IB Visual Arts Courses

Group 6 courses offer a high degree of adaptability to various cultural contexts. These courses emphasize creativity, combining disciplined, practical research into relevant genres. Additionally, each subject is designed to foster critical, reflective, and informed practice, helping students understand the dynamic and evolving nature of the arts. Students will explore the diversity of artistic expressions across time, place, and cultures, while developing the confidence and competence to express themselves creatively.

Overview

Focus:

Exploration of visual arts through creation, critique, and cultural analysis. Students engage in artistic processes, developing their skills and understanding the role of art in society.

Key Philosophical Questions:

How does art communicate ideas and emotions across different cultures and contexts?
In what ways does the creative process influence self-expression and cultural understanding?

Course Structure:

SL (Standard Level): 2-year course with an emphasis on hands-on artistic creation and contextual analysis.
HL (Higher Level): 2-year course offering more intensive study, requiring greater depth of research, independent artistic exploration, and a higher volume of artwork production.
Weighted 5.0

IB Assessments:

IB Visual Arts HL

Internal Assessment (HL):
- A more comprehensive portfolio than SL, with additional emphasis on deeper conceptual development, experimental work, and more extensive documentation. Students analyze and critique their work in greater depth.
End-of-Course Exam (HL):
- An externally assessed final exhibition, showcasing a larger body of work compared to SL. Students present an in-depth statement of intent, explaining the evolution of their projects, and they also engage in an oral interview discussing their portfolio.

IB Visual Arts SL

Internal Assessment (SL):
- Students submit a portfolio of their artwork, documenting their creative process, reflections, and development over the course. This includes the analysis of their own work as well as selected works from other artists.
End-of-Course Exam (SL):
- An externally assessed final exhibition where students showcase their artwork. They are also required to present a statement of intent, explaining the context, themes, and process behind their art.

Couse Information

Course Options:

IB Visual Arts SL - 2 years/1 period - Year 1 (Code: 531) / Year 2 (Code: 532)
IB Visual Arts HL - 2 years/1 period - Year 1 (Code: 533) / Year 2 (Code: 534)

For the most up-to-date course information and descriptions, see the Academic Programs and Pathways resource

Note: For the IB Diploma, students may elect to study an additional Group 2, 3, or 4 group course instead of a course in the arts.

Quick Links

Example Careers

Example careers for students interested in Group VI courses and topics:

Immediate Opportunities (High School/2-Year College):

Graphic Design Assistant – Support senior designers with layouts, images, and branding.
Photography Assistant – Assist professional photographers with shoots and editing.
Freelance Illustrator – Create custom illustrations for local projects.
Fashion Design Assistant – Help with garment sketches and prototypes.
Interior Design Assistant – Support senior designers with layouts and sourcing.

After 2-Year College/Trade School:

Junior Graphic Designer – Design digital/print media for branding.
Entry-Level Animator – Assist in creating 2D/3D animations.
Social Media Content Creator – Capture/edit images for branding.
Junior Fashion Designer – Aid in fabric selection and prototype creation.
Junior Illustrator – Produce visuals for ads, books, or media.

After 4-Year College/University:

Graphic Designer – Create content for websites, ads, and branding.
Art Director – Lead teams in creating visual concepts.
Museum Curator – Manage art collections and exhibitions.
Animator – Develop animations for films, TV, or games.
Interior Designer – Plan functional, aesthetic spaces.

Military Careers:

Military Photographer – Document operations and events visually.
Combat Visual Specialist – Create graphics and animations for missions.
Military Graphic Designer – Design materials for communication.
Military Illustrator – Provide custom visuals for training or projects.
Visual Information Specialist – Capture images for official purposes.

Entrepreneurship/Freelance:

Freelance Graphic Designer – Design logos and websites for clients.
Freelance Illustrator – Offer illustrations for books and ads.
Freelance Photographer – Provide event and portrait photography.
Fashion Start-Up Founder – Launch your own clothing or accessory line.
Online Art Instructor – Teach art techniques through virtual platforms.

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