Arts

The Art Studio at GISS

Students have access to a well-equipped Art Studio at GISS. Many dedicated GISS graduates have been accepted to world-class institutions to study art and design after completing an 'Advanced Placement’ Portfolio in grade twelve.

All required art supplies are provided, with the exception of a 9x12 sketchbook, pencil and eraser. These items should be purchased during the first week.

Art Studio 9/10

Students learn foundational skills of Studio art practise and creative expression. Students will explore a variety of art forms through the use of different tools, strategies and techniques. Assessment for all studio art classes is based on practical studio observations and e-portfolios.

Art Studio 11/12

Builds on skills developed in Art Studio 9/10 but with more emphasis on developing artistic voice through original compositions. Students will research a topic in modern art history and explore career paths related to art and design. Assessment for all studio art classes is based on practical studio observations and e-portfolios.

Studio Arts 2-D 10/11/12

Extension course in drawing, painting or printmaking (2-D Media). It is expected that students are self-motivated and familiar with basic tools and materials. Assessment for all studio art classes is based on practical studio observations and e-portfolios submitted at regular intervals.

Advanced Placement Studio Art: Drawing (Outside the Timetable)

Grade twelve Students wishing to pursue post-secondary studies in Visual Art can gain first year university transfer credits by submitting a portfolio exam of fifteen ‘college level’ pieces in May of each year. The program is an extension of the grade twelve visual arts curriculum, but is considerably more rigorous; students are expected to produce additional work at home, participate in extra-curricular Art activities, and demonstrate leadership in the studio. There is also an exam fee payable upon acceptance into the program (approx. $160 CDN). Please contact Peter Legun (plegun@gulfislandssecondary.ca) for more information or visit https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse/ap-studio-art-drawing

DRAMA

At GISS, students have a wide range of Theatre courses to choose from. Students planning to enter university directly after high school (ie without transfer from college) are normally required to have a fine art credit at the Grade 11 level. Some faculties may waive this requirement. Check with the individual institution. We offer Company 11 and Theatre Production 11 which both meet this requirement. Beginner level courses are not required but are foundational in preparing students for senior courses and are strongly encouraged.

Drama 10

Drama 10 is a process based, developmental course. This course provides students with the opportunity to acquire and develop a range of drama skills and a repertoire of vocabulary and forms including:  improvisation, role dramas, script work, actor training, ensemble building and collective creation. A final production is often created as a final product to the process.

Theatre Company 11 & 12

Formerly Acting 11/12, Theatre Company 11 and Theatre Company 12 are performance-based courses focusing on actor training. Units include a more sophisticated exploration of the rudiments developed in the jr. program with an emphasis on performance technique and producing a show. Theatre history, script analysis, acting styles, design elements and theatrical structure combine to enable students to produce a final production.

Theatre Production 11 & 12 

Theatre production 11 and 12 focus on unifying design elements such as sets, props, costumes, lights, sound, make-up, promotion and theatre structure and is often offered to facilitate the production of Company 11/12 students’ final productions.

Directing and Scriptwriting 11 & 12 (by permission)

Directing 11/12 is for the students who have done everything else in the program and are ready to take the reigns and create their own show. From the directorial play analysis through to auditions, rehearsals, design elements and production details the directing students do it all and often out side of the timetable.

The GISS Dance Program:

Our Dance program is a demanding curriculum of Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet and Hip Hop Dance styles and choreography. Full class and small group choreography for the stage are included, as well as dance history and anatomy. The program is designed so dancers work at their skill level, regardless of grade. Placement is determined by recommendation of previous dance teachers, or by performance assessment before the semester begins.

Equipment required:

Clothing: Dance clothes are required for every class. (Clothes that you can move in, such as sweatpants, T-shirt, leggings, leotard, tights, etc.)(No jeans, shorts, rivets or zippers) 

Shoes: 

1. Black Jazz dance slippers, these are Jazz Oxford style shoes with laces

2. Non-Marking Hip Hop shoes 

3. Ballet slippers with elastics

Dance 9

Dance Technique is studied in order to build a foundation for movement, to increase the range of motion, and to develop an understanding of the body. Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet and Hip Hop dance styles are explored, as well as safe dance practices. This is a course in teamwork and relationship building. Students learn to value strengths in each other and to work together in a physical, emotional and creative manner. Students learn the fundamentals of choreography. Full class and small group choreography for the stage are included, as well as dance history and anatomy. 

Dance Foundations 10, 11, 12 

This course is designed for the student that is new to dance. Everyone is welcome to explore dance! Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet and Hip Hop dance styles are explored, as well as safe dance practices. This is a course of teamwork and relationship building. Students learn to value strengths in each other and to work together in a physical, emotional and creative manner. Students learn the fundamentals of choreography. Full class and small group choreography for the stage are included, as well as dance history and anatomy. 

Dance Technique and Performance 10, 11, 12

This course is designed for the student with some dance experience. Students focus on development of Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Ballet techniques at increasingly complex levels in full class and small group choreography. Students will explore their own choreography in small groups. Students learn terminology, stagecraft, dance history, anatomy, physiology, and injury prevention.

Dance Choreography 10, 11, 12

This advanced level course can be taken by permission of the teacher. The demanding curriculum investigates elements of movement and theories of dance composition. Students are responsible for creating several small & large group choreography pieces. At times, the student will work within the framework of the Technique and Performance class, and sometimes the student will work independently on projects. 

MUSIC

At GISS, students have a range of Music courses to choose from. Students planning to enter university directly after high school (ie without transfer from college) are normally required to have a fine art credit at the Grade 11 level. Many music courses meet this requirement. Some faculties may waive this requirement. Check with the individual institutions. All music students are required to wear black, formal attire for semester end performances and bring their own instrument to use in class

Concert Band 9-12: (outside the timetable)

Concert Band is for any students wishing to learn a new instrument or continue to develop their skills on an instrument they already play. We will learn instrumental techniques, develop music reading skills, ensemble techniques, and play a variety of concert band repertoire. Concert Band is a performance course and students will be expected to participate in a number of performances throughout the year. 

Concert Choir 9 - 12 (outside the timetable)

Choir is open to students from grades 9 – 12 and explores several concepts in vocal music, including ear training and work in 3 – 4 part harmony or even 6 part harmony in the advanced choir.  It is expected that students will participate in performances and formal black performance clothing is a requirement. Placements are determined in September. 

Jazz Band 9-12 (outside the timetable)

Jazz Band is for students with at least two years experience on their instrument (woodwinds, brass, and rhythm section instruments - piano, bass, guitar, drums). We will work on instrumental techniques, ensemble techniques and improvisation in a variety of styles (swing, big band, Latin, rock, fusion, etc). Jazz Band is a performance course and students will be expected to participate in a number of performances throughout the year. 

Music Composition 10 - 12

This series of courses explores classical, pop, rock, and world music genres with increasing complexity. In addition to the playing and theory components of the course, students are expected to use technology and participate in public and classroom performances. Students will be assessed through their classroom participation, theory work, performances, and the compositions they create.

Guitar 10-12

In these courses, students will explore different styles of music, ranging from pop, rock, to classical music.  Students will learn theory, composition, symbols, rhythm, and technical terms, in addition to reading notes and chords. There is a focus on performance, compositions and reading music. While students do not need experience to enter this course, they need to bring an acoustic or classical guitar to use in class.