IB Visual Arts
IB Visual Arts is a demanding, two-year course of study in which students create a body of work that demonstrates a solid understanding of the vocabulary of the artist. Through their Journal, students are expected to read, write, think, and question what they do as artists, showing evidence of systematic research and investigation. Art appreciation and history are essential components of these programs. As a part of the course students visit art galleries, attend museums and workshops, and listen to lectures by visiting artists. The academic travel program is linked to the course, while students are encouraged to use the opportunity for weekend travel to further their experiences of art and culture.
In the second year, IB Visual Arts becomes self-directed, as students develop a personal visual style and symbol system appropriate to their chosen theme or area of inquiry and work towards a final exhibition in the spring. The course is intended for self-motivated students who are seriously interested in the study of art. In addition to class-work, students are expected to devote a further 4 hours per week to independent study.
Within IB Visual Arts there are two options: the Higher Level (HL) and the Standard Level (SL). The principal difference lies in the recommended class hours required for completing each course.
There are three elements in the IB Visual Arts course final assessment. These are the same for IB VA Architecture and Design, IB VA Fine Art and IB VA Photography.
• A Comparative Study (20% and externally assessed): students analyze and compare different artworks by different artists. HL students include their own artwork in study
• A Process Portfolio (40% and externally assessed): Evidence of experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of a variety of visual arts activities
• The Exhibition (40% and internally assessed): A final show of resolved, selected artwork.
