The Kuper Renaissance in learning and culture


FINE ARTS

Junior School art classes may be conducted in French or English. Children express themselves by experimenting with a variety of media including drawing, painting, collage, clay, sculpture and crafts.

At the secondary level, students learn to express their creative energy and develop a greater sensitivity to the beauty of the world around them. A variety of techniques are explored including drawing, painting, printmaking, pottery making, jewelry creation, sculpture and origami.

Each course contains an art history component that is coordinated with the history and English programs.

DRAMA PRODUCTIONS




Several dramatic performances are held throughout the year. Participation in drama contributes to the development of each pupil’s self-actualization and emotional awareness.

Junior School holiday productions provide entertainment for the entire Kuper community.

Middle and Senior School students acquire an appreciation of theatre arts through the interpretation of monologues, scenes and short plays as well as the creation of their own dramatic texts. The culminating activity is the production of a Senior School play in which all students participate either as actors, set and costume designers, make-up artists, lighting technicians or directors.

MUSIC AND BAND

Music and song have a natural appeal for young people. The Junior School music program develops rhythm and movement, coordination of action and words, sequencing, auditory memory and many other skills. The general elementary music curriculum encourages an appreciation and understanding of music. Pupils study music theory, do rhythm exercises, sing and play the recorder. At the secondary level, music appreciation courses introduce students to a variety of musical genres and provide opportunities to attend live musical performances.

Optional instrumental instruction for participation in the Kuper Band begins in Grade 5 and continues throughout the Middle and Senior School years. Band students are instructed individually by professional musicians and frequently play together during orchestral and ensemble presentations. Musical clinics, a weekend musical camp, school and community events and a gala performance at Place des Arts are highlights of the year.

ACCESS TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Students at all levels visit our computer labs on a regular basis. At the earliest stages of technical education, Junior School children become familiar with the use of a keyboard and mouse. Throughout the elementary years they progress through a variety of software programs which support the general curriculum.

Computer technology is integrated at all secondary levels. In a state of the art laboratory, Middle School students develop MS Powerpoint presentations and web pages. They also perfect word processing skills, learn Excel spreadsheets and work with HTML and javascript. Secondary III students may choose a Robotics course in which they learn design and programming while Senior School level courses include training in Visual Basic and C++.