Creative Arts Grade 7

Grade 7 Creative Arts provides students with comprehensive artistic education across multiple disciplines. This integrated program develops creative expression, technical skills, cultural appreciation, and critical thinking through hands-on artistic experiences and collaborative projects.

Key Learning Areas

Visual Arts

• Advanced drawing techniques and perspective
• Painting with various mediums and styles
• Sculpture and three-dimensional art
• Printmaking and graphic design
• Digital art and computer graphics
• Art history and cultural contexts

Music

• Instrumental performance and technique
• Vocal training and choir participation
• Music theory and composition
• Music technology and recording
• World music and cultural traditions
• Music appreciation and analysis

Drama and Theatre

• Acting techniques and character development
• Script writing and storytelling
• Stage design and technical theatre
• Improvisation and creative expression
• Theatre history and genres
• Performance and presentation skills

Dance and Movement

• Contemporary and traditional dance styles
• Choreography and movement composition
• Cultural dances from around the world
• Dance notation and analysis
• Performance and stage presence
• Dance history and appreciation

Visual Arts Focus

Drawing and Illustration

• Advanced pencil and charcoal techniques
• Pen and ink illustration methods
• Digital drawing and graphic tablets
• Observational drawing and life studies
• Fantasy and imaginative illustration
• Comic and graphic novel creation

Painting and Color Theory

• Watercolor techniques and effects
• Acrylic and oil painting methods
• Color mixing and harmony
• Abstract and realistic painting styles
• Landscape and portrait painting
• Mixed media and experimental techniques

Sculpture and 3D Arts

• Clay modeling and ceramics
• Wire and found object sculpture
• Papier-mâché and cardboard construction
• 3D printing and digital modeling
• Installation and environmental art
• Kinetic and interactive sculptures

Digital Arts and Design

• Graphic design principles and software
• Photo editing and manipulation
• Logo and poster design
• Web design and user interface
• Animation and motion graphics
• Digital portfolio development

Music Education

Instrumental Performance

• Recorder, keyboard, and guitar instruction
• Percussion ensemble and rhythm training
• String and wind instrument introduction
• Solo and ensemble performance
• Music reading and notation
• Practice techniques and discipline

Vocal Music and Choir

• Proper breathing and vocal technique
• Part singing and harmony
• Solo performance and confidence building
• Choral repertoire from various cultures
• Vocal health and care
• Performance etiquette and stage presence

Music Composition and Technology

• Basic composition and songwriting
• Music software and digital audio workstations
• Sound recording and editing
• Electronic music and synthesizers
• Music notation software
• Collaborative composition projects

Music Appreciation and History

• Classical music periods and composers
• World music traditions and instruments
• Popular music genres and evolution
• South African music heritage
• Music criticism and analysis
• Concert attendance and reviews

Drama and Theatre Arts

Acting and Performance

• Character development and motivation
• Voice projection and articulation
• Body language and movement
• Emotional expression and authenticity
• Improvisation and spontaneity
• Monologue and scene work

Script Writing and Storytelling

• Dramatic structure and plot development
• Character creation and dialogue
• Conflict and resolution techniques
• Adaptation of existing stories
• Original script development
• Collaborative writing projects

Technical Theatre

• Set design and construction
• Lighting design and operation
• Sound effects and music integration
• Costume design and makeup
• Props creation and management
• Stage management and organization

Theatre History and Genres

• Ancient Greek and Roman theatre
• Shakespeare and Elizabethan drama
• Modern and contemporary theatre
• Musical theatre and opera
• South African theatre traditions
• Experimental and avant-garde theatre

Dance and Movement

Dance Techniques and Styles

• Contemporary and modern dance
• Jazz and commercial dance
• Hip-hop and street dance
• Ballet fundamentals and technique
• African traditional dances
• Latin and ballroom dance basics

Choreography and Composition

• Movement exploration and improvisation
• Choreographic devices and structures
• Music interpretation and timing
• Spatial awareness and formations
• Collaborative choreography projects
• Solo and group composition

Cultural Dance Traditions

• South African traditional dances
• International folk dances
• Ceremonial and ritual dances
• Social and recreational dances
• Dance as cultural expression
• Costume and cultural context

Integrated Arts Projects

Multimedia Productions

• Combining visual arts, music, drama, and dance
• Technology integration and digital media
• Collaborative storytelling projects
• Community performance events
• Arts festival participation
• Cross-curricular connections

Cultural Celebrations

• Heritage month presentations
• International arts festivals
• School concert productions
• Art exhibition organization
• Community outreach programs
• Interschool arts competitions

Technology Integration

Digital Arts Tools

• Adobe Creative Suite applications
• Music production software
• Video editing and animation
• 3D modeling and printing
• Virtual reality and augmented reality
• Online collaboration platforms

Documentation and Portfolio

• Digital portfolio creation
• Process documentation and reflection
• Online exhibition and sharing
• Social media and arts promotion
• Copyright and intellectual property
• Professional presentation skills

Assessment Strategy

Students are assessed through:

• Practical artworks and performances (50%)
• Creative process and development (25%)
• Collaboration and participation (15%)
• Reflection and analysis (10%)

Community Connections

Arts Organizations and Venues

• Local art galleries and museums
• Theatre companies and performance venues
• Music ensembles and orchestras
• Dance companies and studios
• Arts festivals and competitions
• Professional artist mentorships

Cultural Institutions

• Cultural centers and heritage sites
• Libraries and community centers
• Religious and spiritual organizations
• Multicultural associations
• Tourism and hospitality venues
• Media and broadcasting companies

Career Exploration

Arts Career Pathways

• Professional artist and performer
• Arts education and therapy
• Arts administration and management
• Media and entertainment industry
• Design and advertising
• Cultural preservation and curation

Skills Development

• Creative problem-solving
• Communication and presentation
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness
• Technical and digital literacy
• Entrepreneurship and self-promotion

Preparation for High School

This course prepares students for:

• Visual Arts as a specialized subject
• Music as a specialized subject
• Dramatic Arts as a specialized subject
• Design studies and creative industries
• Arts portfolio development

Values and Personal Development

Emphasis on developing:

• Self-expression and confidence
• Cultural appreciation and respect
• Creativity and innovation
• Perseverance and dedication
• Collaboration and empathy