Academy
Learning Through The Arts at Dr. Ken Sauer School
Welcome to Dr. Ken Sauer School! We are proud to offer a new arts-centered learning focus for all students in K-6. We are excited about sharing the benefits of this initiative with families.
We believe that arts education aligns perfectly with our school values. Curiosity and creativity are at the core of visual arts and performance arts. Offering an inclusive environment is important to us and we know that the arts offer a wide variety of entry points into learning. As we work to meet students’ varying needs, the arts will provide additional ways for students to engage with all curriculum outcomes. We look forward to seeing students engaging in creative expression, exploring projects, collaborating, sharing, and playing, allowing their artistic talents to flourish. Rather than following a specialized stream or academy model, we offer arts-centered learning and fine arts instruction to all students. Our dedicated staff is committed to fostering an inclusive community where inquiry, creativity, and collaboration thrive.
Thinking like an artist
Thinking like an artist is a transformative experience for students. It involves engaging with artists, artworks, and art-making processes. Our student-centered approach emphasizes experiential learning through projects, collaboration, and curiosity-driven exploration, enabling students to deepen their understanding and connection to their education. Our program is fully aligned with Alberta Education requirements and uses art as a lens to explore the academic subjects.
Learning IN the arts
Our arts-centered learning program encompasses both visual arts and performing arts. In visual arts, students will explore a range of mediums including drawing, sculpture, collage, animation, painting, photography, and digital arts. In performing arts, students will engage in activities such as singing, dancing, music, drama, musical theatre, spoken word, and puppetry.
Learning THROUGH the arts
Teachers will develop plans that allow students to use the arts as a pathway to a deeper understanding of all curricular outcomes and as a way to demonstrate their knowledge. The arts foster critical and creative thinking skills, problem-solving strategies, and communication skills. As our students grow in these areas, they will be better prepared to learn in all subjects! Learning through the arts is not limited. Students are taught to apply the arts lens to all other areas of learning, including science, math, English language arts, social studies and physical education and wellness. By viewing education through an arts lens, we aim to enhance education by fostering a diverse skill set among our students. This approach nurtures adaptable and diverse learners who can thrive in a complex and competitive society.
Education in Medicine Hat
Dr. Ken Sauer School is proud to be a part of the Medicine Hat community. Our educational programs add a layer of value to the already high quality of life in this city. We offer safe, diverse, enriched, and progressive learning opportunities to our students. By looking at education through an arts lens, we aim to build a beneficial skill set in our students which will prepare them to become adaptable and versatile learners who can thrive in a complex and competitive economy. Our goal is to nurture engaged and active citizens who contribute positively to our society.
Community Building and Choice
We believe in the power of community building, which is why we collaborate with local organizations to provide real-world experiences and hands-on learning opportunities. Through community involvement, we increase access to learning, boost student retention, promote optimism among staff, and improve overall student success. This collaboration helps us build a collective identity and foster a sense of purpose among our students. We understand the importance of choice and opportunity in education. Our arts-centered learning program may appeal to families who value having options for their child's education and have expressed interest in the arts. We have listened to feedback from families who value arts-centered education, and we are committed to providing adaptable skills such as creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, empathy, and communication. Students are encouraged to ask questions, challenge assumptions, engage with the world around them, and become lifelong learners and active citizens. At Dr. Ken Sauer School, we provide high-quality learning environments that blend academic learning with real-world experiences. We believe in practical learning and innovation, offering immersive experiences through field studies and focused learning opportunities. Thinking like an artist involves student-centered and experiential learning, including projects, collaboration, and a deep curiosity that enhances their understanding across various subjects. Our program fully aligns with Alberta Education requirements.
What will arts-centered learning look like in our school?
While we are excited to soon share the specifics of how this learning will roll out into classrooms, we will first spend this upcoming year exploring the logistics of this model. We will work collaboratively to design a plan that works best for our school community. We know our students will be given diverse experiences to develop skills in visual arts and performance arts. We are committed to providing a nurturing and creative learning environment that fosters artistic expression, critical thinking, and personal growth. We believe that the arts are essential to a well-rounded education, inspiring students to discover their passions and reach their full potential. Join us on this exciting journey of arts-centered learning! Our programs at Dr. Ken Sauer School are inclusive, and any student is welcome to apply for registration, regardless of their skill or previous experience. We aim to secure sponsorships to help cover program costs and keep any required fees minimal. We believe that cost should not be a barrier for families who want their child to access this exceptional program.
Looking Ahead
In the upcoming year, we will explore the organization of arts-centered learning and will collaborate with staff, students, families, community partners, and experts in the field. We value your feedback and aim to clarify our vision while deepening relationships within our community. Through continuous evaluation and revision, we will work to ensure that our program is of value to our community and Division and that it reflects the collective wisdom of all stakeholders involved.