Photography and Film/Video

Web Development (Grade 10/11) This first half of the course introduces students to basic web design using HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) and JavaScript. Throughout the course, students plan, design and implement effective web pages. Students will create their own interactive resume on a live website. In small groups, students will have the option to work with a local nonprofit to rebuild their website or create an awareness website of a cause they are passionate about. The second half of the course students explore the world of physical computing in our brand new makerspace. Students will learn how to use sensors to detect external events, such as light or sound, and how to perform an action linked to these events.

Advanced Computer Science & Entrepreneurship

(Grade 12) This course is designed to be equivalent to an intro-level computer science class at the college level. The first part of the course is broken up into mini crash courses on a range of technologies and programming languages including p5 JavaScript, HTML & CSS, physical computing, 3D printing and laser cutting. Simultaneously, students will be learning from the Project Invent curriculum to understand entrepreneurship and product development. By the second semester, students will use their technical skills to build a business plan and develop a product with a local organization or community. At the end of the semester, students will pitch their product to a panel of judges organized by Project Invent.

VISUAL ARTS

The Visual Arts program is designed to meet the needs of Upper School students for creative visual expression and literacy through disciplined work to develop individual gifts. Effective and affective learning that incorporates historical perspective and theory, in addition to studio practice, offers students opportunities for growth in imaginative, intellectual, emotional and sensory abilities in each art medium. All students take Visual Foundations in grade 9. Older students may elect courses in photography, ceramics, sculpture, painting/drawing and film/video. Advanced courses are offered in all media, including in 2-Dimensional Design (including photography), 3-Dimensional Design (ceramics) and Painting, Drawing, PrintMaking and Mixed-Media. Student work is exhibited in IRIS, the visual arts publication, and submitted to the Scholastic Art Awards competition.

Visual Foundations 9

This course introduces students to visual issues including line, color, texture, value, perspective and composition. Through problem-solving assignments and critiques, students acquire a wide range of perceptual, technical and critical skills with 2D (painting, drawing and photography, both digital and darkroom) and 3D art forms (ceramics and textiles). Film History is explored with class lectures and the viewing of film clips supplemented with the text Understanding Movies by Louis Ginannetti. Students keep a sketchbook and receive weekly homework. Their work is exhibited throughout the school year. Assignments build sequentially from skill building exercises, to projects that place greater emphasis on individual expression. Visual concepts and correct use of visual vocabulary are emphasized through critiques that provide the opportunity for students to practice analytical skills in an atmosphere that is both intellectually critical and emotionally supportive. Exposure to historical and contemporary works of art through various media such as art history textbooks and field trips contextualize each assignment.

Sculpture (Grades 10 through 12) In Sculpture, students explore the principles and elements of three-dimensional art and the idea that all sculptures are forms, but not all forms are sculpture. Students learn techniques such as mold making and carving, creating sculpture through addition and subtraction with a variety of materials such as wire, wood, and textiles.

Art Portfolio Sculpture (Grade 11) In this course, students continue to develop their established knowledge base of materials and techniques with more advanced mediums such as stone and plaster. Using a wide breadth of media through projects and prompts, students learn how to create three-dimensional forms while developing and strengthening their individual voices. Students will explore contemporary, modern, and historically important artists and their works to inspire and inform their own art. Encouraged to make bold choices with their art practice, students explore all possibilities of three-dimensional art making.

Advanced Sculpture (Grade 12) This class is centered on a “sustained investigation.” Students use a combination of their technical knowledge, risk-taking, ideas, exploration, and their own observations. The concept of a body of work will be introduced. Using a variety of approaches, students develop their con-