Fine Arts

Unveiling Exciting Talent

At Seisen International School, we encourage participation as it not only unveils exciting talent, but develops confident, collaborative and globally minded thinkers, in a creative and caring way. The Fine Arts programs are key elements of our rich educational program and we encourage students to explore their individual creative and artistic talents through participating in our extensive Visual Arts, Music, Drama, and Dance programs which are implemented throughout the K to 12 curriculums.

At Seisen, Fine Arts specialists help develop the students’ interests in the Arts through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program from K to Grade 6 and a general program offered in grades 7 and 8. At grade 9 and 10 level students can elect to undertake the IGCSE pathway, followed by the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in Grade 11 and 12 where students engage in sustained study to deepen their expertise.

Dance

Dance is a vibrant part of the KG and ES curriculum. Students in grades K-6 learn how to express themselves through various forms of dance and movement, including creative dance, ballet, jazz, hip hop, folk, liturgical dance, historical dances, and yoga. Experienced dance professionals collaborate with classroom teachers to provide students with a unique program that integrates dance with classroom learning, allowing students to express their learning in a new medium. Dance instruction for MS and HS is offered as part of the Physical Education program in order to expose students to increasingly complex dance styles. Students in grades 1-6 may opt for further dance instruction as part of Seisen's after school SASA program. HS students can participate in a student-led dance club.

Better When We're Dancing

Drama

Drama challenges us to question the world around us, who we are, why we are here and how we respond to others. As an area within Fine Arts it moves far beyond words, exploring the world through feeling and emotion. It encourages students to wonder and play, extend their creativity, develop good communicators and effective collaborators while promoting empathy and understanding.

The study of Drama has broad benefits for students of all abilities. At Seisen, Grade 7 to 10 students undertake Drama activities to develop the following;

Development of presentations skills – such as use of voice and gesture – giving students self-confidence and an awareness of how to engage an audience.
Development of creative and critical thinking skills, as students problem-solve how to work collaboratively to develop performances.
Development of the ability to consider the perspectives of others and heightened social awareness.
Development of voice projection, character development, script writing, audience engagement and other elements of play production.

Actresses and theatre buffs in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to participate in three productions each year:

The Fall Play, is a Seisen International School and St Mary’s International School co-operative event where students experience all elements of producing a professional West End/Broadway style play. They have a chance to showcase their talents in acting, character analysis, set design, costume design, makeup, and publicity with all the rigor and fun of a professional production.
The One-Act Play, is an opportunity for Seisen theatre aficionados to get the freedom to experiment with space, structure, and style in a series of short plays that are student directed and, frequently, student written. Students say they often develop an unexpected bond with their peers and a sense of accomplishment when they "finally put it all together!"
The Musical, where students experience the discipline and scope of a fully integrated musical theatre production. Actors, instrumentalists, vocalists, and dancers collaborate with set, costume, makeup, lighting, and publicity crews from Seisen, St Mary’s and Sacred Heart to create a full fledged Broadway-style event!

Media

Music

Through participation in the programs students develop skills in performing and presenting. They develop teamwork skills and discipline in organisation and expression and they contribute to School events, semi-annual concerts, Kanto Plain competitive festivals, and provide a community social service.

Seisen offers a comprehensive music program through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program from K to Grade 6, a general program in Grades 7 and 8, the IGCSE pathway at Grade 9 and 10, followed by the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in Grade 11 and 12.

General music is offered in Grades K to 6, Middle School students may participate in Choir, Band, and Handbell ensembles. High school instrumentalists may choose among Handbell Choir, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra. Vocalists may participate in the High School Choir and audition for the Vocal Ensemble. Students interested in the serious study and performance of music would elect to take an International Baccalaureate Diploma course.

Award Winning Vocal Ensemble

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts program at Seisen International School is is designed to develop students’ creative skills, critical appreciation and knowledge of artistic techniques and technologies through processes of visual inquiry, studio practice, exhibition and display, and in evaluations and reflections of their own art works as well as those of others. The Visual Arts program also aims to develop students’ sense of personal and cultural identity and equips them for lifelong involvement in, and the active appreciation of, the Arts. Additionally, an important part of student learning within the Visual Arts is conceptual learning and interdisciplinary learning, a fundamental aspect of the Arts.

The multi-studio spaces at Seisen International School, including 2D and 3D studios, allow students to learn from specialist teachers in a variety of ART forms ranging from; photography (darkroom and digital), painting, printmaking, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, fibre arts, and visual communication and design.

The Visual Arts course for students from K to 6 follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program and in Grade 7 and 8 students are offered the opportunity to sample and explore a wide range of media and materials in both 2D and 3D ART forms. In Grade 9 and 10 students build on the skills learnt and have the opportunity to continue to develop and express individual approaches to the Visual Arts through a range of courses in IGCSE Art and Design. All offerings prepare students for related studies within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in 2D or 3D Visual Arts which is structured over 2 years where students can focus on selected ART forms.

Students who have studied Visual Arts have gained tertiary access and employment in the following fields: fine arts, animation, architecture, fashion design, industrial design, interior design, media and communications, screen writing, photography and film-making.

Keith Haring Designs from Grade 9

Middle School

Visual Arts

Through Art and Design we are able to explore and communicate our feelings and ideas in original ways. As an essential part of our culture, the visual arts enable us to appreciate the artistic expressions of other people. Artistic learning is not an automatic consequence of maturation and needs to be facilitated through instruction. The role of Art and Design in the curriculum and the contribution it makes to a student's educational growth is valuable and, in many respects, unique.

Seisen’s Art and Design program covers a variety of two- and three-dimensional experiences designed to improve each student's skills and awareness. It assists individuals in attaining a level of competency in a range of experiences and activities and, as a result, enables the student to select appropriate and adequate means of artistic expression. It brings about an ever increasing self-disciplined involvement with the visual arts appropriate to the ability of each student. Conceptual learning, problem-solving and evaluation are integral to the design process across the Visual Arts subjects offered at Seisen.

Middle School Visual Arts prepares students for the rigors of the IGCSE Art and Design course, and the International Baccalaureate Visual Arts Diploma program. These are important years in building confidence and a knowledge base that equips students to undertake further studies at a higher level.

Students undertake a general program investigating a variety of skills ranging from drawing, photography, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, fibre arts, and visual communication and design in order to:

Exposure to a variety of media and techniques.
An ability to incorporate design elements and principles into their artwork.
Opportunities to create with a wide range of materials, subject matter, symbols and ideas.
Critical skills to assess the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others.
An understanding of the visual arts in relation to history and cultures.
The capability to make connections between visual arts and other disciplines.

High School

Visual Arts

The DP Visual Arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. It is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media. The course is designed for students who want to go on to further study of visual arts in higher education, as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment through visual arts.

IB Visual Arts

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course, however it is highly recommended that students have undertaken Grade 9 and 10 Art and Design.

Course Description and Aims

The IB Visual Arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. It is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media. The course is designed for students who want to go on to further study of visual arts in higher education, as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment through visual arts.

The aims of all IB Arts courses are to enable students to:

enjoy lifelong engagement with the arts;
become informed, reflective and critical practitioners in the arts;
understand the dynamic and changing nature of the arts;
explore and value the diversity of the arts across time, place and cultures;
express ideas with confidence and competence;
develop perceptual and analytical skills.

In addition, the aims of the IB Visual Arts – Standard and Higher Level courses are to enable students to:

make artwork that is influenced by personal and cultural contexts;
become informed and critical observers and makers of visual culture and media;
develop skills, techniques and processes in order to communicate concepts and ideas.

[INSERT PHOTOS OR ROTATING PHOTOGRAPHY RELATING TO IB VISUAL ARTS]

Curriculum Model Overview

Standard Level Component

Higher Level Component

Visual Arts in Context

Examine and compare the work of artists from different cultural contexts.
Consider the contexts influencing their own work and the work of others.
Make art through a process of investigation, thinking critically and experimenting with techniques.
Apply identified techniques to their own developing work.
Develop an informed response to work and exhibitions they have seen and experienced.
Begin to formulate personal intentions for creating and displaying their own artworks.

Visual Arts in Context

Examine and compare the work of artists from different cultural contexts.
Consider the contexts influencing their own work and the work of others.
Make art through a process of investigation, thinking critically and experimenting with techniques.
Apply identified techniques to their own developing work.
Develop an informed response to work and exhibitions they have seen and experienced.
Begin to formulate personal intentions for creating and displaying their own artworks.

Visual Arts Methods

Look at different techniques for making art.
Investigate and compare how and why different techniques have evolved and the processes involved.
Experiment with diverse media and explore techniques for making art.
Develop concepts through processes informed by skills, techniques and media.
Evaluate how their ongoing work communicates meaning and purpose.
Consider the nature of “exhibition” and think about the process of selection and the potential impact of their work on different audiences

Visual Arts Methods

Look at different techniques for making art.
Investigate and compare how and why different techniques have evolved and the processes involved.
Experiment with diverse media and explore techniques for making art.
Develop concepts through processes informed by skills, techniques and media.
Evaluate how their ongoing work communicates meaning and purpose.
Consider the nature of exhibition and think about the process of selection and the potential impact of their work on different audiences.

Communicating Visual Arts

Explore ways of communicating through visual and written means.
Make artistic choices about how to most effectively communicate knowledge and understanding.
Produce a body of artwork through a process of reflection and evaluation, showing a synthesis of skill, media and concept.
Select and present resolved works for exhibition.
Explain the ways in which the works are connected.
Discuss how artistic judgments impact the overall presentation.

Communicating Visual Arts

Explore ways of communicating through visual and written means.
Make artistic choices about how to most effectively communicate knowledge and understanding.
Produce a body of artwork through a process of reflection and evaluation, showing a synthesis of skill, media and concept.
Select and present resolved works for exhibition.
Explain the ways in which the works are connected.
Discuss how artistic judgments impact the overall presentation.

Assessment at a Glance — Standard Level

Type of Assessment	Format of Assessment	Time (hours)	Weighting Final Grade (%)
External			60
Comparative Study	Ten to 15 screens which examine and compare at least three artworks, at least two of which should be by different artists. A list of sources used.		20
Process Portfolio	Nine to 18 screens which evidence the student’s sustained experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of a variety of art-making activities.		40
Internal			40
Exhibition	A curatorial rationale that does not exceed 400 words. Four to seven artworks. Exhibition text (stating the title, medium, size and intention) for each artwork.		40

Assessment at a Glance — Higher Level

Type of Assessment	Format of Assessment	Time (hours)	Weighting Final Grade (%)
External			60
Comparative Study	Ten to 15 screens which examine and compare at least three artworks, at least two of which should be by different artists. Three to five screens which analyse the extent to which the student’s work and practise have been influenced by the art and artists examined. A list of sources used.		20
Process Portfolio	13 to25 screens which evidence the student’s sustained experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of a variety of art-making activities.		40
Internal			40
Exhibition	A curatorial rationale that does not exceed 700 words. Eight to 11 artworks. Exhibition text (stating the title, medium, size and intention) for each artwork.		40

Science

At Seisen International School science courses emphasize an approach to learning that can excel in medical, scientific, or engineering careers shaping international-mindedness and celebrating diversity.

The Science Department philosophy is based on high expectations and standards, and the desire to assist all students to achieve their full potential and to be ready for a happy and successful life in a society being influenced by rapid scientific and technological change.

The Science Department has created a learning environment that encourages conceptual and critical thinking, problem solving, interdisciplinary learning, skill and project based learning and differentiated learning, where students feel valued and secure, are inspired and motivated at all ages, abilities and levels. We aim to provide lifelong skills and confident individuals who can exist alongside our ever-evolving world and prepare them for growth and success now and into the future.

Through their lessons in Science students will:

receive a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated experience of Science
become actively involved in their own learning
enjoy learning about Science and will find interest, engagement and challenge
be encouraged to become scientifically literate members of society by improving their knowledge and understanding of Science
be empowered to achieve the highest level of attainment commensurate with their age, ability and aspirations
be encouraged to take an interest in the impact science has in their everyday lives
be encouraged to have an appreciation, care and concern for other pupils, animals, plants and the environment

Our department consists of a team of teaching and support staff with great passion for teaching and learning who work closely to develop and apply specific strategies and methods to ensure integrated learning within a positive and safe environment.

Science Staff take a proactive approach with the new curriculum developments and openly share experiences from their practice. There is a strong commitment to raise achievement, interest and enjoyment of science through continued professional development, sharing of good practice including resources and collective planning.

Social Studies

Enhancing Global Perspectives

The Social Studies Department teaches students to become critical thinkers and learners through an inquiry-based approach to Social Studies. The department offers a broad and challenging program that aims to sharpen students’ thinking and decision-making capabilities while enhancing their global perspective.

To develop skills for analytical reading, critical thinking and interdisciplinary understanding.
1. Evaluate and place primary and secondary sources in context.
2. Identify different historical arguments.
3. Connect economic concepts to the real world.
4. Supporting claims with theories, experiments & studies.

To develop the ability to use and conduct primary and secondary research.

To develop dispositions of international mindedness.

To maintain and continue to improve a structure that fosters department-wide communication as well as collaboration in the following areas: Grade level content and skills.

Teaching and Learning

TEACHING AND LEARNINg

The Social Studies department teaches students to become critical thinkers and learners through an inquiry-based approach to history and the social sciences. The department offers a broad and challenging program that aims to sharpen students’ thinking and decision-making capabilities while enhancing their global perspective . We recognize and support that learning best takes place when students are encouraged and guided to take ownership of their learning. This is achieved through a partnership between students and teachers using a variety of methods including, but not limited to:

Critical Reflection
Digital Learning
Direct Instruction
Experiential Learning
Fully/Partially Guided Learning
Independent Study Units
Individual and Group Grounded Learning Experiences
Interdisciplinary Opportunities
Open-‐Ended Questions
Technology Supported Learning
Differentiated Activities

Furthermore, in their Social Studies classes, students consider essential questions that examine historical narratives and facilitate deep exploration of the human condition. They also learn, practice and master skills relatively to Social Studies, such as analytical reading, note-taking, speaking, and listening, as well as thesis-driven writing.

Grade 7/8

Grade 9/10

Grade 11/12

Math

Appreciating the diversity, complexity and usefulness of mathematics

The mathematics offered at Seisen is a challenging and streamlined program. The experienced and diverse staff aim to provide a supportive and engaging classroom environment to help students build a solid foundation in mathematics, gain a good understanding of mathematics and appreciate the diversity, complexity and usefulness of mathematics in solving a wide variety of problems. Assessment incorporates investigations and exploratory work.

“Single – sex schools promote greater enjoyment, more positive attitudes and better achievement in subjects that are gender inappropriate, like mathematics” ( Lee & Bryk,1986; Lawrie & Brown, 1992; Kumagi, 1995, cited in Van de Gaer, Pustjens, Van Damme and De Munter, 2004, p. 13).

“It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems for longer” Albert Einstein

“Women from all-girls’ high schools do major in fields with fewer women compared to women from coed high schools. (Thompson, J.S, 2003, p. 267)

“ The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics” Paul Halmos

Middle School

An integrated program covering mathematics from a wide variety of topics including number, algebra, geometry, shape and probability. Through a variety of activities students consolidate and build on their knowledge and skills from elementary school. Classes are grouped by ability, allowing for more individualised programming and instruction. Seisen has a license for mymaths.co.uk, a website that students can access for both lessons and online practice.

Grades 9 & 10

Seisen follows the IGCSE 0607 curriculum. Students are placed in either the Core program or the Extended program. Both courses allow students to sit the external Cambridge exam at the conclusion of the two years. The Cambridge curriculum is a diverse curriculum and helps prepare students for the IB program in grades 11 and 12. Emphasis is placed on a using a graphing calculator appropriately.

Grades 11 & 12

Students opt for either Higher Level, Standard Level or Mathematical Studies, with a teacher recommendation. All of these IB programs have an internal investigation component and final exams. Seisen students have exceeded the world averages in all courses over the last several years.

In addition, students at Seisen participate in the United Kingdom Mathematics Challenge and a group of students attend the Kanto Plains Math Field day in April. Preparation for the Kanto Plains starts in February. Middle school students also have the option of a math club during their activity periods.

Modern Languages

Embracing cultures, applying language skills

The foreign language program at Seisen is a challenging and empowering program. Together students and faculty engage in a deepening understanding of different cultures and fluency in languages. The school currently offers Japanese, French, and Spanish. The program encourages language learners to embrace other cultures and to apply their language skills in the classroom setting and beyond.

Seisen is an international school where students are encouraged to develop global mindedness. Here, students acquire foreign language skills with the understanding that language is a life-long tool for communicating with and impacting the world community. Seisen emphasizes foreign languages and cultural awareness as a life-long vehicle for community-building, peace, justice, and equity.

The program includes language and cultural visits to our sister schools in Japan and has also included visits to Spain and France.

SPANISH

Seisen offer Spanish as a second language from Grade 5 to 12. The school has adopted the European Council Common European Framework as a reference for Spanish language.

The students have the opportunity to prepare for Spanish Language Proficiency tests DELE (Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language). The students could take the A1 level in Grade 8 and A2 level in Grade 10. From Grade 11, students are able to use Spanish as either an acquired language (B) or a native language (A) to earn credit towards the IB Diploma.

FRENCH

French is offered as a second language from Grade 7, following the European Council Common European Framework. Students prepare for French Language Proficiency tests DELF (Diplomas of French as a Foreign Language). From grade 11, students are able to pursue French as an acquired language (B) to earn credit towards the IB Diploma. Students can also take IB Diploma exams in French language and literature (A).

JAPANESE

Japanese language and culture is taught throughout the school from first grade. Grades 1 to 6 have two or three levels. Grades 7-10 have four levels. In 11 and 12 Japanese is taught at five levels: Ab initio (beginners), B SL, B HL, A1 SL and A1 HL. Native classes from grades 1 to 10 follow the curriculum of the Japanese Ministry of Education. As a result, students who complete the A1 SL and HL programs are qualified to enter Japanese universities. They also earn an IB Bilingual Diploma. The Japanese Department sponsors the Japanese Kanji Aptitude Test (Nihon Kanji Noryoku Kentei). The Japanese program also includes a Grade 3 exchange with a local elementary school, a Grade 4 orange picking with the Kamakura Seisen school, and the Grade 9 Nagano Seisen exchange.

OTHER LANGUAGES

Students are also encouraged to study their mother tongue for IB exam credit. The school understands that a student’s mother tongue or home language is culturally important, that it is often the language of first thinking, and that further language learning takes place often after, or along side, a mother tongue. In past years, students have worked with tutors and parents to further study literature in their native Chinese, Danish, Dutch, German, French, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish languages at various levels for the IB diploma or college credit. Mother tongue maintenance is encouraged for all languages.

English

The English Department at Seisen teaches students to think critically about texts and how to analyse writer’s choices, themes, and ideas. The English program in centred on the improvement of English language structure, formal writing, oral presentations as well as dramatic performances.

Students in English have the opportunity to read a variety of novels, poetry, short stories, and plays.

Grades 7 & 8

Students in Grade 7 and 8 focus on building the skills acquired in the PYP and using these skills in formal writing. Students further focus on characterization, Shakespearian comedy, constructing and presenting short performances based on play scenes, formal essay writing, oral presentations, the literary devices of poetry, and historical literature.

Grades 9 & 10

Students in Grade 9 and 10 focus on synthesising the skills acquired in middle school and using these skills to improve their formal writing. Students further focus on short stories, a personal research paper, a classic American novel, and Shakespearian tragedy. Students gain knowledge of nuances in literature texts in preparation for their IBDP Literature course. Students also work on their ATL skills (Communication, Social, Self Management, Research, and Thinking), allowing them to become better thinkers and learners.

Drama

Drama challenges students to question the world around them, who they are, why they are here, and how they respond to others. As an area within Fine Arts, it moves far beyond words, exploring the world through feeling and emotion. It encourages students to wonder and play, extend their creativity, develop good communicators and effective collaborators while promoting empathy and understanding.

The study of Drama has broad benefits for students of all abilities.

Drama at Seisen

Overview

At Seisen, Grade 7 to 10 students undertake Drama activities to develop the following:

Development of presentations skills – such as use of voice, movement, facial expressions, and gesture – giving students self-confidence and an awareness of how to engage an audience.
Development of creative and critical thinking skills, as students problem-solve how to work collaboratively to develop performances.
Development of the ability to consider the perspectives of others and heightened social awareness.
Development of voice projection, character development, script writing, audience engagement and other elements of play production.

Actresses and theatre buffs in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to participate in three productions each year:

The Fall Play, is a Seisen International School and St Mary’s International School co-operative event where students experience all elements of producing a professional West End/Broadway style play. They have a chance to showcase their talents in acting, character analysis, set design, costume design, makeup, and publicity with all the rigor and fun of a professional production.
The One-Act Play, is an opportunity for Seisen theatre aficionados to get the freedom to experiment with space, structure, and style in a series of short plays that are student directed and, frequently, student written. Students say they often develop an unexpected bond with their peers and a sense of accomplishment when they "finally put it all together!
The Musical, where students experience the discipline and scope of a fully integrated musical theatre production. Actors, instrumentalists, vocalists, and dancers collaborate with set, costume, makeup, lighting, and publicity crews from Seisen, St Mary’s International School and International School of the Sacred Heart to create a full fledged Broadway-style event!

Middle School

Grade 9

Students in Grade 9 are introduced to different theatre styles and conventions. From creating fun characters to Realism, Drama helps build confidence, presentation skills as well as using art as a source of positivity in the world. Through a project based learning style, students brainstorm, plan, rehearse, perform, and reflect in each unit. Students are encouraged to use creativity and take risks in order to create meaning in performance.

Grade 10

Students in Grade 10 extend their learning further by exploring increasingly more abstract theatre styles and conventions. Verbatim Theatre, Greek Theatre, Non-Naturalism, and monologue allow students to widen their scope of knowledge and implement these into diverse and mature performances. A student centred class, Drama students have the freedom to create performances from scratch or through interpretation.

Academic Departments

Seisen Stands United Against Racism