“To
me, learning at Belfast school is a dream come true. I love creating
dances, writing songs, doing art and participating in plays –
and that’s going on all the time here. It’s a bonus,
I get to do all those things and learn actual school work too!”
“Being
on stage made me more confident.”
“I
think it is a great idea to work with math and drama. Because I'm
not too fond of math and I'm not good at it either. I really enjoy
drama so I get to learn while having fun at the same time.”
Where can young students experience the legends of history walking the
halls, mathematic equations dancing across the chalkboard and the wonders
of the science lab becoming music to the ears? At the Calgary Board of
Education, that’s where!
Not only do students at the CBE shine academically, many are involved
in the Fine and Performing Arts; learning about the creative process and
mastering skills that will enable them to pursue artistic endeavours in
the future. As part of the CBE’s extraordinary choice of education
programs, Arts-Centred Learning has become a beacon of success.
Arts-Centred
Learning builds on learning in the Arts and infuses the Arts throughout
the school curriculum. For example, dance is used in the teaching of math,
drama is used to teach history and music breathes new life into science
programs. The distinguishing feature of the program is the core curriculum
focus on learning and teaching by using the Arts as a means of understanding
the world.
One of those schools with Arts-Centred Learning is Belfast
Elementary. There students take daily lessons in art, drama, dance,
music and creative writing in six-week blocks to experience the basics
of each disciplines. Students are given opportunities to learn and present
information and experiences in many ways. The program emphasis is on the
process, not the product. In addition to more traditional methods, students
share what they have learned through the disciplines of the Fine and Performing
Arts. They are encouraged to find ways of learning that help them understand
concepts, analyse experiences and develop attitudes that value the rigour
that the Arts require.
High School students have an opportunity to develop their passion and
skills in music, art, drama, dance and film to a certificate level. To
receive the Fine and Performing Arts Certificate, students must complete
40 credits in arts and related courses including Professional Development
in the Arts 35. The Fine and Performing Arts Certificate, which many schools
have as a part of an Arts and Communications pathway, is offered at most
high schools in Calgary. And the interest is growing:
75 CBE schools have a commitment to arts integration as part of the
culture and focus of the school in their program renewal plans
250 high school students will earn the Fine Arts Certificate now
offered in 14 schools
Last year, Central Memorial High graduated its first class of Performing
and Visual Arts from the 3-year academic program.
That same year 52,000 CBE students in 189 schools were involved in fine
arts shows and productions.
Calgary Arts Partners
in Education Society (CAPES) also helps students enjoy learning through
the fine arts. Through the collaborative partnership of artists and teachers,
students become engaged and excited about learning core curriculum. This
arts-integrated approach strengthens students' ability to be critical,
creative thinkers and active citizens in their communities. It also contributes
to improved academic achievement, an appreciation for the Arts, and lifelong
learning.
We’re all about ‘firsts’ at the CBE, about equipping
our students with the tools, skills and the confidence to become the outstanding
citizens – and artists – of tomorrow.
To learn more about Arts-Centred Learning at the CBE, visit our program
section.
One of those schools with Arts-Centred Learning is 
High School students have an opportunity to develop their passion and
skills in music, art, drama, dance and film to a certificate level. To
receive the Fine and Performing Arts Certificate, students must complete
40 credits in arts and related courses including Professional Development
in the Arts 35. The Fine and Performing Arts Certificate, which many schools
have as a part of an Arts and Communications pathway, is offered at most
high schools in Calgary. And the interest is growing:
Calgary Arts Partners
in Education Society (CAPES).jpg){kind=small}
