Barry Goldwater High School

BGHS students will provide an introduction to art through a multimedia experience. Students will learn
and apply the elements and principles of design to produce creative art projects that reflect their
understanding of these concepts. Problem solving and decision-making are emphasized throughout art.
These skills will be assessed individually and collectively multiple times throughout the semester in
order to determine student growth and achievement. Students are encouraged to work toward the highest
level of achievement and to challenge themselves to grow and learn to their highest ability.
There are state standards, district curriculum expectations and a scope and sequence to ensure
students are learning alongside their peers. At Goldwater we also focus heavily on critical thinking skills,
communication skills, life skills, and habits of mind. Canvas, Power Schools, and/or the BGHS course website
each provide specifics related to the Content Standards, Performance Objectives and Rubrics for grading.
The visual arts subject area gives students the opportunity to develop as artists as well as learning
about the arts through conceptual understandings essential to the discipline. Learning takes place within
contexts relevant to the student, whether personal, local, national, international or globally significant.
Throughout the arts students are required to use knowledge, develop skills, think creatively and respond to a
variety of artworks. It provides a framework of learning that encourages students to become creative, critical
and reflective thinkers. The arts emphasize intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make connections
between their studies in traditional subjects and the real world. It fosters the development of skills for
communication, intercultural understanding and global engagement—essential qualities for young people who
are becoming global leaders.

Designed for students who have had some visual art education in elementary level. Studio Art I will focus on fundamental drawing skills, color theory, and basic concepts, media, and techniques. This course will expose students to a variety of media and develop their skills for further art study. This course begins with an investigation in the visual language through research and exploration. Students will learn to utilize the elements and principles of art and design in their own work.

Studio 2 cultivates previously developed artistic knowledge and skills learned in Studio Art 1. The course expands on the foundations of art, including art history, theory, concepts and skills. It empowers the already motivated students to make choices about the content and interpretation of their artwork, explore personal interests, solve problems, and communicate ideas in innovative ways. Students further develop skills in multiple media; art production, design thinking, criticism, and art appreciation.

The IB Diploma Programme visual arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations
and boundaries. It is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent
thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing
visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and
critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media. The course is designed for students who want to go on
to further study of visual arts in higher education as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment through visual arts.

Learning the mechanics of a digital camera and professional photographic techniques including F/stops, shutter speeds, lighting accommodations, depth of field, white balance, exposure settings, and the various types of digital files. This course is highly recommended if you have never taken a photography course before or simply use the phone or "point-and-shoot" settings in your camera. You will also cover the basics of Adobe Photoshop/ Photopea, including image processing, photo retouching, and collage.