Middle School Arts

The Middle School years are a time of incredible growth and development for our students. It is during these important formative years that children develop a greater appreciation of self as well as the world around them. An engaging and integrated education in the arts is an integral component to the MYP curriculum as it provides students with a variety of ways to explore self-expression while learning to perceive and think in new ways. Creativity, reasoning, imagination, dexterity and intuition are developed as students learn to build bridges between verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as logic and emotion.

The York School has a commitment to providing students in the Middle School with a multitude of opportunities to create and to perform, both in the classroom and as part of our co-curricular programming.


Drama Program
Our Middle School Drama program develops self-expression, public speaking skills, confidence and fosters an appreciation for theatre and performance arts.

Each spring, a musical or drama production is staged by Middle School students, and provides opportunities for students to explore their interest in theatre both on stage and behind the scenes. Past performances have included, ‘Taming of the Shrew, an adaptation,’ ‘The Glass Slipper, ‘'Peter Pan,' ‘Into the Woods’ and more.

Music Program
The goal of the Middle School Music program is to build on a student’s connection to music in its many forms and to further develop a lifelong appreciation and love of music as an artistic outlet for communication and performance. Students are introduced to woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments, participate in choral singing, and even learn to compose their own music using state-of-the-art software and equipment. 

From Grades 6 - 8, students have the following performance opportunities:   
  • Music assemblies
  • School concerts
  • Musical productions
  • Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival (CISMF) - an annual event held at Roy Thomson Hall
There are also several opportunities for students to stretch their musical experience outside of the classroom in the Middle School including: 
  • Grade 6 Chamber Band
  • Grade 6 Percussion Club
  • Middle School Choir
  • Middle School Concert Band
  • Middle School Jazz Band
Some co-curricular ensembles allow for performance on guitar, piano, and bass.

Visual Arts Program
Our Visual Arts program encourages students to develop and appreciate visual literacy in and outside of the classroom. The Visual Arts Middle Years Program inspires a personal/social responsibility to the world, our community and our environment. Students are introduced to a wide variety of art mediums and materials, as well as new techniques. Throughout the Middle School years, students chart their progress with sketchbooks and personal reflection journals. 
 
Highlights Include:
  • Local photography tours of Summerhill
  • An Arts blog highlighting the work of MYP students
  • Art exhibits in December and June during the Arts’ afternoon and evening events
  • Field trips and hands-on excursions to art galleries and museums
  • Opportunities to have art displayed on the school walls and screens throughout the year
  • and more!