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Aims

The aims of any MYP subject and of the personal project state in a general way what the teacher may expect to teach and what the student may expect to experience or learn. In addition, they suggest how the student may be changed by the learning experience.

The aims of the teaching and study of MYP arts are for students to:

• understand how the arts play a role in developing and expressing personal and cultural identities

• appreciate how the arts innovate and communicate across time and culture

• become informed and reflective practitioners of the arts

• experience the process of making art in a variety of situations

• explore, express and communicate ideas

• become more effective learners, inquirers and thinkers

• develop self‑confidence and self‑awareness through art experiences

• appreciate lifelong learning in and enjoyment of the arts.

Objectives

The objectives of any MYP subject and of the personal project state the specific targets that are set for learning in the subject. They define what the student will be able to accomplish as a result of studying the subject.

As shown in figure 1, the arts objectives interrelate with each other and form the basis of the student’s experience in the arts. Personal engagement surrounds the student at the centre and connects directly with each of the other objectives.

These objectives relate directly to the assessment criteria found in the “Arts assessment criteria” section.

Figure 1 MYP arts objectives

A Knowledge and understanding

This objective focuses on building knowledge and understanding of both the art form and artistic processes. It should inform the student’s practice as a young artist and allow him or her to appraise other artworks. The learning a student experiences will impact on his or her own art‑making and expression of personal interpretations in objective B.

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the art form studied in relation to societal, cultural, historical and personal contexts

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the elements of the art form studied, including specialized language, concepts and processes

• communicate a critical understanding of the art form studied in the context of their own artwork.

BApplication

This objective focuses on the practical application of the student’s skills to the creation of artwork. This should be strongly informed by knowledge and understanding developed in relation to objective A.

The student should investigate and experiment with his or her artistic processes through the planning, creation, performance and presentation of artwork, developing an initial idea or theme to a point of realization.

These processes should allow the student to develop and experiment with skills and techniques, as well as explore, express and communicate artistic intentions. These intentions should involve the investigation of alternative ways of using their knowledge, understanding and skills, and may evolve during the course of the student’s work.

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• develop an idea, theme or personal interpretation to a point of realization, expressing and communicating their artistic intentions

• apply skills, techniques and processes to create, perform and/or present art.

CReflection and evaluation

This objective focuses on the way that a student gradually comes to feel and think like an artist.

Ongoing reflection should be more than just a record of what was done. Reflecting critically requires the student to question and justify the choices that he or she has made and to develop an objective evaluation of his or her own work. The student should show a growing insight into his or her own artistic development.

The student is encouraged to seek feedback from others and to consider how this feedback might inform his or her work as it develops. Constructive feedback can help a student to confirm, clarify or modify his or her artistic process or intent.

Objective C is concerned solely with the student’s reflections and evaluations in relation to his or her own work. Appraisal of the work of others is addressed in objective A, although this may lead a student to reflect on his or her own work subsequently.

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• reflect critically on their own artistic development and processes at different stages of their work

• evaluate their work

• use feedback to inform their own artistic development and processes.

DPersonal engagement

The main focus of this objective is the development of the attitudes essential to engage with the artistic processes and the art form studied.

The student should develop the personal and interpersonal skills that will enable him or her to initiate, to explore, to negotiate with others and to take informed risks during his or her artistic experience.

The student should develop his or her ability to interact with other students in a supportive and sensitive way.

It is also anticipated that students will become increasingly mindful of their own and other cultures and use their experiences to advance their artistic development.

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• show commitment in using their own artistic processes

• demonstrate curiosity, self‑motivation, initiative and a willingness to take informed risks

• support, encourage and work with their peers in a positive way

• be receptive to art practices and artworks from various cultures, including their own.

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