Our Pillars
Arts at Lauremont School
At Lauremont School, we believe the Arts are crucial in a well-rounded education. Our Arts program fosters creativity, critical thinking, and personal expression, providing students with a means to explore and understand themselves and the world around them. Our comprehensive Arts program, spanning from the Toddler level to Upper School, is designed to nurture each student’s artistic potential and encourage a lifelong appreciation for the Arts.
Toddler
In the Toddler program, artistic and musical expression are a natural and integral part of early childhood development. Our classrooms and outdoor learning spaces are equipped with various materials such as paint, play-dough, and chalk, allowing toddlers to express themselves creatively. Additionally, musical instruments are available for exploration, helping children develop their sense of rhythm and coordination.
Throughout the day, children enjoy the Gross Motor Room, where different types of music are played. This exposure enriches their vocabulary, rhythm, and cultural experiences. Throughout an academic year, parents of our toddlers are invited to participate in “Music Keys”, where they can engage in sound exploration, songs, and movement with their children. These activities not only strengthen the parent-child bond but also introduce young learners to the joy of music and movement.
The Toddler program emphasizes the importance of self-expression and creativity. Through various artistic activities, children learn to communicate their thoughts and emotions in a non-verbal manner. This early introduction to the Arts lays the foundation for cognitive and emotional development, fostering a love for creative exploration that will continue to grow as they advance through the school.
Children’s House
In the Children’s House program, artistic expression is further developed through a variety of mediums. Students use crayons, watercolors, easel paint, chalk, and glue to create their own works of art. These activities not only allow for self-expression but also help in developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The children also engage in a range of crafts associated with holidays and specific themes, fostering creativity and cultural awareness.
Children in CH2/3 receive visual arts and music instruction from specialist teachers, providing them with structured and in-depth exposure to the Arts. These classes encourage students to experiment with different materials and techniques, expanding their artistic horizons.
In addition to classroom activities, students in the Children’s House program participate in art projects and musical performances. These experiences not only enhance their artistic skills but also build confidence, teamwork and public speaking. By collaborating on projects and performing in front of an audience, children learn the value of shared creative experiences and the joy of expressing themselves through art and music.
The emphasis on art and music in the Children’s House program helps students develop a lifelong appreciation for the Arts. They learn to see the world through a creative lens, understanding the cultural and emotional significance of artistic expression.
Elementary
Within the Elementary program at Lauremont School, the Arts is divided into music, visual arts and integrated arts, all of which are integrated with the broader curriculum. The music program in Elementary focuses on applied theory, repertoire development, and technique through a mix of musical instruments, choir, and digital integration. Students learn music literacy, which includes ear training, historical perspective, improvisation, reading, repertoire, rhythm and technique. These comprehensive music lessons help students develop a deep understanding and appreciation for music, enhancing their ability to perform and create.
The visual arts curriculum builds on foundational skills and concepts such as shape, form, texture, and color. Students explore how different mediums, including paint, sculpture, ink, pastels, and natural materials, can be used to tell a story or convey an idea. By encouraging creative expression and critical thinking, the arts program helps students develop a well-rounded artistic mind.
Our integrated arts program provides students with more opportunities for creative expression. Children will explore storytelling, character development and stage presence, through the integrated arts classes with their specialist teacher. In Upper Elementary, students will have the opportunity to participate in our yearly school play. These opportunities will help build confidence and promote self-expression.
Our well-rounded approach to Arts education fosters a holistic understanding of how art and music relate to other academic subjects and the world at large. Students learn to appreciate the interconnectedness of knowledge, enhancing their ability to think creatively and critically. This foundation in the Arts prepares them for more advanced artistic pursuits in the Upper School.
Upper School
At the Upper School level, Lauremont School offers a robust Arts curriculum through the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). In the MYP, students are exposed to music, visual arts, design, and drama. They explore various techniques and build foundational skills while tying the Arts into the broader context of the world around them. For example, students might study art through a sustainability lens, understanding how creative expression can address environmental and social issues.
In the MYP music program, students are introduced to band instruments and can participate in the school band with an emphasis on performance. Drama classes focus on communication, collaboration, and presentation skills, helping students build confidence and stage presence. The design program involves a variety of 2D, 3D, and media projects, all approached through the design cycle and applicable to global contexts. Students learn to consider both form and function, creating designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical.
As students advance to the Diploma Programme, they have the opportunity to join the Senior Band and continue their journey in visual arts, culminating in a Gallery presentation at the school. This capstone project allows students to showcase their artistic achievements and receive feedback from the school community.
The Upper School Arts program not only hones students’ technical skills but also encourages them to think critically and creatively about their work. By integrating Arts education with global issues and real-world applications, Lauremont School prepares students to be innovative and thoughtful artists who can make meaningful contributions to society.
