Incorporating art into learning
Upon entering the Palavakkam campus of aLphabet internationaL schooL, as one walks towards the classrooms they would come across a new companion to the fish tank, adorning the walls in the alcove: a gallery of over 150 artworks by our very own students.
The school feels pride in showcasing the artist present in its students quite like the pride felt by the parents who display the artworks of their children on refrigerators or their workplaces.
We at aLphabet internationaL, one of the leading IB schools in Chennai, spare no opportunity for providing a platform for kids to showcase their creativity. The gallery is an attempt at making students feel at home and feel seen, their artworks being given the deserved recognition. The goal is to exhibit to the wider community the various kinds of art that students are producing.
The gallery includes artworks by students of all grade levels. While the artworks were made for various assessments and units included in their curriculum, the art display is an extension of that, taking the idea of art as an integral part of education to the public. It showcases the IB focus on formal study of art which encourages students to find their voice. Most of the art assignments are open-ended with a few guidelines to help students navigate through a myriad of ideas. The aim is to create a structured space for exploration and experimentation. Not just as formal education, art is also integrated into learning in the curriculum to help PYP students learn to express themselves using different modes of communication and show their understanding of various concepts.
The artworks displayed cover a wide range of ideas and art techniques. From canvases, pencil sketches, portraits, landscapes, glass paintings, prints, to creative works about how the students view themselves, the places they’ve visited, and many more, the gallery presents a plethora of free-flowing ideas.
The art gallery at aLphabet internationaL school thus stands not only as a testament of the creativity and expression of its students but also as a vibrant showcase of the school’s commitment to nurturing artistic talent and integrating art into its educational fabric. By providing a platform that celebrates over 150 artworks across various media and themes, the school fosters a sense of pride and recognition among students, encouraging them to explore and express themselves freely. Through this initiative, aLphabet internationaL underscores the importance of art as a fundamental aspect of education, enriching the learning experience and empowering students to find their unique voices.