From grade 8, visual arts courses focus on developing students’ artistic voice, technical skills, conceptual approaches to their work, and exposure to a variety of artistic techniques. In grades 11 and 12, students can specialize in design electives such as Drafting 11 and 12. Our architecture courses are designed to give students hands-on practice in model building, hand drafting and computer software. AP Studio Art Drawing 12 and Art Careers 12 are offered to students who are considering pursuing an undergraduate degree in visual arts and design; these courses further develop a student’s artistic voice and help them create a portfolio of their work for submission to postsecondary institutions. Our alumni have studied fashion design, industrial design and architecture at renowned institutions such as Parson’s, Parson’s Paris, University of Arts London, Rhode Island School of Design, Emily Carr, OCAD and SCI-arc.
Courses
Visual Arts 8, 9, 10
Art Foundations 11, 12
Studio Arts 11: Drawing and Painting
Architecture and Habitat Design 12
Art Careers 12
AP Studio Art Drawing 12
Student Showcases
The Visual Arts Celebration during Arts Week in April is an opportunity for students to showcase their art to family and friends. Arts Week also features expert-led workshops in various artistic fields.
The annual ISABC Art Show is a collaboration among independent schools in Vancouver and showcases senior students' artwork.
Founded in 1999, our Student Gallery highlights selected K-12 artwork every year. One student's artwork from each grade is framed and represents the artistic accomplishments of their grade level.
Before returning to UBC to earn her Bachelor of Education, Margot was a professional architect and designer for 13 years. As Head of Fine and Performing Arts in the Senior School, Ms. Harms oversees the music, drama, visual arts, photography and film/television production programs and teaches visual arts courses for grades 8 to 12. Her fascination with the shape, composition and aesthetic of our constructed environment informs and complements the projects she develops with her students. Ms. Harms also coordinates Arts Week every spring, which showcases and celebrates all forms of student art, and is the advisor to the student-led arts council.