Visual Arts

Our Middle School Visual Arts Program is designed to foster the creative spirit within every student. Guided by the National Core Art Standards, our program offers students a dynamic and enriching arts education experience. By engaging with ceramics, painting, drawing, digital art, fused glass and other art forms, students expand their creative thinking, hone their technical skills and develop a lifelong appreciation of the arts.

Program Goals:

1. Fostering Creativity: Our primary goal is to nurture each student’s innate creativity by providing them with opportunities to explore various art forms and techniques.
2. Building Technical Skills: We aim to equip students with fundamental artistic skills such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and digital media, laying a strong foundation for their artistic journey.
3. Promoting Self-Expression: Art is a powerful tool for self-expression. We encourage students to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas through their artwork, fostering confidence and self-awareness.
4. Cultural Appreciation: Art has deep roots in culture and history. Through studying different art movements, styles, and artists, we aim to broaden students’ cultural understanding and appreciation.
5. Collaboration and Communication: Art is not just about individual expression but also about collaboration and communication. We provide opportunities for students to work together on projects, share ideas, and communicate visually. 

Curriculum Overview:

Our curriculum is structured around the National Core Arts Standards, which provide a framework for teaching and assessing student learning in the arts. By incorporating these standards into our program, we ensure that students receive a comprehensive arts education that encompasses the following domains:

1. Creating: Students are encouraged to generate original ideas and artworks using various techniques and media. Through hands-on activities in ceramics, painting, and drawing, students explore different artistic processes and develop their unique artistic voice.
2. Presenting: Our program emphasizes the importance of showcasing artwork in a professional manner. Students learn how to prepare and present their work for public display, cultivating presentation skills and confidence in sharing their artwork..
3. Responding: Critical thinking and analysis are integral components of our curriculum. Students engage in discussions and critiques to evaluate artworks, both their own and others’, fostering a deeper understanding of artistic concepts and techniques.
4. Connecting: Art is a reflection of culture and society. Our program encourages students to make connections between their artwork and broader historical, cultural, and social contexts. 

Art Exhibitions and Community Outreach: To celebrate student achievement and showcase their artistic talents, we organize regular art exhibitions that feature artistic work created by our middle school students. These exhibitions provide a platform for students to share their art with peers, teachers, families, and the wider community. Students also have the opportunity to participate in an annual Empty Bowls Event and The Memory Project, both of which create connections between ASD and the wider world community. An annual Art Trip offered to students in Grade 7 & 8 is a chance for students to immerse themselves in art and architecture outside of Qatar.