. This year, primary students have created some amazing work - including those previously seen during our campus-wide primary art exhibition.

In Primary Dance, Grades 4 and 5 have been working on rhythm and coordination this semester in Dance. They have explored a variety of styles including Ballet, House and Locking. In lessons they have developed their creativity and collaborative skills by making dances and performing for their peers.  Grade 4 and 5 dancers bring plenty of energy to the table and it is wonderful to see them gain confidence as they build their repertoire of steps and dances.

We keep our Primary students busy and we hope they enjoy the joy that Art brings to all of us, in all of it’s forms.