Art

At BIS, arts education is built around one principle: students don't just participate — they create, reflect, and document their learning. The goal is not to give children a hobby but to develop genuine creative thinkers with a portfolio of real work. Whether in Visual Arts, Music, Dance, or Theatre, every student is treated as a creator, designer, and performer. Arts are integrated into the IB curriculum across all year groups and are considered as important as any academic subject in developing a well-rounded, university-ready student.

BIS offers four core arts disciplines. Visual Arts covers drawing, painting, mixed media, and design across multiple techniques guided by experienced mentors. Music encompasses vocal and instrumental training — instruments include piano, guitar, violin, drums, and more — through the BIS Music Academy. Dance includes classical, hip-hop, and contemporary styles taught through the BIS Dance Academy. Theatre covers acting techniques, improvisation, voice modulation, stagecraft, script analysis, and full stage productions through the Theatre Academy. Each discipline runs as both a curriculum subject and an enrichment programme.

Visual Arts at BIS follows a progression from observation to exhibition. Students begin by carefully observing everyday objects, training their eye for detail, proportion, and form. They then move into themed creative projects where they develop ideation and planning skills — learning to conceptualise and execute original work rather than simply copy references. The programme culminates in themed exhibitions where students present and communicate their work to an audience. Every piece produced is documented as a portfolio item for university admissions, demonstrating creativity, technical skill, and artistic growth over time.

The Performing Arts programme at BIS takes students through the full creative process — from concept to stage. Students collaborate to write and script original performances, rehearse and develop stage presence, and produce full productions that are performed before a live audience. The process builds confidence, teamwork, discipline, and the ability to communicate with impact. Performances are also recorded and documented, creating portfolio entries that capture each student's development as a performer. Both Dance and Theatre fall under Performing Arts, giving students multiple avenues for creative expression.

The BIS Theatre Academy offers a comprehensive programme covering both theory and practice. Students explore acting techniques, improvisation, voice modulation, stagecraft, script analysis, scene study, and various theatrical genres. Vocal exercises develop projection and diction, while stagecraft sessions cover the collaborative nature of theatre production — set design, lighting, and stage management. Students have regular performance opportunities to apply their skills before live audiences, guided by experienced theatre professionals who provide individualised feedback and mentorship.

The BIS Music Academy offers training in a wide range of instruments including piano, guitar, violin, and drums. Vocal training is also available for students interested in singing. Teaching is individual and group-based, with lessons structured to develop technique, musicality, and performance confidence progressively. Students work towards performances and recitals, which are documented as part of their creative portfolio. Music is also integrated into the IB curriculum — as a Performing Arts subject in the PYP and MYP — ensuring every student engages with music as part of their core education.

Arts is a core and compulsory component of the IB curriculum at every level at BIS. In the PYP, arts are integrated with ongoing Units of Inquiry — students use creative work to deepen their understanding of transdisciplinary concepts. In the MYP, Arts is one of the eight subject groups, assessed through ePortfolios as part of the formal MYP eAssessment. In the Diploma Programme, Visual Arts is offered as a Group 6 subject at Higher Level and Standard Level. Additionally, Creativity — the "C" in CAS — requires all DP students to engage meaningfully in arts-based activities as a graduation requirement.

Yes — and this is one of the key ways BIS's approach to arts differs from most schools. All creative work at BIS is systematically documented as evidence of learning, building a portfolio that reflects creativity and originality, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, perseverance and growth mindset, and technical competency. Universities — both in India and internationally — actively look for evidence of creative engagement and a genuine portfolio. BIS students arrive at university applications with years of documented, exhibition-quality creative work rather than a last-minute summary of activities.

Arts at BIS are available to every student regardless of prior experience or natural talent. The IB philosophy that underpins BIS's approach holds that creativity is a skill that can be developed — not a fixed gift. BIS teachers and academy coaches work with every student to find their creative voice, develop technique progressively, and build genuine confidence in their ability to create and perform. Students at every level of experience produce portfolio-worthy work by the end of each year because the teaching process — observation, ideation, creation, reflection — is structured to draw out the best in everyone.

The arts programme at BIS intentionally develops a wide range of transferable skills alongside creative ability. Collaboration and teamwork are built through group productions and ensemble work. Communication and presentation skills are developed through exhibitions, performances, and portfolio reviews. Leadership and responsibility emerge from directing scenes, curating exhibitions, and managing production roles. Perseverance and resilience are cultivated through the iterative process of creating, receiving feedback, and improving work. These are precisely the skills that universities and employers value — and at BIS, they are developed through authentic creative practice, not classroom theory.