Learning Areas

High School Block:

Creative Arts

The concepts Create, Connect and Communicate are central to learning in and through the arts.

“Create” refers to assessment of ability to create artistic works, compose music, sing, play instruments, and perform individually or within a group. Create balances process with product in that the demonstration of skill development throughout the process is as important as the final product.

“Connect” refers to assessment of ability to connect the arts to the world in which they live. Learners will develop understanding of the role of the arts in society and its power to affect change; practice respect for varying opinions and tastes; and potentially discover lifelong learning pathways.

“Communicate” refers to assessment of ability to look and listen critically, analyze, and evaluate in the arts, and self-reflect on learning.

Through prescribed creative arts courses, learners develop skills and concepts related to drama, music, and visual art. Learners also develop confidence as performers and creators; develop understanding of the role of the arts in society and its power to affect change; practise respect for varying opinions and tastes; and potentially discover lifelong learning pathways.

For Educators:

➔ PL Hub: Creative Arts

Courses and Cluster Options

Compulsory Creative Arts 4 credit hour minimum:

Preferred Options for Scheduling: Creative Arts 110, Dramatic Arts 110/120, Graphic Art and Design 110, Music 10, Music 112/122, Music 120 (World Music), Visual Arts 10, Visual Arts 110/120, Fashion Technology and Design 110/120*, Media Studies 120* (updated version – 2023), Digital Production 120*, Approved AP/IB Creative Arts courses

*Courses with an asterisk may be used to fulfil the requirements for no more than one cluster.

To endeavour to support this cluster in the development of a well-rounded citizen, schools with approved Locally Developed Courses identified as Creative Arts may accept these for the fulfilment of credit hours in the Creative Arts. Active courses: Indigenous/ Wabanaki Art 110, Recording and Sound Design 120, Contemporary Directors in Film 120, Introduction to Cinema 120, History of Rock and Roll 120, Popular Music 120, Art History 120, Art in Atlantic Canada 120, Photography 120, 3D Studies 120; others may be considered in the future.

Note: EECD will expand the variety of prescribed creative arts curriculum over the next few years.

High School Clusters

Creative Arts Courses

Resources

Rita Joe Song Project

Learners will use contemporary music by indigenous youth to explore the themes in Rita Joe’s poem “I Lost My Talk”.

Grade 9

Boomwhackers

This hands-on lesson gets learners playing songs on Boomwhackers/pitched percussion instruments, by following a series of play a longs on YouTube. This lesson will teach and reinforce the C major diatonic scale and chords and helps students recall how to read treble and bass clef notes, and to count in a basic multiple time signatures. Most importantly, this lesson will reinforce playing as an ensemble.

Grade 9

Indigenous Music Resources 9-12

Indigenous music resources for grades 9-12 provide culturally relevant materials that explore traditional and contemporary Indigenous music. These resources support students in understanding the cultural significance of music in Indigenous communities through engaging activities, performances, and discussions. Aligned with curriculum goals, they foster musical skills, cultural awareness, and respect for the diverse musical traditions of Indigenous Peoples.

Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12