Faculty – Creative and Practical
Art
“The aim of Art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their invert significance” Aristotle
The Art department at BCS focuses on imparting knowledge in the field of visual arts.
We provide the students with a greater understanding and awareness of their creative selves.
In today’s education system, Art is more than creative expression. We believe that there is a strong connection between expression, acquiring knowledge and learning skills in other areas. Expression in the art field motivates the students to learn better, develop higher order thinking, creativity and acquiring life skills.
We have always worked to improve the standard of art. The students are trained to develop their skills in various medium. The exposure has been given to them about sketching, watercolor, oil colour, oil pastel, pencil colour, acrylic colour etc. Thus they are successful in expressing their emotions on paper as well as on canvas /different medium. From time to time they are also given the exposure in making different crafts. Throughout the year they are given the chance to participate in the various competitions /exhibitions e.g. ICS calendar and other competitions as well.
The Art Department organises the Annual Art Exhibition and competitions for the whole school, but it also encourages the Middle school as well as the Senior school. All are free to learn and many of those who do not opt for Art as a board subject participate in the competition with enthusiasm. Many students have been inspired to take Art as their career.
The contribution of our young budding artists is reflected in the annual school magazines ‘the Cottonian’ and ‘the Pegasus’.
Music
Music has been an integral part of the school since the school was founded in 1859. The generations to follow have continued the tradition of music in the Chapel, and extended the practice outside it, developing a robust framework in music education. The foundation of this framework lies in the practice of community singing in the Chapel lead by the School Choir.
“Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. They get a beautiful heart.”
― Shinichi Suzuki
The objective of the Music Department in its education program is to sensitise children through music and develop a discipline and patience that can translate not only in the artistic world but also the world outside.
At present the Music Department has two separate branches clearly demarcated in instructing The School Band and the School Contemporary Instrumentation and Vocals.
Bishop Cotton School begins its contemporary instrumentation and vocal instruction from Class 3 and this continues until Class 8.
The pupils are instructed in developing skills for performance in guitars (acoustic, electric and classical), piano, drums and vocals. The school choir is trained in four parts and exposed to both traditional and contemporary styles. This is why we at Bishop Cotton School stress on vocal training for every child. Instrumentalists are exposed to genres in rock, pop, jazz and classical. Reading music for sight-singing and instrumental performance is important and therefore various methods such as Kodaly method are practiced specially in lower grades.
The school has students from many different parts of the country, as well as from abroad, making this subject a valuable platform in bringing them together thereby resounding the words of wisdom by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, that “Music is the Universal Language of Mankind”.
The School Band room is a spacious facility deliberately situated away from the academic classrooms. The School Band has both a “Wind and Brass section” consisting of blowing instruments, namely the trumpets / cornets, clarinets, saxophones, trombones, euphoniums and also a “Percussion section”. New students are initially bewildered when they catch a glimpse of so many different instruments.
The School Band has never ceased to enthral the visiting dignitaries, guests, audiences and the occasional gatherings of the OCs. If the occasion calls for it, the Music Department performs as a single unit creating much excitement and showing what can be achieved by our young musical talents.
Physical Education
Physical Education is in a worldwide crisis. With rising levels of physical inactivity that cause preventable lifestyle diseases and the ongoing global pandemic it is time to value Physical Education as it plays a major role in teaching students how to achieve optimal health and physical fitness, while increasing their ability to succeed academically. Physical Education is an important part in day to day life. It greatly affects an individual’s lifestyle and health. Regular physical exercise helps an individual to be free from health-related problems such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. It is the best way to ensure remaining healthy and fit throughout one’s life.
We offer Physical Education (PE) as optional subject for classes 9 to 12 in all streams. The Arts and Commerce students opt either for this subject or Economics and the Science students choose either PE or Computer science.
Physical Education explicitly teaches the necessary knowledge and skills of different sports and games for working with and relating to others, and provides the learning opportunities to develop these skills. It enables the development of leadership and teamwork skills and encourages students to transfer knowledge to other learning areas. It also involves the instructions given in physical exercises and games. It provides students with the opportunity to exercise and gain knowledge of how to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Each child is taught the vital importance of nutrition in their life. PE helps children socialize with others successfully while providing self-confidence through participation in sports and games. It provides psychological benefits such as improving general mental health, concentration, awareness and positive mood. Apart from theory classes, practical lessons reinforce learning in a fun and proactive manner.
The subject also deals with the basics of First Aid in case of accidents such as near drowning, electric shocks, fractures, snake bites, sprains and strains and also imparts knowledge on prevention of different diseases such as AIDS, TB, Cancer etc. The effects of the abuse of alcohol and drugs are also studied.
. The importance of Physical Education
- Encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.
- Nurture sportsmanship in all aspects of competition.
- Widen each student’s sporting experience and enjoyment.
- Create a passion for active recreation and sport.
- Assist students in reaching their physical potential in a variety of sporting environments.