The visual arts program in the Upper School develops students who are culturally literate (in terms of art history), aesthetically aware, and able to express themselves in a way that combines imagination and highly developed technique.
 The visual arts program focuses on theory and studio technique in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and design units. Each grade level includes art history sections.
Gallery visits are scheduled to compliment the study of art history and art technique.
An annual feature of the program is the two session trip to the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art. Students receive a guided tour of the ceramic displays and participate in a discussion of the historical periods from which the works derive. They then mold and glaze their own clay sculptures, which are later displayed in the school.
Student artwork is displayed throughout the school on a rotational basis and students are given curatorial opportunities in the school art gallery. An extensive art show is held during Fine Arts Week each May.
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 The dramatic arts play an important role in Hawthorn’s arts curriculum, and the Drama Club and annual drama production provide an excellent outlet for students to develop their acting talents and technical skills.
Hawthorn’s annual drama productions—a highlight of the school year—have a reputation for excellent acting and production quality. The 2006/2007 production, Oz, was no exception. Written by grade 12 student Isabel Zaw-tun, the play was an adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, and drew great interest as well as applause.
The productions are mainly student-run, and most Upper School students take part, whether it is playing the lead or doing the work of the backstage crew.
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In the Upper School students work with enthusiastic and talented music faculty developing music literacy and appreciation. All our students are involved in performances throughout the year at assemblies, concerts and during our annual Fine Arts Week each spring. Students also participate in the highly acclaimed CIS Music Festival each year.
 Music courses offered to students in the Upper School strike a balance between challenge and skill. Students are required to develop a thorough understanding of the language of music, including the elements, terminology and history. There is an emphasis on appreciation, analysis and performance of various kinds of music, including baroque and classical music, popular music, and Canadian and non-Western music. Students increase their understanding of the elements of music while developing their technical and imaginative abilities.
In the Upper School students’ talent takes flight as they participate in Choir, drama productions, Woodwind Ensemble and various chamber and instrumental groups. Lessons in violin and piano are offered at the extra-curricular level. |
Hawthorn’s appreciation for the arts means nurturing the talents of its students, as well as supporting the arts outside of the school’s walls. One special way Hawthorn does this is by taking on restoration projects with the Vatican Museums in Rome. The school raises money to provide the funds needed to restore objects of importance for the preservation of ancient art and architecture. A previous project was the restoration of a pair of Canaanite cymbals, and the present undertaking is the restoration of an Etruscan funerary urn.