Here First graders are creating their creative lions.  Then they use shapes to create a unique surface design.  Students will then cut out the lions and collage them onto a painted background in tints and shades of green.
Second graders are creating a group landscape along with animals that belong in that particular Environment.  They are preparing the surface for paint and then will create there own animals.  This Collaborative Diorama is closely linked with the “Habitat and Ecosystems” unit of inquiry.

The Visual Art division in the Elementary School exposes students to various forms of art.  These include painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed media.  Within each medium there are skills and techniques that are taught such as papier-mâché, ceramics, watercolor painting and collage. With each skill learned, Art History is embedded in the learning process.  It places a form of art in a particular place and setting where the students understand the relevance of art in the world.   The acceptance of creating art and knowing it is a point of creativity and expression is a key component to the program.

Through out the year the students work is highlighted in the corridors.  In the second part of the academic year the art department, parents and teachers across SSIS collaborate and sponsor an art exhibition that highlights our inventive as well as imaginative young artists at SSIS.

A class is seen once a week for 80min where students learn at an appropriate pace as well as how to handle the materials in an effective and efficient manner.  Where suited the homeroom works in tandem with single subject classes to work in collaboration.  Here the students acquire knowledge in an approach that is holistic.  The consideration that the world works together across practices strengthens the awareness and learning power of our students.

		City Skylines is a source of inspiration for the Third graders.  They learned the technique of collage, using recycled materials (newspaper) and water color.  The project is closely linked to the homeroom unit of Inquiry “City Systems.”
Fourth Grades inspiration came from the unit of Inquiry “Cooperation.”  The students reviewed color theory and created their own compositions.  Students then continued to work in groups of 3 and 4.  Finally 4th grade artists combined all compositions and worked together to create a collaborative painting for their classrooms.
		Fifth Graders created individual self portraits inspired by a painter in our past named Modigliani.  Here they are exposed to a style where form is distorted.  First creating plans in proper proportions of themselves and then distorting the self portrait.  The students learn to express themselves through this particular style set in the art era of Expressionism.  This learning Engagement is closely linked to the unit of Inquiry “Impressions & Expressions.”