We introduced an exciting new programme for all of our Secondary students in October called Experiential Learning Week (ELW). One of the main highlights of ELW, which allows students to participate in a wide array of excursions, camps and workshops, was the IB Diploma Programme Art and Music Study trip to London and Paris. Jacques Thomass, our Head of Creative Art for 10 years was responsible for supervising the students on this exciting journey. We talked to Jacques about the trip, the benefits our students gained as well as other inspiring initiatives that are taking place within our Creative Art Department.

How many students went on the IB Art and Music Study trip to London and Paris?

There were 27 IB students from Year 12: 19 Art students, 4 Music students and 4 Theatre students.

Which art galleries and museums did you go to?

We visited so many art galleries and museums. We really wanted our students to get the most out of this trip. We went to the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Serpentine Galleries, the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain, Tate Modern, the Saatchi Gallery and the Royal Albert Hall in London. During the Paris leg of our trip, our students spent time at the Musée d'Orsay, Musée du Louvre, the Notre Dame and the Musée de la Musique.

What other activities took place during the trip?

We visited the University of the Arts London. We met with professors at the world renowned London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins. They explained the latest trends permeating the industry and took us through some great examples of collaborations they had been working on with leading designers. Our students were also taken on a tour of both Colleges, where they learned more about their programmes, while meeting some of the YCIS Alumni currently studying there. We also enjoyed a marvellous performance of Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre in London.

What was the main objective of the trip and what were the most important take-aways for our students?

The trip really focused on enhancing our students’ understanding of a wide variety of art, in all kinds of media both historical and contemporary and challenged them to explore the creative links between them. It was also a good way for our students to investigate how art galleries exhibit and curate work professionally.

It was a truly eye-opening experience for the students, as they immersed themselves in the European cultures and browsed through iconic museums and attractions. All students were able to gain valuable firsthand sources of information and inspiration from the trip.

Were there any other art trips during the Experiential Learning Week?

Yes, our Year 10 IGCSE Art students also participated in an exhilarating cultural exchange trip to Taiwan. In addition to developing a greater knowledge and understanding about Chinese culture and its artworks, it was also a fantastic opportunity for the students to collect primary information and sources for them to use in their future coursework. We visited traditional, cultural and historical sites, such as Taipei’s National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Shifen Old Street, Tamsui, The National Palace Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei Artist Village and Yingge Ceramics Museum. Students were able to use the photos and sources they collected at these sites, as inspiration within the art lessons they attended at the National Taiwan University of Arts. Taught by the university’s professors, students gained invaluable art skills and techniques, including Chinese landscape and still life painting, calligraphy and stone block seal carving. Other highlights of the trip included releasing sky lanterns at Shifen, creating ceramic works on the throwing wheel at the Yingge Ceramics Museum and tasting all the delicious snacks at the Shilin night markets. An exhibition will soon follow to showcase the artwork produced by the students during the trip.

Aside from the amazing international trips during ELW, the Creative Art Department also provides regular workshops from visiting international artists; please can you let me know which artists have visited our school so far this year?

Famous British Artist Ian Murphy conducted a workshop with our Year 13 students earlier this month. During the 3-day workshop students were exposed to various artistic styles and new techniques. Ian also visited our school last year and we were delighted to welcome him back again this year.

The Art students already perform at the highest levels of the IB qualification, so I was keen to see how they could be extended. In short, I was very impressed by Ian Murphy’s ability to not only communicate his extensive array of techniques to the group, but also his commitment to talk individually to everyone and discuss ways to extend their personal ideas. During the workshop the students really appreciated his skills, both in the sketchbooks, that they could scrutinise up close, and the wealth of drawings and paintings he brought to support his tutorials and experimentations. In the short period of time he was in the school, Ian Murphy generated an amazing creative atmosphere. I have no doubt that this pushed their skill level even higher and following on from that, I could really see the benefits within the students’ body of work.

If you would like to learn more about our Art Programme and are currently considering your secondary options for next year, please feel free to visit our school and join one of our Secondary Information Sessions or contact Admissions directly on 2338 7106.