HFACS - Fine Arts Program

Humanities and Fine Arts Program

The Humanities and Fine Arts Charter School curriculum focuses on the core subject areas (i.e., reading, language arts, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, physical education and health) with the infusion of the Humanities and Fine Arts/Star Performance Program. The core subject areas curriculum will address the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to empower students to achieve the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards.

The Humanities and Fine Arts/Star Performance Program is based on the Florida Department of Education Standards for humanities, drama and dance, and the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for music and art. The program adds more time to the daily schedule for the infusion of the Humanities and Fine Arts to the core subject areas. It focuses on students being engaged in active learning and higher-order thinking skills, which will serve as the “hook” to infuse growth in thinking and construction of meaning as part of the academic experience. The core subject areas and the infusion of the Humanities and Fine Arts/Star Performance Program complement one another, so that students will form connections and see relationships between what they learn and what they live. The program will give teachers and students the opportunity to strengthen and develop special talents and abilities. Students will showcase their learning each nine weeks (by grade levels and across grade levels) through culminating performances to invited audiences of peers, parents and the community. Students’ participation in the program will lead to better understanding and ultimately higher levels of performance in other academic subjects and contribute to the development of critical thinkers, independent learners and leaders of tomorrow.

Students will participate in Interest Focus Groups once a week. These groups will provide an opportunity for students to pursue their special interest(s) in the performing and visual arts. The format for each focus area includes instruction, practice and a culminating performance. The focus areas include oration, musical instruments, chorus, art, drama and dance. Each student will be administered an interest inventory and choose a major in one of the performing and/or visual arts areas, with input from parents and teachers to determine the most appropriate student placement into a focus group. The program is designed to meet the needs and special talents of each student. Therefore, students will be given the flexibility and exposure to participate in a variety of interest groups, which will expand their horizons in the arts. Rich and diverse resources (i.e., playwrights, musicians, dancers, orators and artists) from the community will serve as volunteers in the program, under the direction of the classroom teachers and instructional specialists. The Interest Focus Groups program will generate enthusiasm for the arts as well as different cultural and historical connections. Through the exploration of the arts, students will have the opportunity to develop higher-order thinking and creative problem solving skills.

	Humanities Humanities instruction will include the study of literature, philosophy and social studies. Students will learn to recite poetry and prose. They will study what it means to be human – the struggles and goals, comedies and disasters, and achievements and failures of human beings. Students will examine the dreams, traditions, cultural expressions and contributions of peoples throughout time. They will examine the impact of cultural heritage on contemporary society and culture. Students will develop an understanding of themselves in relation to the natural world and in relation to others, reflect on ideas and confront beliefs from their own and other cultures, and respond creatively. The humanities and fine arts will be interconnected through the inclusion of production, history, criticism and aesthetics. Students will develop an appreciation of the visual and performing arts and enhance their skills in critical and creative thinking, communication, teamwork and self-reflection. Back To Top
	Oration Students will build a basic understanding of the mechanics and structure of the English language, which is aligned with the Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards. Teachers will provide daily opportunities for students to apply skills learned in both writing and speaking activities, which will develop creative expression. Students will create and deliver speeches on special occasions and during culminating performances at the school. They will participate in debate teams. Back To Top
	Music The music classes will offer instruction in accordance with the Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards. The focus in grades K-3 will be on reading and creating music and basic performance techniques, so students will be able to participate in future band and chorus classes. Students will have a chance to learn several facets of music by playing a variety of instruments including recorders, keyboards, strings, as well as a variety of multi-cultural rhythmic instruments. Students will have opportunities to perform on various occasions. Back To Top
	Chorus/Vocal Music Students will be challenged to expand their scope and to learn several different types of music. They will be encouraged to explore the classical and contemporary approaches, while the focus will be on vocal development and maturity, music theory, history and literature, and music performances at events. Back To Top
	Art Art instruction will be based on the Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards. Students in K-3 will demonstrate knowledge of drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking. They will explore many art mediums and techniques. The students’ artwork will be displayed throughout the school and in community businesses. Back To Top
	Drama Drama classes will be based on the Florida Department of Education Standards. These classes will foster critical and creative thinking, teach life skills and conflict resolution, and encourage students to write dramatic material according to their level and based on their experiences. In addition to the social skills, students will discover and develop acting skills. Students in grades K-3 will explore drama via creative drama activities, which includes teacher-directed and group activities that will prepare them for independent practice on stage, participate in formal performances for peers, parents and the community, and demonstrate their talent in some of the school programs. Back To Top
	Dance The dance program for K-3 students is based on the Florida Department of Education Standards. The program will involve students creating and performing brief dance patterns and phrases to communicate meaning and convey events, feelings, or themes. Students will demonstrate awareness of connections between dance and other subject areas and connections between dance and healthful living. Dance performances will be showcased on special programs. Back To Top