WHAT? Project 'To Infinity and Beyond' is an idea the essence of which is – there is so much more each one of us can be if given a chance. Each child has multiple dimensions. Often compartmentalized into narrow categories of intelligent, average and below average based on test scores, these children inherit the stigma that these grades carry without ever discovering their true passion and potential beyond this narrow definition of achievement. Hence, the three clubs – Art, Dance and Theatre that run every Saturday all year round. These clubs are facilitated by professionals in the respective fields. Art is especially important to these children because of the difficult backgrounds they come from. It has a therapeutic value for them.
HOW? Phase 1: Finding and nourishing that infinite talent in each child. (June 2010 – March 2012) Every Saturday professionals in the above mentioned fields conduct workshops. Each club has about 25 children from Grade 3 and 4. Phase 2: Intra-School Competitions (August 2011 – Feb 2012) Every month we organize two competitions each for primary and secondary sections of the school. Our school being a low-income school has nothing at all happening in the name of extra-curricular activities. Phase 3: End of the Year Showcase (March 2012) As part of the art integrated curriculum, grade 3 and grade 4 are reading Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in class. The big goal of these two classes is to perform the book in the form of a musical at the end of the year in March 2012.
WHY? Access to art is a right not a privilege. "Where I come from should NOT dictate who I can become. " Benefits of an Art-Integrated Curriculum : 1. Elaborate and creative thinking and problem solving 2. Verbal and nonverbal expressive abilities” 3. Applied learning in new contexts 4. Increased skills in collaboration 5. Increased self-confidence