By Holly Sullivan, Head of Performance Studies and Arts Coordinator
6 December 2024
Celebrating the Arts at ICS – Semester One Highlights
As we wrap up this semester, we’re reflecting on an incredible few months for the arts at ICS. Our students have embraced every opportunity to create, perform, and explore, filling our school with talent, energy, and creativity. Here’s a glimpse of what they’ve achieved.
Memorable Performances & Events
Our stages came alive with unforgettable performances. Primary students enchanted audiences in The Forest Gang, while secondary performers began their journey towards the Secondary School production of Kafka’s Metamorphosis with auditions and early rehearsals.
Young musicians and performers embraced the spotlight during Arts Alive, an after-school live lounge where students showcased their talents in a relaxed, supportive environment. Our talented advanced rock band took centre stage at the Battle of the Bands hosted by Zurich International School (and won!). ICS was represented at an ethereal event, Zumikon’s MehrGenerationen Konzerte where students performed for our community with pride and professionalism. We look forward to the Primary students bringing holiday cheer to Zurich next week through the magical Singing Christmas Tree. Yesterday, the Secondary performing arts term culminated with the much-anticipated Winter Concert, a joyous celebration of music, drama, visual art and community.
The arts also spilled into everyday school life with Pop-Up Performances, surprising and delighting students and staff alike with bursts of creativity at both Primary and Secondary lunchtimes.
Broadening Artistic Horizons
We’ve also ventured beyond the classroom to immerse ourselves in the wider world of the arts. Grade 4 explored the absurdist world of Dada through performances at Cabaret Voltaire, while Grade 7 discovered artistic treasures at the Matthew Wong and Vincent Van Gogh exhibitions at Kunsthaus Zürich. Our DP Visual Arts students experienced the cutting-edge creativity of the Venice Biennale, a journey that sparked their imaginations and broadened their perspectives.
Creativity Beyond the School Day
The arts extended well beyond the school timetable this semester, with students engaging in diverse extracurricular clubs. From Origami and Filmmaking to iPad Photography, Art Clubs, and Violin lessons, there was something for everyone. Music ensembles, including Middle and High School Strings, Vocals and Rock Band, offered students opportunities to perform and grow, while dance clubs brought movement and expression to life.
Looking Ahead to Semester Two
As we reflect on this vibrant semester, we’re excited for what’s to come. Next semester promises even more artistic adventures, including the launch of the Middle School Production, the Metamorphosis performance, a visit from UK theatre company, The Paper Birds and participation in the SGIS Orchestra and inaugural SGIS Theatre Festival.
Later in the semester, we’re thrilled to host another Arts Alive, giving even more young performers the chance to take the stage. The Primary Arts Night will showcase the incredible creativity of our younger students, while the International Festival will celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our community through music, art, and performance.
Celebrating a Creative Community
As a new member of the arts team here at ICS, it's been inspiring to see our students embrace the arts in so many ways this semester. Whether it was a polished performance on stage, a first attempt at Arts Alive, or discovering a new passion in a club, their enthusiasm has been at the heart of it all.
Thank you to our students, staff, and parents for making this such a creative, collaborative term. Here’s to even more artistry and imagination next semester!
Holly Sullivan
Head of Performance Studies and Arts Coordinator