ART AT THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF MILAN

The tradition of Art at BSM has always been to provide a solid foundation of structure, high standards, self-discipline, passion for the Arts and above all commitment. As a part of the IB course, students have the obligation to exhibit their coursework at a professional level which really increases their level of maturity and understanding of the art world in a genuine level. As an ex-student of the Sir James Henderson who specialised in Art and colleague of Mr Cooper, I strongly believe in continuing the tradition and expectation strived for in the Art department for the past 40 years. At KS3 students follow a rigorous art course, which establishes a sound understanding of the basic elements of line, shape, tone, colour, pattern, texture, form and space. The study of relevant established artists’ work is used to reinforce these elements along with thorough research into the art of non-western cultures. At Key stage 4 (14-16 years) students follow the first exam course (GCSE) and our success at this level is exceptionally high, especially considering that we are a non-selective school. Last year’ GCSE Art & Design students produced some exciting coursework and achieved an impressive set of results with 93% gaining grade A and A*. Five of these students are now studying IB Visual Arts at Higher Level. The IB course consists of studio work involving paintings, drawings and 3D studies executed during the five term course accompanied by a ‘Process portfolio’ which documents their research and ideas both written, drawn and painted. It is record of their journey. These two elements are awarded marks with the studio work being awarded 40% and the process portfolio 40%. This year there is also a new element added; the comparative study, which is worth 20% of their final grade. These grades are then combined to give an overall level of pass. Last year, we did incredibly well with an average grade of 6.2. The majority of these students then went on to pursue further Art related studies at university. Visual Arts is one of six areas of study that IB students must cover, plus an extended essay, and also an area called CAS [Creativity, Action and Service] to qualify for the Diploma. Visual arts are evolving continually and can challenge traditional boundaries. The work on this course encourages the respect of cultural and aesthetic differences and promotes creative thinking alongside problem solving. The course enables students to engage in both practical exploration and artistic production whilst researching contextual, visual and critical investigation. This year, we welcome Mr Scott into the Art department, who is currently running a Theatre Arts workshop after-school, KS3 teaching, a year 11 twilight GCSE course, and co-teaching the year 12 IB course. It is also with great pleasure that Mr Bazzi has agreed to host the 2016 IB Visual Arts exhibition. His enthusiasm towards Art and the school is greatly appreciated. A special thank you to Mr Cooper for his continued support post retirement. We appreciate and value your contributions.

Kate Michael Head of Art and Year Book The British School of Milan

About International Baccalaureate

Students aged 16-18 at The British School of Milan follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. They pursue six subjects including English, a second language, a humanity, a science and Mathematics. For their sixth subject some students pursue a second humanity or science. However, all Diploma students have the opportunity to pursue an Arts subject – Visual Art, Music or Theatre. This balanced programme includes a Core of Theory of Knowledge,

Creativity-Action-Service and an Extended Essay. Students are also encouraged to develop a range of skills so as to become fully independent learners. The Art Department caters for Art specialists, who study Higher Level Art and are aiming to progress to colleges of Art and Design. The Standard Level Art course welcomes students without a specialist arts background who wish to develop their artistic vision and skills as part of their IB Diploma. Our art teachers also supervise

Extended Essays in Art – research projects ending in a 4000 - word dissertation - and run well-supported after-school clubs, open to all students. In the courses offered, and the outstanding work displayed around the school, the Art Department is a major contributor to the IB Diploma Programme.

Antony Pinchin IB Director The British School of Milan

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