Art, Music & Physical Education
The American High School (AHS) believes that creative arts and physical education are essential to students’ development. The school is dedicated to unlocking the world of possibility inside each of our children by offering extra-curricular programs in the form of Art, Music and Physical Education classes built in to the school day.
Art
The ideas of the connectedness and unity found in variety embody the art program at AHS. In the art room, we see our students breathe life into their dreams, growing in confidence and becoming more self-aware as they produce vibrant pieces of artwork. Encouraging the non-verbal creative process is essential for children, and helps to improve their self-expression. Development of motor skills is supported by motion required in art classes, including holding pencils and crayons or using a paintbrush. Decision-making and visual learning skills are also supported in art classes for young students as they are required to use creativity and critical-thinking skills in designing their own art projects. The development of visual-spatial skills is supported with drawing and painting activities. Additionally, the process-driven basis of art education develops student ability to engage in a project and develop creative solutions to a problem.
Music
Music education benefits the mental and social development of students. Learning music facilitates learning other subjects and enhances skills that children inevitably use in other areas. Music helps to develop spatial intelligence — particularly spatial-temporal skills — which allows students to visualize how elements fit together, which is required in solving math problems. Music education is found to support language development as music supports the development of the left side of the brain, which also processes language.
Physical Education (PE)
In addition to the health benefits of physical education, there are also educational, psychological and emotional benefits to its inclusion at school. Physical education can support knowledge learned in other disciplines, including science, math and social studies. Physical activity also increases self-discipline, judgment and goal-setting skills. The inclusion of physical education in the school day helps students strengthen relationships with their peers, reduces stress, encourages positive behavior, and improves self-confidence and self-esteem.
AHS 