At the Ottawa Catholic School Board, the arts are a vibrant part of student life. Through visual arts, music, dance, and drama, students develop critical thinking, communication, collaboration skills, and cultural awareness—helping shape them into confident, resilient individuals.
Fostering Critical Thinking and Innovation
The arts are a key part of our curriculum, encouraging students to think deeply, reflect, and innovate. Whether through drama, visual arts, dance, or music, students analyze and interpret their own work and the work of others, fostering critical thinking and personal growth.
One example of this creative spirit was the creation of, “Standing Knocking at Your Door,” the Board’s first digital spiritual theme song, collaboratively created by students, staff, and community members. The song embodies our three-year theme of “Open Doors, Build Bridges, Nourish New Beginnings” and was first performed chorally at Christian Community Day.
The Joy and Confidence of Creative Expression
Engaging in the arts allows students to experience the joy of creation while building their confidence. Whether it’s a first performance or a culminating project, the sense of accomplishment is powerful.
Through their artistic pursuits, students like Anika Bhatnagar—now a dancer with the Alberta Ballet—show how the arts can open doors to extraordinary opportunities. These experiences highlight the importance of the creative process and the personal growth it nurtures.
Collaboration: Building Community Through the Arts
The arts facilitate connection between elementary and secondary panels by encouraging joint projects and board-wide student-staff collaborations. Beyond individual expression, the arts thrive on collaboration—whether through group projects, ensemble performances, or community-based art. These experiences foster communication, teamwork, and shared responsibility as students exchange ideas and build on each other’s strengths. Teachers play a vital role in this process, guiding students to think critically, reflect on their work, and embrace revision. This ongoing cycle of collaboration and feedback helps students develop real-world skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
The Arts and Real-World Applications
The arts connect students to the broader world and offer real-world applications beyond the classroom. Whether participating in art exhibitions, performing at local festivals, or working with Indigenous communities, students see how their creativity has an impact.
Through these experiences, they develop essential skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, and cultural understanding—valuable skills in every career path.
Cultural Awareness and Global Connections
Arts education at OCSB also emphasizes global and cultural connections. Students explore diverse artistic traditions world-wide, drawing inspiration from different cultures and learning to appreciate their significance. Students gain insight into Indigenous art forms through partnerships with Indigenous communities, creating a respectful dialogue that fosters empathy and cultural understanding. Similarly, collaborations with French as a Second Language (FSL) communities also enhance students’ appreciation of diverse cultures, enriching their artistic education and broadening their worldview.
Integrating Technology in the Arts
As technology continues to evolve, so does how we approach the arts. At the OCSB, digital tools like graphic design software, music composition apps, and video editing platforms are incorporated into the creative process. These tools not only make the creative process more accessible but also prepare students for a world where technology and creativity intersect in every industry.
Opening Doors Through the Arts
Throughout the school year, we celebrate how the arts inspire creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and cultural awareness in our students.
The arts at the OCSB are not just about performance or technique—they are about opening doors to new possibilities, new ways of thinking, and new connections to the world around us.
