Arts Courses
Studio and performing arts classes encourage students to be creative and to enjoy themselves while they practice and appreciate a specific art form. In addition, students learn to be discriminating when they evaluate their own and others' work.
Stagecraft
Training in theater lighting, scenery, properties, sound, and stage management allows students to prepare for the school's four major productions throughout the year. Students are also expected to work on at least one running crew during the school year. All students undertake a theoretical design project during the second term, delving into script analysis and design theory. Students are encouraged to take this class more than once since the curriculum changes every year. Those enrolled in Stagecraft for second or subsequent years are expected to take on greater leadership roles in the class, especially as peer teachers.
This course fulfills the senior team activity requirement.
Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking Stagecraft for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, a student must enroll in Stagecraft in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday.
Theater Arts
This course provides training in acting techniques, including vocal production, movement, and the expressiveness necessary to interpret characters, both improvised and scripted. Students participate in ensemble-forming exercises that develop concentration, trust, observation, spatial relationships, and emotional expression. Students are introduced to script analysis through the study of monologues and scenes. Through a variety of exercises, students explore different acting styles specific to time period or dramatic genre. Continued work aims to fully develop emotional and intellectual resources for the creation of believable and accurate character interpretations. Participants are given the opportunity to stage Green Room productions.
Advanced Theater Arts
This course, which has a specific focus on world theater, provides an opportunity for students to hone and improve the techniques developed in the Theater Arts course. To prepare for a higher level IB exam, a student must take the Advanced Theater Arts course in both junior and senior years. To prepare for a higher level IB exam, a student must take this course in both 11th and 12th grades. To prepare for a standard level IB exam, a student must take at least two yearlong courses in theater arts, the second of which must be this course.
Prerequisite: Theater Arts
Theater Performance
Performance is the focus of this term-long course as members of the class participate in a main-stage production. Shows are supported by the Stagecraft classes and a professional costumer. The goal is for students to demonstrate a range of physical, vocal, and emotional abilities in specific character portrayal. Auditions are held in the term prior to the production. The course meets daily after school, so participants cannot take a sport concurrently.
In 2012-2013 the course will be offered in Terms 1 and 3.
This course fulfills the senior team activity requirement.
Prerequisite: Auditions are open to students who have taken Theater Arts for at least one year or obtained permission from the instructor
Dance Studies 1-6
In Dance 1, a fundamental knowledge of dance vocabulary, basic steps, and body mechanics is developed. Attention is placed on proper body alignment, movement efficiency, strength, and flexibility. Students learn to combine basic steps into movement phrases, to dance to a variety of tempos, and to work in a range of styles. The basics of dance composition are also explored, along with creative movement and performance preparation. As students progress through the dance program, there is increased emphasis on kinesthetics and the development of core strength. Movement combinations increase in length and technical difficulty as students become more familiar with adagio and petit allegro and are better able to incorporate increased use of jumps and turns. Students explore effort/shape concepts, dynamics, rhythm, gesture, and motivation in relation to dance composition and do increasingly sophisticated choreographic projects. All dance students participate in a staged performance during the course of the year, which requires rehearsal time outside of class.
This course fulfills the physical activity requirement and the senior team activity requirement. It does not fulfill the team sport requirements for underclassmen.
Students can prepare for an IB exam by taking dance for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in dance in both 11th and 12th grades.
Prerequisite: Dance 2-6 require previous dance experience and permission of instructor
Community Chorus
This is a non-auditioned Chorus open to all members of the George School campus community, as well as neighbors and friends from the wide community. Singers receive training in vocal production, exposure to music-reading, and exposure to a varied repertoire. The course meets on Sunday evenings for four months in preparation for one major concert. There are no meetings during the academic day. In 2012-2013 this course will begin in January and continue into May.
This course carries 1 credit.
Chorale
Students in this course receive training in vocal production and sight-reading while exploring a variety of vocal styles. Singers experience a varied repertoire of music from around the world, including, but not limited to, early to contemporary classical music and a cappella and vocal jazz. The ensemble performs on and off campus. Chorale members learn the music of the Community Chorus and perform in its annual concert also. To participate, each student must be able to carry a tune, blend well with other voices, and be enthusiastic about performing. The ability to read music, while helpful, is not a prerequisite, as this is part of the class instruction.
This course fulfills the senior team activity requirement.
With permission from the department and the ability to read music, a student may prepare for the SL IB Music exam by taking Chorale in both 11th and 12th grades. (To prepare for the HL IB Music exam, a student must take IB Music Seminar in both 11th and 12th grades.)
Prerequisite: Audition
Instrumental Music
Orchestra is a course in musicianship for players of string, wind, and percussion instruments. Through the preparation and performance of instrumental music students learn elements of style, expression, ensemble technique, music theory, history of music, and music literature. The role of the performer and his or her responsibility to the composer, the audience, and fellow performers are ongoing themes in this class. A varied repertoire, ranging from Renaissance music to modern compositions, is performed not only by the full orchestra, but also by the string orchestra and various smaller chamber ensembles. Each student will participate in at least three different ensembles within this single class. To participate, a student must demonstrate familiarity with his or her instrument; read music fluently; and have a working understanding of key signatures, basic rhythm patterns, and meter. There are occasional evening and weekend rehearsals and performances. Students also take field trips and attend off-campus performances.
This course fulfills the senior team activity requirement.
With permission from the department, a student may prepare for the SL IB Music exam by taking Instrumental Music in both 11th and 12th grades. (To prepare for the HL IB Music exam, a student must take the IB Music Seminar in both 11th and 12th grades.)
Prerequisite: Audition
IB Music Seminar
Students in this course explore Western music including nineteenth- and twentieth-century orchestral and piano music. World music such as African drumming and Balinese gamelan are also explored. Students work in class with guest musicians, compose several works, and participate in performances. Those who take this course for two years may sit for either the higher-level or standard-level IB music exam. The ability to read music is essential.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Musical Theater
Students explore the various backstage elements of musical theater production in this one-term course. They experience the interdependence of acting, singing, dancing, costuming, lighting, and set design. While the final public performance is a tangible result of a term's work, on the course emphasizes the process leading up to the performance. The ideals of ensemble and group support and development are modeled in all that is studied, from the audition process through the final curtain call. Auditions are held in the term prior to the production. The course meets daily after school, so participants cannot take a sport concurrently.
In 2012-2013 the course will be offered in Term 2.
This course fulfills the senior team activity requirement.
Prerequisite: Audition
Ceramics
Developing a practical understanding of clay objects while taking an aesthetic approach to ceramics is the primary goal of this course. George School has an excellent studio with many potter's wheels, and wheelwork is emphasized. Students develop skills in centering clay, throwing on the potter's wheel, trimming, and glazing. Other skills introduced in alternate years are: building with slabs or coils, pinching clay pots, creating small-scale sculpture, making clay stamps, and decorating with brushes and glaze pens. Each student's work is exhibited with a critique at the end of each term. Classes include videos, slides, and presentations of others' work, including artists in the field. Students are expected to complete between four and ten pieces each term. In addition, they are expected to support classmates, to honor the work of all students in the class, and to contribute to classroom cleanup and maintenance.
Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking ceramics courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in ceramics courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday. IB ceramics students are encouraged to develop individual projects and to work more independently than non-IB students.
Ceramics Concentration—Mixed Media Sculpture
The development of a conceptual understanding of the creation of abstract sculpture is central to this course in which students learn the fundamentals of creating and appreciating non-representational sculptural forms in clay and a variety of alternative materials. Among these fundamentals are techniques in clay, principles of balance and weight, elements of design, hand building techniques, and fabrication techniques. Alternative materials used include but are not limited to found objects, wood, steel, and stone.
Class discussions and group critiques are used to explore new ways of discussing, viewing, and understanding ceramic art and various sculpture media. This course provides students with the basic tools, information, and context needed for close observation and thoughtful analysis of art made in the class and in the wider world.
Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking ceramics courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in ceramics courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday. IB ceramics students are encouraged to develop individual projects and to work more independently than non-IB students.
Advanced Ceramics
Students work to expand their knowledge of clay as an art medium and to improve the skills learned in Ceramics. They complete specific assignments and plan some of their own projects. Projects are more complex and require more time. Assignments might include teapots, cups and saucers, plates, and other sets. There is a great deal of flexibility within the assignments given to students and some assignments might include a written or presentation component.
Students may take this course more than once.
Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking ceramics courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in ceramics courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday. IB ceramics students are encouraged to develop individual projects and to work more independently than non-IB students.
Prerequisite: Ceramics (must be taken at George School)
Painting and Drawing
Traditional skills needed in representational drawing and painting develop as students in this course delve into a variety of materials and techniques. Concentration is placed on shading, linear perspective, color choice, and proportion. Subject matter includes still life, figure drawing, portraiture, and landscapes. Approaches to be explored are in the classic, expressive, and applied art veins. Students are expected to keep a sketchbook. Effort and conscientious completion of all requirements are important aspects of grade determination.
Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking painting and drawing courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in painting and drawing courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday.
Advanced Painting and Drawing
To strengthen students' observational drawing and painting skills, this course emphasizes accuracy in rendering structures and three-dimensional forms. Some of the materials used in Painting and Drawing are explored further using more technically developed methods. In addition, students spend much of this course in media exploration and personal image development. Students are required to work in a sketchbook outside of class. Prior experience creating representational art is necessary. In particular, students must have a solid foundation in linear perspective and in rendering three-dimensional form, as well as some experience working with color. Effort and conscientious completion of all requirements are important aspects of grade determination.
This course may be taken more than once.
Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking painting and drawing courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in painting and drawing courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday.
Prerequisite: Painting and Drawing or permission of instructor
Portfolio Preparation and AP Studio Art: Portfolio
An ability to work independently on art projects is essential in this intensive class, in which each student's goal is to prepare a portfolio of painting and drawing work for college application and for an independent showing at George School. Prior experience with a wide range of art materials is expected so that the focus is on producing work of high quality for an effective portfolio of finished work. In the first term, specific assignments are given. In the second and third terms, students are responsible for developing the remainder of their portfolios by creating works that reflect their own individual voices in art. In the AP version of this course, students must complete and extensive body of work as prescribed by the AP Studio Art guidelines.
Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking painting and drawing courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in painting and drawing courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and, in most cases, Advanced Painting and Drawing
Photography
Basic photography concepts, processes, and techniques lead students toward mastery of 35mm camera operation, exposure, and darkroom procedures. In addition to technical skills, students explore the aesthetics of photography through critiques, presentations, and written assignments. Student work is exhibited throughout the year in the George School galleries. Assessment is based on the quality of work, effort, and timeliness. Students must have a 35mm manual camera for this course, and projects are shot outside of class time. Film and chemicals are provided; all other materials are available for purchase in the George School bookstore. Since technical difficulties could arise that require students to spend free periods in the photo lab, students taking an overload are advised against taking this course.
Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking painting and drawing courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in painting and drawing courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday.
Alternative Photographic Processes
Technical skills acquired in Photography are further refined. In addition, experimental techniques are introduced, ranging from historic and antique processes to cutting-edge digital imaging. Students experiment with studio lighting, digital imaging, nonsilver processes, and bookbinding. Participation in class critiques is required as images created by students are analyzed for aesthetic, conceptual, and theoretical concerns. Student work is entered in regional and international photography contests and exhibited throughout the year in the George School galleries. Since the curriculum changes every year, students are encouraged to take this class more than once. Since technical difficulties could arise that require students to spend free periods in the photo lab, students taking an overload are advised against taking this course.
Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking photography courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in photography courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday.
Prerequisite: Photography (must be taken at George School)
Digital Imaging
The art of digital imaging through the use of Adobe Photoshop is explored in this course. Students create images with 35mm cameras using color and black-and-white film. These images are scanned into the computer. Among other things, students learn to retouch, color balance, enlarge, and crop their images. They also learn to color black-and-white images by hand and create photomontages by participating in hands-on demonstrations and completing technical exercises. This course may only be taken once. Since technical difficulties could arise that require students to spend free periods in the photo lab, students taking an overload are advised against taking this course.
Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking photography courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in photography courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday.
Prerequisite: Photography (must be taken at George School)
AP Studio Art—Alternative Photographic Processes or Digital Imaging
This course provides an opportunity for students to refine technical skills while incorporating experimental techniques ranging from historic and antique processes to cutting-edge digital imaging. In the early part of the year, students experiment with studio lighting, digital imaging, nonsilver processes, and bookbinding. As the year progresses, students develop and focus on a single project to produce a cohesive portfolio as required by the AP exam. Students are required to participate in class critiques as they address aesthetic, conceptual, and theoretical concerns relating to the images they create. Since technical difficulties could arise that require students to spend free periods in the photo lab, students taking an overload are advised against taking this course.
Prerequisite: Photography (must be taken at George School)
Video Production
During this first-year video course, students pursue a variety of exercises designed to develop familiarity and skill with video making. Skills covered include camera orientation, story development, basic shot composition, project planning and scheduling, basic editing, and post production. Limited-scale exercises in Term 1 build abilities for longer and more complex assignments in Term 2 and Term 3.
Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking video courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in video production courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday.
Advanced Video Production
During the second and subsequent years in the video program, students strengthen and refine their video making skills and continue to develop new ones. More emphasis is placed on scripting and project planning, on targeting external audiences, on developing more sophisticated camera use and production practices, and on learning more advanced video editing techniques. Collaborative effort is also stressed.
Students may take this course more than once.
Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking photography courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in video production courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday.
Woodworking and Design
Students begin the year by learning how to work with and maintain a variety of traditional hand woodworking tools. In the first term, each student designs and builds a small box using traditional joinery techniques. In the second term, students learn to use power tools safely. Throughout the remainder of the year, each student is guided through the process of designing an original piece of furniture. The class includes trips to museums, local studios, and the Philadelphia Furniture Show. Students also have opportunities to exhibit their work in area shows.
Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking woodworking courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in woodworking courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday.
Advanced Woodworking and Design
Building on skills developed in Woodworking and Design, students continue to develop patience, hand skills, safe power tool use, and the ability to "see" on paper and create in wood. Each student must design and build at least one piece of furniture of high quality. Some students spend the entire year on a single project, while others complete more than one piece. Either approach is acceptable as long as the student's commitment to doing his or her best work is apparent in the final product.
Students may take this course more than once.
Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking woodworking courses for at least two years. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in 11th or 12th grade. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in woodworking courses in both 11th and 12th grades. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday.
Prerequisites: Woodworking and Design (must be taken at George School)
Communication Design—Newspaper
The rudiments of journalism and electronic publishing provide the focus for this course, as students produce the school newspaper, The Curious George. Students may take this class more than once and those enrolled for second or subsequent years are expected to take on leadership roles.
Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking at least two years of this course. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in junior or senior year. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in both junior and senior years. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday.
Communication Design—Yearbook
Students on the yearbook staff learn to organize, plan, and lay out text and artwork as they produce the George School yearbook, The Opus. Working with student-produced photos, they also develop graphic design skills. Students may take this class more than once and those enrolled for second or subsequent years are expected to take on leadership roles. Enrollment preference is given to students who have taken a photography course.
Students may prepare for an IB visual arts exam by taking at least two years of this course. To take an SL exam, only one of the two years must be in junior or senior year. To take an HL exam, the student must enroll in both junior and senior years. Juniors and seniors preparing for an IB exam in the visual arts must participate in the IB visual arts seminar, which meets for 30 minutes weekly and includes occasional field trips on Saturday or Sunday.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor