PLEASE NOTE:  This course outline is tentative and currently under reconstruction. 

Course Outline

IB Diploma Level Visual Arts (Grades 11-12)  

It is highly recommended that a student considering the Visual Arts as a possible subject of study at the IB level (grades 11 and 12) first completes the Foundations Art course in Grade 10 (if at all possible).

IB Visual Arts is a course for students who are seriously interested in the Visual Arts. This course has specific criteria set for both studio work and the Research Workbook which are clearly defined and quite demanding.   The course meets 5 periods per week for High level students and Standard level.    The IB Visual Arts course stresses practice in the use of various media, the acquisition of techniques, the mature development of creative ideas and the ability to relate to all form of art in their many social and historical contexts.

The nature of the course changes over the two year period.  It begins primarily teacher-directed, with students following assignments and instructions which are designed to get them working in their books and developing ideas for the course of inquiry they will follow in their studio work.  It evolves into a more student-initiated and student-guided course of study during the second year, when the teacher serves more as an objective guide for the student as they progress through exploration and experimentation of themes and use of various media in art.  

Students are expected to perform independent research and make tangible connections between their developing work and the results of their research in the workbook.  This includes but is not limited to the work of other artists, the influence of social and cultural elements and the product of historical investigation.

The aims of the Diploma Level Visual Arts program are to:

•  Provide students with the opportunities to develop their aesthetic, imaginative and creative faculties.

•  Stimulate and train visual awareness, perception and criticism of the arts of various cultures.

•  Enable students to discover, develop and enjoy means of creative visual expression in the studio and elsewhere, which are suited to their temperament and capabilities.

•  Encourage the pursuit of quality, thorough training, individual experimentation and persistent endeavor.

•  Exemplify and encourage a lively, enquiring and informed attitude towards the visual arts in all their forms, both in history and today.

IB Diploma Level Course Component Requirements

High Level:                                                           240 Hours total

The Higher level program in Visual Arts consists of two parts, both of which are compulsory.

•  Part A - Studio (practical) Work                        168 Hours

•  Part B - Research Workbook                               72 Hours - 300 pages

Standard Level:                                                   150 Hours total

The Standard level Option A program also consists of two parts, both compulsory.

•  Part A - Studio (practical) Work                        105 Hours

•  Part B - Research Workbook                              45 Hours - 150 pages

Materials and Textbooks

A research workbook is required for this course.  It should be hard cover, A4 sized or slightly larger with unlined pages.  The research workbook should be of a reasonable thickness and dimension so that it is manageable and convenient to carry (about 1 inch or 2.25 cm thick maximum).  High level students will need at least two volumes or around 300 pages of work over the two year period to address the Research Workbook criteria.  Standard level students, Option A, will require only one volume of about 150 pages while Option B students will require three of the same volumes for their total of 450 pages.

A portfolio of the student's artwork will be compiled over the two year period and this will be furnished by the school.Students are expected to supply their own tools (etching needles, paint brushes, palette knives, batik utensils, sculpting chisels, etc).  Specific media and materials (clay, paint, stone, ink, etc.) will be provided.

A small tackle box or carrying case of some sort is recommended in which to keep tools safe.  All materials and books should be clearly labeled.   Resource books and reference materials are available in the Upper School library.  It is highly recommended that IB students have a place set upfor studio production at home.

Assignments/Requirements

Over the two years of the course, the students will be working in a variety of techniques and media to develop their skills and understanding of the elements of the visual arts in both two and three-dimensional formats. The IB prescribes very specific criteria for execution of studio work and work in the research workbook. All of the efforts of the student lead up to the final examination at the end of the two year course.  The students must then exhibit their studio work (usually 18-23 pieces of work) show their research workbooks and discuss their development during an interview with an external examiner.

The nature of the course changes over the two year period.  It begins primarily teacher-directed, with students following assignments and instructions which are designed to get them working in their books and developing ideas for the course of inquiry they will follow in their studio work.  It evolves into a more student-initiated and student-guided course of study during the second year, when the teacher serves more as an objective guide for the student as they progress through exploration and experimentation of themes and use of various media in art.    Students are expected to perform independent research and make tangible connections between their developing work and the results of their research in the workbook.  This includes but is not limited to the work of other artists, the influence of social and cultural elements and the product of historical investigation.   Museum visits and group outings are strongly suggested for IB students throughout the two years of their development.

YEAR 2

August: Reviewing Theme	Multiples Planning Sheet (Multiples Powerpoint Available on Ms. Deck's Main Teacher Portfolio page) Themes in Art website
September: Reviewing Theme Proposals and Artist Statements	How to write an Artist Statement Link How to write a proposal IB Critical Research Critique Form A list of Virtual Galleries links (start your search here)
October Reviewing Theme Proposals and Artist Statements	RWB checklist
November: Art in Context	Lanhuis Bloemhof H. Broune, Sculptress Gallery Alma Blau Nena Sanchez Nelson Carrillho Mon Art Gallery, etc. Links to other local galleries & museums! More local artists! WOW!
December: Art in Context 50% Mock Exam Preparation for Exhibition IB Record Books/Documentation	Midterm Exams 2007 Every year, the graduating seniors in the IB Diploma Visual Arts course participate in simulated exams in November designed to improve their ability to discuss their work, their development and their knowledge of art. These "mock" exams also expose the students to intense questioning and help prepare them for the ordeal of facing the real IB examiner in April. Mock Exam Information & Related Evaluation Rubrics Winter Break IB Assignment
January Preparation for Exhibition IB Record Books/Documentation
February Preparation for Exhibition IB Record Books/Documentation
March Preparation for Exhibition IB Record Books/Documentation
April EXAM & EXHIBITION
May Theory and Practice
June Theory and Practice
Summer Stuff!

Course Materials:

•   Mark making/manipulating/imaging tools (various - some are supplied)
•   Notebook
•   “Sketchbook”
•   “Portfolio”
•   Image bank (start collecting visual images of interest)
•   Miscellaneous TBA (i.e. Personal cameras are not required, but if you do have access to one that you like using…do it!)
• I seriously believe that one can not buy talent, so...keep that in mind when you are wanting expensive art materials. This course should not cost you a lot of money...if you are resourceful, creative and think outside traditional art media possibilities.

Additional Notes:

HOMEWORK IS NOT AN OPTION. This labour of love begs to be seen as an opportunity for you to research/record those things that make your life and work interesting! Be prepared to spend at least two hours outside of class for each hour spent in class.

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION

Check out these IB Art Galleries at other schools:

http://www.stgeorge.school.it/assets/Art%20Gallery/IB%20Studio%20Work/index.html

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