Creative Courses: Intro To IB DP Visual Arts

Intro to IB Visual Arts: Preparing the Next Generation of Creative Thinkers

Creative Courses/IB DP Visual Arts - By Ms. Mila Vasconcelos

Creating a foundation for success is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching, and our Intro to IB Visual Arts elective has proven to be an invaluable stepping stone for aspiring IB DP students. I designed this preparatory course to give students a taste of the rigor, creativity, and exploration required in the IB Diploma Programme (DP) Visual Arts course.

When I look at my current IB DP Class and see that 80% of the students who took the "Intro to IB Elective" signed up for the IB DP Visual Arts program, it makes me really happy and confident with my ability to teach them to navigate this rigorous course. Watching these students step confidently into the next stage of their artistic journey has been an inspiring experience.

Students working on the first drafts of their Comparative Study, one of the theoretical assignments mandatory for the IB DP Visual Arts Course

What Is Intro to IB Visual Arts?

This elective course introduces students to the foundational skills and concepts they’ll need for success in the IB DP Visual Arts program. Through hands-on projects, analytical exercises, and reflective practices, students begin to explore their artistic voice while becoming familiar with the IB’s framework.

The syllabus is carefully crafted to reflect the three core components of the IB DP Visual Arts course:

1. The Process Portfolio: Encouraging students to document their creative journey, from initial ideas to final outcomes.

2. The Comparative Study: Introducing students to the analysis of art from different cultures and time periods.

3. The Exhibition: Offering opportunities to curate and present their work with intention and reflection.

   
   

Why This Course Was a Success?

Exploring Creativity

Students were given the freedom to experiment with a variety of media, themes, and techniques, allowing them to find their unique artistic voice.

Building Confidence

By engaging with the same analytical and reflective practices required in the IB DP program, students felt more prepared and confident about transitioning into the full course.

Fostering Passion:

The elective provided an opportunity for students to fall in love with the process of art-making and critical thinking, inspiring many to pursue IB Visual Arts as their chosen DP subject.

Highlights from the Course

• Hands-On Projects: Students created mini-process portfolios, experimenting with different techniques and documenting their artistic growth.

• Art Analysis Workshops: They explored iconic artworks through guided Comparative Study exercises, learning to analyze and articulate their observations.

• Mock Exhibitions: Students curated and presented their work, practicing the skills they’ll need for the final exhibition in the DP program.

• Collaborative Learning: Peer critiques and group discussions fostered a supportive community where students could learn from and inspire one another.

  
  

  

  The IB DP Visual Arts students are expected to conduct different experimentations, and envision their creations, prior to production and presenting at the final art exhibition in Year 2.

  
  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  They are also required to practice with different media and explore techniques, to have a broad experience and a solid foundation for their Process Portfolio presentation, the register of all the creative processes.

Student Success Stories

The most rewarding aspect of this course was seeing how it inspired students to take ownership of their artistic journey. By the end of the semester, students not only improved their technical and conceptual skills but also developed a clear understanding of what the IB DP Visual Arts program entails.

The fact that 80% of the class enrolled in the IB DP Visual Arts program the following year speaks volumes about the impact of this course. Students felt prepared, excited, and motivated to take on the challenges of the Diploma Programme.

Why Intro to IB Visual Arts Matters

This elective was a preparation course and a platform for students to discover their potential, build their confidence, and understand the value of art as a form of personal and cultural expression. It bridges the gap between curiosity and commitment, providing students with the tools they need to succeed in a globally recognized program like the IB DP.

As an educator, seeing these students thrive and embrace the IB Visual Arts journey has been one of the highlights of my career. I’m excited to continue offering this course and nurturing the next generation of creative thinkers and problem-solvers.

I hope to continue to have the opportunity to bring even more students to this high-level art course in the future!

Ms. Mila