Visual Art
The visual arts expand student curiosity not only about how things around them look, but also how they evolve and function, how the visual elements can be put into context to create work that has cultural and personal relevance. Students acquire an overview of the great movements in art from medieval painting, through classical figurative studies, to contemporary modernist/post- modernist concepts and ideologies. They learn to apply traditional drawing and painting techniques, as well as explore modern media like photography, video, original image creation/editing on computers using Photoshop. In all aspects of visual art education, the elements of color, line, tone, compositional balance, multiple contrasts of shape, 3D form, and color are constantly referred back to as the building blocks used to create involving, meaningful forms of visual expression.
Music
The music program immerses students into several areas of music study: theory and performance in vocal (solo and choral) and instrumental music (guitar, bass, piano, drums, etc.), the history and development of music in Western culture from early music through classical to contemporary experimental and improvisational forms, pop and world music.
Students studying Music 11 and 12 Composition and Technology are expected to have a solid understanding of the significant developments pertaining to modern recording technologies (the use of various microphones, amplification systems, effects processors like reverb, delay, modulation, dynamics compressors and limiters, keyboard and virtual synthesis, midi implementation). All students are asked to complete projects involving computer- based DAW systems like Logic Studio, Garageband, Reason, Protools, etc., and modern compositional techniques. Songwriting is broken down into its structural and expressive components with a focus on the creation of melody and lyrics.
Every semester, music students and students involved in extracurricular music groups become involved in coordinating and rehearsing material that is performed at all Graduation ceremonies. Students are reminded of the great rewards of collaboration, and of the sacrifices and creative risks that go into all levels of performance.
Sports and Physical Education
The activities at St. John’s International School offer all students and teachers the opportunity to get to know each other in formal, inspiring settings, body and spirit which is something we value very highly at St. John’s International School. The combination of Physical Education classes and extra-curricular sporting activities ensures that students discover the values of good sportsmanship, co-operation and teamwork. In becoming involved in these school programs, students also gain self esteem and confidence. Their performance in other aspects of their lives may also be greatly enhanced.
Students have the opportunity at our school to compete in leagues and tournaments sponsored by the Greater Vancouver Independent School Athletic Association. Some of the sports that are included in this network are Basketball, Soccer, Badminton, and Softball. Students relish the opportunity to get involved in these games, and in so doing, really add to the school spirit in the name of healthy competition.
St. John’s International School has access to great sport complexes for all kinds of sports and games. The range of outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, cycling, and kayaking that are in close proximity to our school is incredible. Being a part of the St. John’s International School activities helps students to reap the benefits of good physical health for the rest of their lives.