British School Jakarta (BSJ) provides a diverse range of Arts subjects for Secondary School students, including Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Art, and Media.

In the Middle Years Programme 1 (MYP) (Year 7) and MYP 2 (Year 8), students explore all five subjects as individual disciplines, allowing them to discover their interests and build upon their Primary School learning. The curriculum emphasises concept-based inquiry models, enabling students to carve their paths as artists through independent inquiries. Collaboration is fostered as students learn to question, think, create, and reflect together through effective communication and negotiation.

During MYP 3 (Year 9), students choose two of the five Arts subjects to study in-depth, immersing themselves more fully in their areas of passion.

In MYP 4 (Year 10) and MYP 5 (Year 11), the Arts subjects become discrete academic subjects that incorporate creativity, theory, praxis, and reflection.

At the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma level (Years 12 and 13), BSJ offers Music, Theatre, Visual Art, and Film. These courses are designed to empower students to become independent artists, supported by teachers who act as mentors and guides. Students have significant control over their assessment projects, allowing them to take ownership of their chosen course. Notably, there are no exams in any of these courses, giving students the freedom to navigate their artistic journey.

The Arts Programme at BSJ encourages students to explore their passions, develop their artistic skills, and take the lead in their artistic pursuits. The curriculum fosters creativity, critical thinking, self-expression, and personal growth, empowering students to become confident and independent artists.

Dance

MYP Dance delves into the profound artistry of dance as a form of expression, cultural practice, and means of storytelling. The program encompasses a broad range of captivating topics, including the evolution of dance throughout history, diverse dance styles and techniques, the art of choreography and composition, the intricacies of movement anatomy, and the cultural and social significance that dance embodies.

Students delve into various dance styles like contemporary, ballet, jazz, hip hop, and modern dance. They also explore related areas of study such as music, theatre, cultural studies, and sociology, gaining a holistic understanding of the connections between different art forms.

The MYP Dance programme offers valuable opportunities for students to engage in dance performances, collaborative productions, workshops, lectures, and other enriching events. These experiences allow students to showcase their talent and deepen their understanding of the artistic and technical aspects of dance.

Theatre (Drama)

Theatre at BSJ encompasses various aspects of theory and practice, including acting, directing, stage design, and playwriting. It integrates elements of literature, history, cultural studies, and performance theory. In MYP Theatre, students gain an understanding of the cultural, historical, and social significance of theatre and its impact on society. Practical training in stagecraft, acting techniques, and script analysis is provided.

In addition to its artistic value, MYP Theatre cultivates valuable transferable skills that extend beyond the stage. These skills include:

• Enhance communication skills

• Encourage critical thinking

• Cultivate confidence and public speaking abilities

• Stimulate creativity and imagination

• Develop empathy and understanding of human behaviour

• Foster teamwork and collaboration

• Cultivate discipline and time management

Music

The MYP Music programme is designed to nurture students' musical skills and knowledge, encompassing various aspects of music, including theory, performance, composition, and analysis. The course aims to provide a comprehensive musical education, fostering a long-lasting appreciation and enjoyment of music.

Through the medium of music, students learn to express their own unique voices while developing an appreciation for the musical expressions of others. The MYP Music programme encourages students to explore their creativity, celebrate their cultural identities, and gain an understanding of diverse musical traditions from around the world.

Music serves as a powerful tool for students to connect and share their talents with others. By honing their musical skills and expanding their knowledge of various musical styles, students develop a stronger sense of self and establish meaningful connections with their audience and fellow musicians.

The programme also focuses on cultivating essential musical skills, allowing students to confidently engage in performance, composition, and music analysis. By exploring different genres and styles, students gain a multifaceted understanding of music's ability to convey emotions, narratives, and cultural identities.

Arts

The Visual Art programme aims to achieve the following:

• Develop visual literacy and an understanding of the visual language and its elements
• Foster an appreciation of Visual Art from various cultures and historical periods
• Encourage creativity and independent thinking through art-making processes
• Develop technical skills and mastery of various art materials and techniques
• Engage in reflective and critical thinking about their own art and the art of other
• Understand the role of art in society and its impact on individuals and communities.
• Build confidence and self-esteem through the creation and presentation of personal artwork

Ultimately, the programme strives to provide students with a solid foundation in Visual Art and cultivate a lifelong love and appreciation for the subject. It aims to develop students' visual literacy, cultural awareness, creativity, technical skills, critical thinking, and self-confidence through the exploration and creation of art.