Arts at CIS: Inspiring creativity, confidence and self-expression

At the Canadian International School (CIS), the Arts are an integral part of student life. Our vibrant Arts programme gives students opportunities to explore creativity, develop artistic skills and express their ideas, emotions and perspectives through a wide range of disciplines.

From music, drama and theatre to visual arts and media arts, students learn to create, perform, present and reflect on their work. Through both curricular and co-curricular experiences, students develop creativity, confidence, communication, adaptability and resilience—skills that support them throughout school and beyond.

A thriving Arts programme at CIS

The Arts at CIS are designed to encourage students to become both artists and lifelong learners. Students explore different artistic disciplines, develop technical skills and learn to communicate meaningfully through creative expression.

Our approach combines two complementary areas:

Curricular Arts: Learning through the Arts

Arts are an important part of the CIS academic curriculum. Students have opportunities to:

• Create, perform and present their work in meaningful contexts
• Explore music, media, drama, theatre and visual arts
• Develop new artistic skills while building on previous learning
• Experiment with different techniques, styles, genres and media
• Reflect on their creative process and artistic development
• Use process journals to document, evaluate and deepen their learning
• Explore ideas, perspectives and identity through artistic expression

The Arts are not simply an extracurricular addition to education. They are an integrated part of the learning experience at CIS, helping students develop both artistic expertise and transferable skills.

Developing creativity, confidence and identity

Arts education is about more than developing artistic technique. It gives students a way to explore who they are, what they believe and how they see the world.

Through creating, performing and presenting, CIS students learn to communicate ideas and emotions, take creative risks, respond to feedback and collaborate with others. These experiences help students build:

• Creativity – developing original ideas and exploring different possibilities
• Confidence – sharing ideas and performing for an audience
• Communication – expressing meaning through different artistic forms
• Adaptability – experimenting with new techniques, styles and perspectives
• Resilience – learning from feedback, challenges and the creative process
• Identity – discovering and developing their individual artistic voice

Arts across Primary and Secondary school

Arts learning develops progressively as students move through CIS, allowing them to build skills and explore increasingly sophisticated forms of artistic expression.

Primary Drama

In Grades 1–3, students develop confidence, creativity and collaboration through play, storytelling, role play, movement, voice and imagination. They learn to express ideas and feelings, work with others and communicate with an audience.

By Grade 3, students apply these skills more intentionally through Greek theatre techniques, characterisation, voice, movement and rehearsal, culminating in the Grade 3 Play.

In Grades 4–6, students build on these foundations to become more independent and purposeful performers and creators. They explore characterisation, improvisation, physical theatre, rehearsal and performance while using drama to communicate ideas, beliefs and messages.

Performing Arts in Secondary school

In Grades 7 and 8, students explore the fundamentals of Performing Arts through different techniques, styles and genres. They develop practical, analytical and evaluative skills that provide a strong foundation for further study.

From Grade 9 onwards, students can elect to continue studying Music or Theatre in greater depth and breadth, developing the knowledge and skills needed for future IB Diploma Programme study.

Inspiring students to perform and showcase their work

At CIS, students have regular opportunities to share their creativity with audiences and the wider school community.

Grade 3 Play

The Grade 3 Play provides every Primary student with an authentic opportunity to apply and share their learning. Connected to Units of Inquiry including How We Organise Ourselves and How We Express Ourselves, students participate in planning, collaboration, rehearsal, reflection and performance.

Students can contribute through acting, singing, dancing and other creative arts, allowing them to express their individual strengths and communication styles.

Previous Grade 3 productions have included The Reluctant Dragon, Oz Upon a Time and A Night Like This.

Senior School Musical

Every year, CIS produces a Senior School musical, giving students opportunities to develop their performance, collaboration and production skills.

• Previous productions have included:
• The Addams Family
• Legally Blonde
• The Wizard of Oz 
• Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

Students can also participate in bilingual creative opportunities through Senior School Chinese-language productions.

Facilities and expertise that support creativity

CIS students have access to specialised facilities and equipment that allow them to develop their artistic skills through practical experiences.

These include:

• The 500-seat David Foster Theatre
• Black box theatre
• Recording studio
• Kilns
• Digital media suites
• Specialist Arts equipment and resources

Students also learn from teachers with professional backgrounds as practising artists, musicians and theatre professionals. Their experience brings real-world perspectives and technical expertise into the classroom, rehearsals and creative projects.

Preparing students for further study in the arts

Students who are passionate about the Arts can continue developing their talents throughout their CIS journey.

Through curricular subjects, co-curricular activities, performances, exhibitions and creative projects, students can build portfolios and gain experience relevant to future study.

CIS also offers Performing Arts Scholarships for talented students in areas such as music, theatre and media.

Our Arts faculty support students with areas such as:

• Portfolio development
• Audition preparation
• IB Arts requirements and curatorial work
• Creative project development
• Preparation for further study in the Arts

Students may also participate in summer schools, external competitions and other opportunities that allow them to extend their learning beyond CIS.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arts at CIS