American Community School (ACS) Abu Dhabi
ACS is well known for its commitment to the provision of Music and Drama, both as part of the core curriculum and through a wide range of CCA’s. The Arts Program is an integral aspect of the school curriculum with a focus on skill development, cross-curricular connections, and multicultural understanding.
Within the core curriculum, over 560 children in Elementary School participate in Theatre and Music for all levels. The Middle School plays host to 3 different choirs (involving 60 students), 3 different bands involving 120 students and 6 Theatre classes (involving 180 students).
In the High School, 61 students sing in 2 choirs, 60 students perform in 2 bands, 140 students take part in 8 different theatre classes and 15 students participate in 2 Dance classes. In addition, a further 8 students are taking the IB Diploma Music course, and 14 students are involved in the 2 classes taking part in the IB Diploma Theatre Studies course.
In addition, the school runs a very active After-school programme across the High School, with student performances in Musicals and Theatre and a student led Jazz Band. In Middle School, a school play, and a Play-writing festival have been highlights of the programme. Students at both Middle and High School are also offered peripatetic lessons in Piano, Trombone, Trumpet and Voice.
Students benefit from international exchange with MESAC counterparts and host visiting artists and authors throughout the year. Students take advantage of the international and local programmes the city of Abu Dhabi offers.
ACS students participate on a collaborative basis in MESAC Senior and Junior Fine Arts, Drama, Band and Choir performances, The American International School of Muscat (TAISM) High School Choir Festival (held annually) and the AMIS (Association for Music in International Schools) Middle and High School Band and Choir. ACS High School students also participate in The International Schools Theatre Association events.
At a glance:
| Dance | Drama | Music | |
| Number of staff | Total of 8 across all disciplines | ||
| Grade/year groups taught | Grade 9-12 elective | KG – grade 5 core subject;
Grades 6 -8 elective, but one required; Grades 9-12 elective with a minimum of 2 credits required. |
KG – grade 5 core subject;
Grades 6 -8 elective, but one required; Grades 9-12 elective with a minimum of 2 credits required. |
| Instruments taught as part of the core curriculum | n/a | n/a | Grades 6-8 – All woodwinds, brass, percussion and guitar.
Grades 9-12 – All woodwinds, brass and percussion. |
| Courses taught in Middle School | n/a | Drama (various courses) | Band, Guitar and Choir |
| Courses taught in High School | n/a | Stage-craft and acting;
|
Band (various), Choir (2 options); |
| Grades 11 and 12 | IBDP Theatre Studies | IBDP Music | |
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