The Arts

Visual Arts

At OCS, we incorporate the DOEs Blueprint for the Teaching and Learning in the Arts into our Visual Arts curriculum for both middle school and high school students. Students are expected to meet the benchmarks as outlined in the Blueprint. Students make meaning about the world through art making, developing art literacy, accessing cultural and community resources, and exploring careers in the art field. We encourage our students to participate in art competitions and bring in guest artists to work with our students on creative projects.

Middle School art challenges students to build 3-dimensional projects using a variety of materials, as well to keep a sketchbook, assessed twice weekly, and to execute assignments in watercolor and tempera paint. Hand-building projects include clay necklaces, plaster hats, miniature wire-and-upholstery furniture, and foam core houses. Students are also required to use their intrinsic visual skills to stretch their thinking and communication through lessons on art, history and culture. Drawings are made from still-life arrangements, natural and geometric objects, self-portraits, figures and architecture.
High School art meets three times weekly and requires an increased level of execution as well as text analysis, such as of the graphic novel, Maus, and excerpts on current news or controversies in art. Students may also choose to build an art portfolio or develop a particular aspect of their work.
Every student has written an original script, and we hope to perform some of these at our end-of-year presentation.

All OCS Arts departments are planning an end-of-year performance featuring improvisation and original plays.  Field trips to attend professional improvisation shows and off-broadway/fringe plays will feature in the curriculum as well.

The work has taught Kevin not only to be the best student he can be, but also has given Kevin a “heads up” on being a better person in the future.