Enrichment
Art & Music
At Oasis School, we believe that art is a joyful and transformative process, one that should always be grounded in the pure delight of creative expression. While our art projects often follow guidelines, we also encourage our budding artists to push the boundaries of their creativity. We empower students to pursue their imaginations when inspiration strikes, providing them with the necessary tools and the space to bring their unique ideas to life.
Oasis School's music program is a vibrant and enriching experience designed to provide students with a comprehensive musical education that transcends cultural boundaries and fosters unity. Our curriculum covers various musical activities, including singing, dancing, instrumental music, and music literacy. Throughout the academic year, students can showcase their musical talents through vocal and instrumental performances, concerts, and presentations. Elementary students engage in music classes once a week, with Middle School students and orchestra meeting more often. Join us in the world of harmonious creativity, unity, and personal growth within our dynamic community.
Filmmaking and Drama
At Oasis, we provide a unique filmmaking and drama program that teaches students from TK to 8th grade the fundamentals of cinema and theatrical production. We alternate between filmmaking and drama throughout the year, so students can explore both art forms during the year.
Both filmmaking and theatrical drama program incorporates either bilingual or trilingual performances. This allows students to practice their Mandarin and Spanish language skills in a creative and fun environment!
In our film class, students learn about filmmakers from all over the world, from the silent film era to the present. They are exposed to different film genres and the three-act structure of screenplay writing as they make their own original bilingual or trilingual short films.
While shooting their films, students are taught cinematic fundamentals of cinematography, lighting, crew positions, acting techniques, costumes, props, stage direction, set design, the visual storytelling impact of various shot types and composition, lighting, greenscreen special effects, storyboarding, and editing. Our school's past films have ranged from stop-motion to comedy and science fiction.
For our drama class, students continue to learn about acting, costumes, props, and set design as they produce and perform their bilingual or trilingual plays twice a year. During their theater productions, students will collaborate with their music teacher to incorporate singing and dance routines in all three languages.
Gardening and Cooking
We believe in experiential learning, helping students bridge theory and practice. Our gardening and cooking program is taught in both Spanish and Mandarin. Students grow and cook food that connects to both cultures and their social studies classes.
Students are not only exposed to the ecosystem that surrounds them, but also actively participate in its nurturing. Through this hands-on experience, they gain a profound appreciation for the natural world and learn the art of sustainable agriculture.
Our gardening program goes hand in hand with our cooking class, where students transform their garden harvests into a variety of delicious meals, gaining not only culinary skills, but also an understanding of healthy eating. These programs go beyond textbooks, empowering students to form deep connections with the environment, acquire practical life skills, and kindle a lifelong passion for sustainability and learning.
Woodworking and Sewing
Our woodworking unit is a where students discover the art of crafting with their hands. In our creative STEAM lab, they explore various materials and techniques to create one-of-a-kind projects. This experience not only develops their ability to work with 3D objects, but also encourages critical thinking, allowing them to unleash their creativity through the art of woodworking.
In addition to our woodworking classes, our sewing unit is a hub of creativity and practical sewing skills. Here, students embark on a journey where they design and create clothing, accessories, and textiles under the watchful eye of our experienced instructors. As they develop their skills, they not only refine their fine motor abilities but also cultivate a strong sense of design and personal expression, preparing them for a future where creativity and practical sewing expertise go hand in hand.
Field Trips
Field trips at Oasis serve as dynamic extensions of the classroom learning experience, providing students with a unique opportunity to take what they've learned and apply it in diverse real-world contexts. These engaging outings are an integral component of our educational approach, offering students invaluable real-world experiences.
Once a month, students either go on a field trip or do a fun interactive in-school workshop. They eagerly embark on these exciting journeys, exploring various destinations and activities that expand their horizons and deepen their understanding of their study subjects.
Whether it's an exhilarating adventure such as indoor rock climbing, where students learn about physical fitness, teamwork, and conquering challenges; or a culturally enriching excursion to a local Mandarin-speaking market, where they practice language skills and immerse themselves in the customs and traditions of native-speaking communities; our field trips are carefully curated to align with our curriculum.
Our commitment to these enriching experiences not only makes learning more enjoyable, but also equips our students with the skills and insights they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world.