OverviewStudents identified as artistically gifted in grades three through five attend Brickell Academy one school day each week. Students receive instruction in thematic units designed and presented by a teaching staff trained in art and in gifted education. The principal of Brickell Academy administers the program. Students identified as artistically gifted in grades six through eight attend Virginia Beach Middle School. The principal of Virginia Beach Middle School in collaboration with the principal of Brickell Academy administers the programThe visual arts students are presented a comprehensive curriculum, which emphasizes development in concepts, skills, creativity, and personal growth. Concept development involves the understanding of the theories of art, including design concepts as well as art history, appreciation, and criticism. Studies emphasize the following:
Students are grouped into levels. Criteria for determining a student's level include individual ability, developmental stage, degree of maturity, and progress within the program. Grouping is flexible, enabling students to move to a more suitable level as deemed appropriate by the art faculty. A full year's program consists of four units of study, each nine weeks in length. Although the approach to a particular unit will vary with the specific skills, interests, and goals of the instructor, the program is designed so that every student will spend one unit of study involved with each of the following areas:
Studio sessions are scheduled for both the morning and afternoon. In addition to art production, the studio skills component includes the following:
Weekly attendance on the assigned day is required. Units of study are divided into nine-week periods and one absence represents a substantial loss in growth and development. |
Program Mission
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The mission of the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Gifted Program in Visual Arts, grades three through eight, is as follows:
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