High School Curriculum: Arts
Visual Art
Aims and philosophy
The Art department offers a stimulating environment which facilitates the development
of qualities important in all areas of students' lives. The department is extremely
well stocked with a variety of media and through the Arts programme students are
encouraged to learn a multitude of practical skills, disciplines and techniques.
The large departmental library exposes students to artists and their ideas ranging
from the ancient to the contemporary. This results in a learner who gains knowledge
and understanding through practice, experimentation and reflective examination.
Curriculum by year-group
Grades 7 – 9:
Art is compulsory for all students in Grades 7-9 and is done in rotation with Drama.
Through both two- and three-dimensional work, students are introduced to acquiring
observational skills, use of elements and principles of Art, practical skills and
critical research.
Grades 10 and 11: Edexcel GCSE Art and Design Full Course (1027)
Students embark on a two-year course covering all the required criteria which include:
recording, selecting and organizing appropriate research; analyzing and responding
to work from other artists, times and cultures; developing and exploring ideas and
use of materials and ultimately creating outcomes where connections and understanding
are evident.
Grades 12 and 13: IBDP Visual Arts (SL Option A)
On this two-year course students explore a chosen theme and produce a relevant body
of work. The work should have evidence of: investigating past and present forms
of visual arts; developing an understanding of international visual arts; responding
creatively to personal and cultural experiences; an individual and independent involvement
with learning through effective working practices.
Outside the classroom
Extra classes after school are always available especially to the GCSE and IBDP
Art students. There are also a variety of clubs and activities open to all students
ranging from projects in collaboration with the Drama department to visiting galleries
and craft activities.
Further information is available from:
Head of Department, Ms. Keda Zeat Kane
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 267 or Email:
kzeatkane@eischools.ae)
Deputy Principal – Curriculum, Mr. David Hicks
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 290 or Email:
dhicks@eischools.ae)
Drama and Theatre
Aims and philosophy
Drama is an important part of the EIS-J curriculum. Students of all ages are encouraged
to participate, to explore, to create, and to enjoy every aspect of the subject.
Drama provides students with the chance to express themselves, improve their communication
skills, build their personal confidence and develop skills and knowledge of Drama
and Theatre from a range of cultures and eras. There are currently three specialist
drama teachers in the Department.
Curriculum by year-group
Grades 7 – 9:
Students in Grades 7, 8 and 9 take part in an 11-week Arts rotation designed to
give them a chance to develop skills in Art and Drama. The Drama curriculum encourages
creativity, confidence and critical thinking, as students explore a range of skills,
and learn to apply basic theatre theory. The course includes improvisation, characterisation,
script-work, mime and movement, voice and speech work, as well as an introduction
to the history of the theatre.
Grades 10 and 11: Edexcel GCSE Drama (1699)
In the GCSE Drama syllabus (1699) students learn to use dramatic techniques to explore
ideas and issues from a variety of sources and develop performance skills to enable
them to communicate their ideas to an audience. Students also explore play texts
to understand how playwrights use the medium of drama and discover how actors and
directors interpret a script in performance.
Grades 12 and 13: IBDP Theatre Arts
The aims of the IBDP Diploma theatre programme are to help students understand the
nature of the theatre; to understand it by making it as well as by studying it;
to understand it not only with their minds but with their senses, their bodies and
their emotions; to understand the forms it takes in cultures other than their own;
and through this understanding better to understand themselves, their society and
their world. The course aims to develop the confidence in students to explore, to
experiment and to work individually and collaboratively on innovative projects,
which can involve challenging established notions and conventions of theatre.
Outside the classroom
All students are encouraged to participate in drama productions throughout the year.
Two major productions are scheduled annually. The senior school production (Grades
10-13) usually takes place in December and the Middle School production (Grades
7-9) in May. In addition many lunchtime performances take place throughout the year
in which students are able to perform aspects of their coursework in front of their
friends and peers.
Further information is available from:
Head of Department, Ms. Keda Zeat Kane
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 267 or Email:
kzeatkane@eischools.ae)
Deputy Principal – Curriculum, Mr. David Hicks
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 290 or Email:
dhicks@eischools.ae)
Food Technology
Aims and philosophy
Food Technology provides students with skills in design and technology to assist
in developing their creative potential. Students will have the ability to relate
to food and health, appreciate consumer aspects and consider the aesthetic and design
elements of food. The focus during lessons is not only to teach the basic Food Technology
concepts but also to build on previous knowledge. For all new students to the school
the required background information will be given to ensure that all work will be
understood.
Although cooking methods and basic cooking skills are taught, food design and development
is also included which form the basis for future Food Technology classes, especially
with the focus on higher levels of education such as GCSE.
Curriculum by year-group
Grades 7 – 9:
Students in Grades 7, 8 and 9 take part in an Arts rotation designed to give them
a chance to develop skills in Food Technology, Drama and Art. At the end of Grade
9 students choose which Creative Arts option they will study to GCSE level in Grades
10 and 11. The Food technology syllabus is divided into practical sessions for cooking
that take place during double lessons and theory sessions for writing that take
place for one lesson per week according to the timetable.
The focus in Grade 7 is to teach the basic Food Technology and nutrition concepts.
Students will learn their way around the kitchen and experience first hand how to
use various equipment as well as cooking techniques. Each student prepares his/her
own dishes during the cooking session and should bring the required food ingredients
to each cooking lesson.
Grade 8 is a continuation of Grade 7 whereby food manipulation and design skills
as well as confidence are developed. Complex dishes are introduced and prepared
by the students. Class discussions are on nutrients, food choices and food product
design.
Grade 9 is focussed on preparation for GCSE Food Technology. Pupils learn to prepare
advance recipes with more skill and independence and are encouraged to be more innovative
and not be afraid to experiment with different food ingredients. Food product research
and design methods are used to develop acceptable products.
Grades 10 -11: GCSE Design and Technology: Food Technology (1970)
Food Technology aims to contribute to the total curriculum by providing the opportunity
for students to develop their knowledge and skills in an area not only relevant
to their lives but also in relation to understanding the role and applications of
Food Technology in a contemporary, changing and multi-cultural society. Students
will be required to apply knowledge acquired from the Food Technology syllabus and
use practical skills within a specified context, taking into account such factors
as personal and family needs, lifestyles, financial resources, food commodities
available and the relationship of diet to health.
This involves designing and making products using a range of different foods, taking
into consideration commercial and large scale food production. During practical
sessions a wide range of food preparation and cooking methods are practised, while
coursework is focused on the development of new food products. Some of the highlights
of the course include the classification and selection of food ingredients, preparation
and development of food products, the use of ICT in food production and the influence
of consumers on the food market.
The course is very useful if you are considering a career in the food industry,
hospitality and leisure industry or any other career which involves the consideration
of people's physical health and welfare.
Further information is available from:
Head of Department, Ms. Keda Zeat Kane
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 267 or Email:
kzeatkane@eischools.ae)
Deputy Principal – Curriculum, Mr. David Hicks
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 290 or Email:
dhicks@eischools.ae)
Music
Aims and philosophy
In the Music Department we strive to impart an understanding of music and its place
in any culture and society. To this end it is not necessary to be a master musician
to have success or to enjoy and learn from this subject. However, it is intended
that all students have some basic knowledge of the many styles of music that can
be heard today, from medieval and classical right through to pop, hip-hop, R & B
and rock, plus the many styles in between. This is to help supply the need for a
good music education but also because familiarity with a wide variety of music is
in and of itself a worthwhile experience and a satisfying pursuit.
Curriculum by year-group
Grades 7 – 9:
This three year curriculum is designed to introduce music to the students at a basic
level, involving the beginning elements of music theory and notation, the more common
words used in the music vocabulary and as a basic introduction to the styles of
music from around the world, both past and present.
Each student will learn the keyboard and advance through the levels from a series
called "Mini Steps to Music". This series is a solid introduction to basic keyboard
skills and learning music theory, i.e. how to read and write music. The students
can progress at their own pace, accomplishing and extending as they go.
Students are introduced to the instruments of the orchestra, using Benjamin Britten's
"Young Musicians of the Orchestra", and will have activities and assignments relating
to this field of work.
Students are also introduced to the concept of composition – writing their own music/songs
– and are encouraged to be as creative as possible. Grade Seven will create and
perform a whole class composition, Grade Eight will create their songs in small
groups and Grade Nine will create a composition on their own or in pairs. This provides
a full and challenging year for each student and helps prepare those who are interested
in continuing their music studies at the next level.
Grades 10 and 11: Edexcel GCSE Music (1426)
The GCSE Music course is designed for students who have a desire to experience music
more fully and deeply and will have an instrument of choice that they will continue
to work with and develop throughout the two-year course. This fully developed and
realized course is structured in the following way.
Four Areas of Study are covered:
- Structure in Western Classical Music 1600 – 1899
- Changing Directions in Western Classical music from 1900
- Dance Music 1985 – present day
- Indian Raga, African Music and Fusions
The students are also required to perform and record two pieces of music and compose
and record two pieces of music based on styles chosen from two of the areas of study.
There are also exams held at the end of the first and second years of the course.
Grades 12 and 13: IBDP Music
Outside the classroom
Further information on the Music Centre is available from the ASA page.
Students are also able to perform in school choirs, band and small group ensembles.
Concerts are given both at school and at external venues.
Further information is available from:
Head of Department, Ms. Keda Zeat Kane
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 267 or Email:
kzeatkane@eischools.ae)
Deputy Principal – Curriculum, Mr. David Hicks
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 290 or Email:
dhicks@eischools.ae)
Film
Aims and philosophy
The Film section aims to expose learners to a range of mainstream and non-mainstream
film texts which represent a variety of cultures. Students are encouraged to develop
their technical production skills as and their ability to express their ideas creatively.
Curriculum by year-group
Grades 12-13: IBDP Film
Film is one of the Arts options open to IBDP students in Grades 12 and 13. The course
is followed over two years. Learners are required to meet deadlines for both internal
and external assessment of their work. They will produce theoretical studies, scripts,
short films and a film trailer. They will also be expected to demonstrate their
understanding of film texts through assessed presentations. There is no examination
for this subject.
Outside the classroom
The department aims to build up links with local industry so that learners engage
with industry professionals at film festivals and events. As part of the after school
activities program, students may choose to follow a short course in photography
which will further develop their creative skills in this area. Students will be
involved in the mbc 2 Minute Movie initiative which will involve pre production
planning, scripting, filming and post production editing. Films will be entered
in to competition. Students will be encouraged to attend selected film screenings
at local cinemas.
Further information is available from:
Head of Department, Ms. Keda Zeat Kane
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 267 or Email:
kzeatkane@eischools.ae)
Deputy Principal – Curriculum, Mr. David Hicks
(Tel: +971 4-3489804 Ext. 290 or Email:
dhicks@eischools.ae)