Our semester is continuing with the topic ‘Art’. Within this topic, students have explored ‘What is Art?’, ‘Famous Paintings and Painters’, ‘Famous Sculptures and Sculptors’ and ‘Performing Arts’. The main aim for this topic is for students to expose them to different art types and get them starting to think what art they would maybe like to try or explore more. These things will then be collated onto individual posters and displayed.

   ‘Art’ is divided into four sub-categories. The first of these sub-categories is all about ‘What is Art?’. Students will be introduced to some basic concepts about Art, and will be encouraged to also talk and write about their own that they know. In Grade four they will look at what is art anyway?, prehistoric art, art to tell stories, art in architecture, art as a career, popularity of painting and experimenting with art. In Grade five they will look at a what is art anyway?, what is the purpose of art?, commemorating events or people, storytelling, express emotion, find beauty, innovate and improve.

   The second of these sub-categories is all about famous paintings and painters. Students will be introduced to some new painters or paintings and again, will be encouraged to also talk and write about their own that they know. In Grade four they will look at elements of painting, the mona lisa, starry night, nights watch, Sunday afternoon on the island of la grande, blue poles and cow skull with calico rose, In Grade five they will look at why should we learn about famous artists?, Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock and Salvador Dali.

   The third of these sub-categories is all about famous sculptures and sculptors. Students will be introduced to some new sculptures and sculptors, and again, will be encouraged to also talk and write about their own that they know. In Grade four they will look at elements of sculpture, the penitent woman, the thinker, untitled, statue of liberty and the lincoln memorial. In Grade five they will look at why should we learn about famous sculptors?, Michelangelo, Donatello, Bernini, Rodin and Picasso.

   The fourth of these sub-categories is all about Performance Art. Students will be introduced to some new performance arts and purposes, and again, will be encouraged to also talk and write about their own that they know. In Grade four they will look at what is performance art?, dance, theatre, orchestra, opera and endurance art. In Grade five they will look at what is performance art?, dance, theatre, orchestra, circus arts and abstract performance art.