ARE YOU INTERESTED IN LEARNING THE CURRICULUM THROUGH THE ARTS?

If so, the York Region District School Board offers an Elementary integrated Arts program at Baythorn Public School. York Region students have the opportunity to explore the disciplines of Dance, Drama, Visual Arts and Music while meeting the necessary curricular requirements for the grades five, six, seven and eight programs.

PROGRAM
The arts@baythorn program is an intensive three or four year Arts program (depending on the grade of entry) providing students interested in the Arts with the opportunity to study Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts in the company of other students with similar interests. We believe in an integrated curriculum where individual artistic strengths are used to deepen the understanding of studies in the academic areas. Through the Arts, students have an opportunity to develop important social skills, group work skills, problem-solving strategies, risk-taking ability and creative thinking skills. Arts teachers work with students to develop their skills in each Arts discipline and to support learning through the arts in other subject areas. In addition, students in the arts@baythorn program will increase the depth and breadth of their learning through workshops with guest artists and field trips to performances and exhibitions. Participation in the Arts can increass a student’s self-esteem, self-discipline, self-motivation, as well as their ability to internalize concepts presented in the various academic subjects.

ADMISSION
Admission to the program is based on the evaluation of the completed student application package, a student profile completed by the home school and a successful workshop. For the 2013-14 school year, students currently in grade four or five are eligible to apply. Results regarding placement in the program will be mailed to the family’s home address.

DANCE
The Dance program provides students with opportunities to explore movement and dance vocabulary while developing body awareness, coordination and musicality. Students will create and perform dances based on curricular themes.
For the Dance Workshop, students should be dressed in loose, comfortable clothing, as they will be involved in a variety of movement activities. Previous dance experience is not required.

DRAMA
The Drama program supports the development of verbal and non- verbal communication skills. Using a creative process, students will explore human behavior through role play, improvisation, storytelling, spoken word poetry, puppetry, masks, scene study and critical analysis of a variety theatrical productions.
For the Drama Workshop, students will participate in group games and role playing situations. A memorized piece is not required.

MUSIC
The Music program focuses on the development of skills in performance, critical listening, and creating music. Students will have the opportunity to perform in various ensembles and work with guest artists and musicians on extended musical projects. Throughout the year, students will experience a variety of musical productions and will be exposed to many musical styles.
During the Music Workshop, students will be asked to sing familiar songs and co-create a soundscape that explores the basic elements of music. Previous music experience is not required.

VISUAL ARTS
The Visual Arts program provides opportunities for individual creative and imaginative growth as well as developing technical skills. Students will be introduced to experimental and traditional directions in drawing and painting while studying curricular themes. They will also be exposed to sculpture, printmaking, ceramics and design. Emphasis will be on self-expression, creativity and critical thinking.
For the Visual Arts Workshop, students will provide drawing and design work. No portfolios please.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOUR CHILD
Choosing the right program will depend on a number of factors, including:

• the degree to which the child’s needs (including special education support, gifted education) for self-actualization are already being
  met by the home school;
• the importance of the home school in the social and cultural life of the child;
• the general development of work habits, responsibility, task commitment and organizational skills.

In general the child who benefits most from the arts@baythorn program:

• approaches new tasks with a positive attitude;
• enjoys learning and expressing themselves through the arts;
• enjoys working as a member of a team and shares equitably in the work;
• has strong organizational skills and can manage a rotary timetable.

ARTS ACTIVITY FEE
Students are required to pay an Arts activity fee that will be used to help pay for the many artistic experiences and special projects that students are exposed to during the year. Payment plans are available upon request. The Arts Activity fee is $290. This is a non-refundable fee.

TRANSPORTATION
Parents are advised that there is NO provision for transportation to arts@baythorn by the York Region District School Board. Public transportation routes are available and we will try to help parents develop car pools to ease transportation concerns. Successful applicants are asked to carefully consider the implications of travel before accepting a placement in arts@baythorn.