NAVIGATION MENU
Can you imagine a world without art? No driving down the highway with the windows down and the music blaring. No staying up all hours of the night binge-watching your favorite television series. No visits to the Art Gallery to take in your favorite artists. No one to create movies, music, or paint. This doesn't sound like a very stimulating environment, does it?
Some educational philosophies only emphasize the importance of academic studies and that Art is simply a hobby or something we do during our free time. Yes, the academic side of education is vital in the development of our youth, but so are the arts. A report by Americans for the Arts states that students who frequently partake in the arts are four times more likely to be admired for their academic accomplishments than those students who do not.
Through the Arts, students develop the imagination to visualize a better future and the creativity to put that vision into motion. Educating students in the Arts also inspires voice by celebrating students' identities, empowering them as creators, and making choices regarding their learning.
At the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS), the Arts are essential to our curriculum across our Early Years, Primary School, and Secondary School. It is embedded in our daily teaching practices as one of the four pillars of our educational philosophy. Through the Arts, our students build confidence, increase concentration, develop their social skills, and gain an appreciation for diversity.
As educators, we endeavor to provide as many opportunities as possible for students to showcase their artistic skills at school and beyond our campus. Whether through a theatre production, a music concert, or an art show, students at WISS can shine in their chosen art discipline.
Recently, a group of Secondary School students put on a theatre production of the renowned play 'An Inspector Calls.' After watching the show twice, I was mesmerized by the skills and talent these students possessed. The confidence they showed, the concentration of remembering their lines, and the collaboration that went into putting it all together were truly amazing to watch. All of this because of an Arts Education.
At the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS), the Midlle Years Programme students from Grade 6 through Grade 8 alternate quarterly between Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. This is valuable to students as they have the opportunity to experience the Arts from different perspectives and develop a sense of curiosity for future study.
‘Creative Arts Sharing’ is an event where students have the opportunity to showcase the concepts and skills acquired over during their studies to their peers and teachers. Within these art disciplines, students explore the theme of ’Telling Tales’ in relation to the Global Context of ‘Personal and Cultural Expression’ along with the concepts of artistry and creation.
In Music, students investigate the stories behind songs and why some musical artists use storytelling to convey meaning and emotions. Students form bands and collaborate to choose songs they prepare for a final performance. While doing so, students can explore and develop their musical skills and techniques on their chosen instrument.
In Theatre, students explore ‘Telling Tales’ by collaborating in groups to work on improvisation, modeling, and slapstick comedy techniques to create short films and live theatre skits. All of this in preparation for a final performance as part of the Creative Arts Sharing Event hosted at the school.
In Visual Arts, students investigate the theme of ‘Telling Tales’ by utilizing their knowledge of graphite and charcoal to blend and shade portraits in order to create animated-looking creatures to help share their stories. For the final sharing, visual art students go on to present their designs and take questions from their peers and teachers.
The Arts Programme at the Western International School of Shanghai is designed to help students develop their creativity, critical thinking skills, and self-expression. The arts are an essential part of a student's education and can be used to enhance learning in other subjects as well.
Our Arts teachers are experienced professionals who are passionate about their subjects and dedicated to helping students succeed. They work closely with students to help them develop their skills and talents and to encourage them to explore new areas of interest within the arts.
Arts education is an important part of a student's overall development, and we are committed to providing our students with an exceptional arts programme that helps them to grow and thrive both academically and personally.
Contributions by Colin Mosher, Head of Creative Arts at The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS).
Click here to see more pictures.
TAGS & RELATED ARTICLES
WESTERN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHANGHAI
555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town, Qing Pu District,
Shanghai, PRC, 201702
Admissions 1
Admissions 2
OFFICIAL WECHAT
TAGS & RELATED ARTICLES
WISS FEATURED NEWS
READ MORE news
Upcoming events
WESTERN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHANGHAI
555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town, Qing Pu District,
Shanghai, PRC, 201702
OFFICIAL WECHAT
WORLD OF WISS
Explore what happening at WISS, news on student achievements, sports and cultural events.
Videos of activities, events, , parent workshops, and info session recordings at WISS.
Upcoming Events and Past Events
Programs unique to WISS that truly enhance the student learning experience.
Photos of events and activities at WISS.
ADMISSIONS
Introduction message from the Director of Admissions & Marketing.
Learn why parents choose WISS for the education of their children.
Explore the Academic merit-based scholarship programme for high-achieving students.
A Step-by-Step Guide to applying for admission to WISS.
See what is included in the WISS Tuition Fees, Payment Information and Refund Policy.
Eligibility and student placement information.
Discover the benefits of a WISS Education directly from our students and parents.
Document requirements for Admissions.
CONTACT US
Admissions 1
Admissions 2
CAMPUS LIFE
Explore the WISS Campus, our classrooms and facilities through photos, video and Virtual Tour options.
Discover the wide-variety of activities, sports, music, and arts options available to students at WISS.
Learn more about the School Bus Service, School Uniform, Meals, and Health & Safety available to students at WISS.
Read about excursions and the WISS exclusive Explore Shanghai, Explore China, and Global Citizen Trips
ACADEMICS
A Pre-Nursery through Kindergarten Education for Children aged 2.5 - 5 Years Old
A look at the IB Programmes and how it’s rigorous academic programmes benefit student learning at WISS.
Primary Education for Children aged 6 - 12 Years Old
Support, Guidance, and Student Pathways to University.
Secondary Education for Children aged 13 - 18+ Years Old
Programs unique to WISS that truly enhance the student learning experience.
WHY WISS
A roadmap from 2006 to now. 15+ Years as a leader in international education in Shanghai.
Interactive Campus Map to help parents and students discover what has to offer.
From Dance Studio’s to Forest School, WISS offer top-quality facilities that enhance and support the student learning experience.
The inspiration behind the founding of WISS.
Develop your career as an educator and explore available positions at the Western International School of Shanghai.
Learn the qualities we nurture within our students every day.
WELCOME
WISS Academic Programmes and approached to teaching and learning.
WISS Academic Programmes and approaches to teaching and learning.
Learn more about where WISS Graduates attend University.
Our Vision & Mission, Quality Education , and Global Citizenship
High-Quality, World-Class Education available at WISS.
15+ Years of Excellence in Education. See how WISS has grown and developed since 2006.
Discover how WISS enhances student learning experiences through exclusive partnerships.