My husband, my child and I, were invited to spend one morning, in a progressive school in Makati City. The School of Academics and Arts prides itself, of a curriculum which integrates the arts with the academics.
For someone who was educated in traditional schools, from primary to secondary, I have perceived the integration of the arts with the academics, as something very unique.
The only time I might have encountered arts integration, would have been, only, in books and in films.
But in many countries, this has already been successfully adapted by schools. While in the Philippines, TSAA is the pioneer, in setting up a school of this kind.
Listening to educational practitioners, talk about the methodology behind the school’s mission, has given me, a better understanding, on the philosophy behind the school.
My thoughts even brought me to the Renaissance period.
Aha! Maybe this was how Leonardo’s genius was tapped into. He not only was a brilliant artist, but he was a gifted engineer, mathematician and poet, as well.
I grew up, believing in the fallacy that when one is good in Math, one cannot be that good in Literature.
- Sake Toengi-Walters, a beautiful nine-year old student from the school, who not only is a math wizard but is also a young actress appearing in theater
- Ms. Giselle Toengi-Walters, a happy parent speaking about her experience with the school
The school brings up children who uses both the left and right sides of the brain, the creative and the critical.
“The school’s Arts Integrated curriculum is conceptualized using the Whole Brain Method that hones a child’s unique intelligence without sacrificing development in other areas…”
School founder, Mr. Audie Gemora, spoke of a vision, by which the younger children’s learning for example, begins in reading and loving books, then later on, progresses into poetry appreciation, writing their own essays or their own books and finally, writing scripts and plays by highschool.
The art that the children would have created by then, would not only be, an individual reflection of their personalities, but a showcase of exceptional talents, honed consistently through the years.
“While here I am, at this precise moment, struggling to write and think of words. Imagine if there was really something like this in my time, I could have been writing, my own book in high school. If schools in our generation focused on the arts, individual expression, critical thinking and recognition, imagine the generation, it could have produced.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
” The School of Academics and Arts began with the vision of Audie Gemora, together with several business partners to provide an institution that will produce not just academically excellent students but also talented individuals. It was first realised when My Talent was established in 2007 and served as a training ground in helping foster a conducive environment for creative individuals seeking to succeed in their chosen artistic field. After 6 years of providing creative outlets for talented individuals, My Talent has now transitioned into The School of Academic and Arts.
Partnering with UP Diliman’s Child Development, Family Life, and Early Childhood expert: Dra. Evalyn de Guzman Hizon, Music Maven and teacher: Emmy Cayabyab and Mr. Gemora’s extensive background in performing arts, TSAA guarantees your children’s holistic development throughout his/her stay with us.
Heading our group of experienced and passionate educators is School Principal Maria Alfreda Fernandez-Napala, who has a Masters Degree in Educational Management from the University of Melbourne, Australia, backed up with years of experience in teaching and school leadership.
The Academic team is composed of Dr. Evalyn Hizon, Ms. Erlina Quitlong and Ms. Cherry Napala. Dr. Hizon served as a professor for39 years at the Graduate School of the University of the Philippines, Department of Family Life and Child Development. Ms. Quitlong, completed her academic requirements for PhD in Education, Major in Educational Psychology at the University of the Philippines.
The Music and Arts team is made up of Philippines pride Audie Gemora, Carlo Orosa and Ryan Cayabyab. Audie is a recognized and well acclaimed theatre artist, trusted mentor and creative producer; Carlo is an accomplished artist who heads the Stages company representing some of the country’s most talented performers; and, Ryan, is a multi-awarded music composer, writer and performer who, with wife Emmy, founded an alternative training school in the musical arts called Music School of Ryan Cayabyab.
TSAA adopts the Arts Integrated Curriculum, which is already adopted by many schools overseas. This curriculum uses the arts to teach core subjects. TSAA is perfect for children who are musically and/or artistically inclined but struggle in the traditional schools that put big emphasis on academics and little importance for music and arts.
What sets TSAA apart? The progressive educational philosophy of TSAA uses the first and only Arts Integration Curriculum in the Philippines. As a learning strategy, it allows children to be more engaged and active in the formation of knowledge leading to a deeper level of understanding and higher form of cognitive development characterized by critical and creative thinking. Thus, at TSAA there is a better way to learn.
The School of Academics and Arts (TSAA) in Makati is opening its doors in their brand new location at 3615 Davila Street, Makati City offering a fully academic K-12 program using Arts Integration in their curriculum.
There will be an Open House starting May 24, 2014 to June 13, 2014 for PlayKlub, Nursery, Kinder and Grade School programs.
Allow your children to experience a better way of learning Math, Science, Social Studies and Language, book an appointment for a FREE TRIAL! “
visit TSAA at:
http://www.tsaa.com.ph
https://www.facebook.com/TSAAPH
Telephone numbers: 0925.550.2766 or 5428577
Thank You, Mr. Audie Gemora and Principal Cherry for entertaining our questions.
Thank You, Ms. Dimples and Glaiza of Moomymusings.com for the invitation.
