ARTS PROGRAM
The Giles School's Arts Program fosters creativity and self-expression through music and visual arts. Music education begins at the JK level, offering vocal and instrumental skill-building, with students participating in recitals and performances. Visual arts classes encourage students to explore artistic techniques, developing intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Students from JK to Grade 8 engage in hands-on projects that emphasize both individual expression and collaborative learning, creating a vibrant, well-rounded arts experience.
MUSIC PROGRAM
Music lessons begin at the JK level at The Giles School, with students becoming an integral part of the creative ensembles performing in each year's Winter and Summer recitals. Up to Grade 5, students advance their creative skillset through the music and vocal curriculum before exploring performance and composition capabilities from Grade 6 onward.
From JK to Grade 5, learning is focused on skill-building through the vocal music curriculum and with instruments such as Ukulele, Keyboard, and Percussion. Grades 6 to 8 students will further develop their performance skills through our instrumental music program, engaging in hands-on lessons on instruments such as Drums, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Keyboard, and Voice. They will also explore composition by creating and recording their original music.
VISUAL ARTS PROGRAM
Visual arts education aims to create visually literate children who appreciate and understand art. Students learn to observe, interpret, and find meaning in what they see, recognizing the value and relevance of art in their lives.
Art classes are places for fun and discovery, essential for fostering intellectual, social, and emotional growth. With separate arts programs for Grades JK to 3 and Grades 4 to 8, all learners are encouraged to express themselves. We emphasize a passion for learning over a pass/fail mentality.
Grades 1 to 3 create imaginative visual works using manipulation, hand-eye coordination, building, and vision. Young artists produce a range of two- and three-dimensional works for specific purposes and familiar audiences, helping them communicate ideas, thoughts, and feelings age-appropriately.
In Grades 4 to 8, students dive deeper into aspects of their own and their community’s identity, acquiring techniques that enhance their understanding of the art they study. Diversity and stereotypes serve as sources of inspiration, and students are guided to identify challenges and support one another in resolving them.