THE ideals PROGRAM

​In 2007, seeking to attend requests of family members of its school community, Affinity Arts implemented IDEALS (Integrated Drama, English, Art, Language and Science), an English language immersion program that offers continuity to its Early Childhood Education activities.

The success of the program made it possible to offer it to students from other schools.

IDEALS is designed for children between 6 and 12 years of age who are enrolled in an elementary program of a national school. A multi-age grouping scenario occurs, known as multi-age grouping, which favors a healthy interaction between ages and levels.

Vygotsky corroborated the idea that knowledge is constructed in the processes of interaction, for him "it is in exchange between individuals and the individual that knowledge, roles and social functions are internalized, allowing the construction of knowledge and consciousness itself". From this perspective, we understand that in collective learning environments the child finds favorable elements for development, through relationships that drive him or her forward. In this sense, multi-age groupings stimulate this process, since learning takes place from the exchange between the students, becoming mediators of the process in conjunction with the teachers.

The program, taught only in the English language, uses interdisciplinarity as a central strategy, addressing scientific, social, and ethical themes, in addition to artistic development through the study of music and visual arts. Each semester creates opportunities of theatrical and musical performances.

As for pedagogical practices adopted in this program, the development of projects is highlighted, which are conceived in a global way and with individualized objectives, seeking dynamic ways of contemplating the curiosities and interests of our students.

SCHEDULE

The program occurs three times a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
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• Schedule: 1:30 to 5:00 pm

EATING PROGRAM

Affinity Arts values student health and seeks to influence the school community in its venture towards creating healthy eating habits. The menus are prepared by a nutrition
professional, legally qualified, and with extensive experience in the school environment.

Meals are prepared in the school's own kitchen.

The products are fresh and of excellent quality. The school also has a nutrition team that trains the cooking staff and supervises quality control.

pedagOGICAL HELP

Affinity Arts offers pedagogical support (non-obligatory) with homework from the morning school. Schedule: 1:00- 1:30 pm

INSTRUMENT CLASSES

Affinity Arts offers, piano and/or violin lessons as an optional service, upon request of its guardians.

A total of 30 (thirty) minutes per week are given, divided 2 to 3 times a week, according to the student's interest and maturity. The exposure to a smaller amount of time to the instrument, besides stimulating concentration, establishes a relationship of appreciation and delight in playing the instrument. The care in developing a healthy relationship with the instrument helps avoid negative associations to the experience or a requirement towards attempting to accommodate a longer period of class time that is not compatible with the endurance of the student.
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Piano lessons are based on Methods: Hal Leonard, Music for Little Mozarts, Suzuki, Leila Fletcher, among others.

As the student progresses in class, the opportunity to join the Affinity Chamber Orchestra is offered by Affinity Arts, which is also staffed by teachers and professional musicians.