VISUAL ARTS & DESIGN
Welcome to Horizon Japan International School, where creativity is a part of everyday learning — from early exploration in the arts to advanced work in performance, design, and creative technology.
IB Continuum | Yokohama | Visual Arts, Music, Design & Creative Technology
Creativity as a Way of Learning
Creativity is part of everyday learning at Horizon Japan International School. Rather than being confined to one subject or classroom, it helps students learn to observe, experiment, solve problems, and express ideas with confidence. Through visual arts, music, performance, design, digital media, robotics, and hands-on making, students develop both technical skills and a strong sense of personal expression.
As an IB Continuum international school in Yokohama, Horizon supports creativity across every stage of learning. From early exploration in the Primary Years Programme to more advanced work in the Middle School and High School Programmes, students are encouraged to create, reflect, collaborate, and share their work in meaningful ways.
This approach offers more than isolated arts classes. It allows students to grow through making, performing, designing, and presenting — building confidence, independence, and creative thinking that support both academic success and future pathways.
A Continuous Journey in the Arts
Visual, performing, and digital arts across curriculum and co-curricular learning
VISUAL ARTS
Students explore materials, techniques, and ideas through drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, and hands-on making, developing both technical skill and personal expression.
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Drawing, painting, and mixed media
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Sculpture and material exploration
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Arts and crafts
Digital art and visual storytelling
Exhibition-based presentation of work
Performance
Students develop confidence in expression through music, drama, movement, and collaborative performance, both in class and through school showcases. Horizon’s materials already describe choirs, ensembles, instrumental classes, drama, and movement-based work as central parts of student life.
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Music exploration and ensemble work
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Instrumental learning
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Drama and performance-based activities
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Choir, band, and group performance
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Collaborative performances and showcases
DIGITAL DESIGN
Students engage with contemporary forms of creativity that combine storytelling, design, technology, and problem solving. Horizon’s current public offering already supports robotics, graphics design, programming, and 3D Design & Printing, and the campus includes both design labs and a robotics lab.
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Digital storytelling and media-making
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Photography, animation, and visual media
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Robotics and coding
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3D design and 3D printing
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Design thinking and project-based exploration
IB & Creative Pathways
Creative learning continues across the IB continuum and is strengthened through after-school programmes, student-led initiatives, and independent work.
HJIS's public materials note more than 50 ASPs, with over 300 student enrolments, including Robotics, Graphics Design and many more.
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Creative learning across PYP, MYP, and DP
Portfolio-based artistic development
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Student-led projects and CAS-linked initiatives
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Preparation for future creative study
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After-school opportunities in arts and design
Arts Across the IB Continuum
PYP – Preschool to Grade 5
Early Exploration & Creative Confidence
In the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the arts are introduced through exploration, play, and inquiry.
Students are encouraged to experiment with materials, sounds, and movement — building confidence in expressing ideas.
Focus areas:
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Creative play and imagination
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Introduction to visual arts and music
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Expression through storytelling and movement
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Developing curiosity and confidence
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drawing and painting
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music and rhythm
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arts and crafts
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storytelling through creative activities
MYP Middle School
Grades 6 to 10
Developing Skills and Personal Expression
In the Middle Years Programme (MYP), students begin to refine their artistic skills and develop a deeper understanding of creative processes.
They are encouraged to connect their work to real-world contexts and explore their individual style.
Focus areas:
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Technical development in visual and performing arts
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Introduction to media and design
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Interdisciplinary creative projects
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Reflection and critical thinking
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robotics and digital creation
DP - High School
Grades 11-12
Independent Practice and Formal Exhibition
In the Diploma Programme (DP), students engage in advanced artistic exploration and present their work through formal exhibitions and performances.
These experiences reflect a high level of independence, conceptual thinking, and personal voice.
Focus areas:
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IB Visual Arts Exhibition (culminating project)
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Portfolio development and curation
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Independent artistic direction
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Public presentation and critique
Spaces for Creative Work
Creative work at Horizon is supported by dedicated spaces that allow students to make, perform, experiment, and collaborate. These include the Art Room, Music Room, Design Labs, Robotics Lab, and hands-on tools such as the 3D printer that support learning across arts and creative technology. Horizon’s virtual tour publicly lists all of these spaces, including the Art Room, Music Room, Robotics Lab, Design Lab 1, and Design Lab 2.
Exhibitions & Showcases
Throughout the year, students share their work through exhibitions, performances, and collaborative showcases. These moments are an important part of the learning process, giving students the opportunity to present, reflect, and grow.
Exibition for all ages
At Horizon Japan International School, creativity is an integral part of everyday learning. Rather than being confined to a single, it empowers students to observe, experiment, and express their ideas confidently. With a diverse range of activities in visual arts, music, performance, design, digital media, and, students cultivate technical skills and personal expression.
As an IB Continuum international school in Yokohama, we support creativity at every stage, encouraging collaboration and meaningful sharing of their work, fostering confidence and innovative for academic and future success.
