Developing creativity, confidence, and self-expression
The arts are part of every student’s experience at Stratford Hall. From Kindergarten through Grade 12, students engage in music, visual arts, and theatre through core classes, electives, and co-curricular opportunities. They explore ideas, work with different forms and materials, and develop the confidence to share their work.
The arts give students different ways to think, communicate, and make meaning
Primary Years Programme
Music and visual arts are another form of communication. We take a discovery approach which allows students to experiment with different materials, movement, sounds, and create work connected to what they are learning in class. They may create a sculpture as part of a unit of inquiry or perform a piece of music they have developed over several weeks.
Middle Years Programme
Students build on their earlier learning and begin to work more intentionally within their chosen creative disciplines. They develop technical skills, explore different styles and approaches, and take on more complex and collaborative projects. Students might rehearse and perform in an ensemble, develop a visual project over time, or take part in a theatre production.
Diploma Programme
Students can continue with focused study in music, theatre, or visual arts to refine their skills, work more independently, and develop and present original work. A senior student might build a portfolio, direct or perform in a production, or present a body of work that reflects their ideas.
Music
The Music program helps students build skills, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for music.
In the Junior School, students participate in music classes two times a week through an engaging program that develops creativity, collaboration, and musical understanding. Students explore music through singing, movement, games, composition, and instrumental playing.
In the Senior School, students in Grades 6-10, students develop their technique and knowledge as well as their confidence, collaboration, and creativity through a variety of co-curricular performance projects, band, and student clubs.
Students who continue in music in Grades 11 and 12 deepen their skills through performance and student clubs so that they become confident performers and masters of the stage.
Visual Arts
Visual arts help students bring ideas to life, develop creativity, and express themselves.
In the Junior School, students explore a range of materials and techniques as they develop their skills and confidence. They learn foundational concepts such as form, scale, and colour, and create work that is closely connected to their units of inquiry.
In the Senior School, students in Grades 6-10 continue developing their artistic skills and style while learning about other media and alternative processes.
In Grades 11-12, the visual arts curriculum focuses on making and creating, and empowers students to think creatively and critically about the world.
Theatre
The Theatre program encourages artistic expression and builds a strong sense of community.
In the Junior School, students can join co-curricular theatre clubs and put on productions such as Annie and Stone Soup. In the Senior School, theatre is offered as an elective course in Grades 6-10.
In Grades 11-12, Theatre is a multifaceted course of study in theatre-making. Students will have opportunities to engage actively in the creative process, transforming ideas into action as inquisitive and productive artists. The theatre curriculum gives students the opportunity to work within the role of creator, designer, director, or performer to collaboratively bring an idea from page to stage.
Stratford Hall’s annual production is open to all students in the Senior School. Past productions have included Clue, Mamma Mia, Puffs, and The Odyssey.
