Upper School
Arts
The development of the whole child is at the core of Ridley’s mission to inspire flourishing lives, and we deliver on this mission through offering a wide range of arts programming delivered by subject specialists. While creativity is fostered in our younger grades, Upper School students learn to refine their skills and gain a wholehearted appreciation for the role the arts will play in their lives.
We at Ridley subscribe to the idea that all students at all stages in their development can gain meaning and insight through involvement in The Arts. Students are encouraged to continue their involvement with artistic activity throughout their school experience. While some students choose to remain involved in the arts on a weekly basis through co-curricular arts activities, many students continue curriculum study into their senior years.
Inspiring Flourishing Lives Through the Arts
"Art is a unique type of education that develops intellectual wealth of a person. It helps me to recognize my personality and to discover my environment. Art itself might not provide me any knowledge that will explain the fundamentals of this universe (like physics and chemistry), but it enhances my ability to observe and to reflect on the world around me. The creativity part of arts also trains me to be a better learner, in terms of finding alternative pathways to solve problems.”
— Helen Wang '17, IB Visual Art student
— Helen Wang '17, IB Visual Art student
Embedded Arts Programming
Since our inaugural year in 1889, Ridley has emphasized arts programming as an integral part of a well-rounded education. Our Music, Drama, Visual and Media Arts are some of the best in the country and are supported by our world-class educators and facilities.
| Middle Years Programme (MYP) |
| Grade 7 | Strings | Band | Visual Arts & Design |
| Grade 8 | Strings | Band | Visual Arts & Design |
| Grade 9 | Strings | Band | Visual Arts & Design |
| Grade 10 | Strings | Band | Drama | Visual Art | Design | Media Art |
| Diploma Programme (DP) |
| IB1 | Strings | Band | IB1 Music | IB1 Theatre | IB1 Visual Art | Visual Art | IB1 Technological Design | IB1 Film |
| IB2 | Strings | Band | IB2 Music | IB2 Theatre | IB2 Visual Art | Visual Art | IB2 Technological Design | IB2 Film |
Creative Co-Curriculars
Outside of the classroom, Upper School students may choose to participate in an arts oriented co-curricular programme. These clubs and activities typically run after the academic day concludes and gives Ridleians an additional chance to express their creativity.
| Upper School (Grades 9-12) |
| Working with Clay Club | Grades 9-12 | Term 1 |
| Fall Dramatic Production | Grades 9-12 | Term 1 |
| Winter Musical Production | Grades 9-12 | Term 2 |
| Chapel Choir | Grades 9-12 | Year Long |
| Thespian Honour Society | Grades 9-12 | Year Long |
| Senior Orchestra | Grades 9-12 | Year Long |
| Jazz Band | Grades 9-12 | Year Long |
| Cadet Band | Grades 9-12 | Year Long |
| Chinese Calligraphy | Grades 9-12 | Term 1 |
| Ridley Rock Band | Grades 9-12 | Terms 1, 2 |
| Drawing Club | Grades 11-12 | Term 2 |
| Portfolio Development Group | Grades 11-12 | Term 1 |
| Film Production Club | Grades 11-12 | Term 1 |
| Arts Council | Grades 11-12 | Year Long |
| Art Studio Monitors | Grades 11-12 | Year Long |
Arts ties are awarded to Upper School students who attain excellence in the arts for three consecutive years, while our Arts Pin is given to those who have done so for two years.
“You’ve got to be here to play,” notes award-winning actor, Colm Feore ’77. “And it became a very simple mantra. If you show up, you’ll learn; if you learn you’ll get better.”
We sat down with Colm to talk Canada's arts scene, the power of storytelling, and how he's bringing Shakespeare to a new generation. Learn more about Canada's King of Theatre—and how Ridley helped give him his start.
At Ridley, we subscribe to the idea that all students at all stages in their development can gain meaning and insight through involvement in The Arts. Students are encouraged to continue their involvement with artistic activity throughout their school experience."
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P.O. Box 3013, 2 Ridley Road St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 7C3 Canada 905 684 1889
With more than 700 students from 60 countries, the largest boarding programme in Ontario and the third largest in Canada, Ridley College is a truly international, co-educational, day and boarding school of the world that prepares students for the world. It has provided enriching learning and life-shaping experiences focused on the arts, academics, and athletics since 1889. Ridley’s Lower School offers JK-Grade 8, its Upper School consists of Grade 9-PG, and Ridley graduates attend some of the top universities and colleges around the world. Ridley is the only co-ed independent boarding school in Canada and one of only three in North America authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum programme.
