Swimming
Swimming is one of the best activities to support the physical and mental development of children and adolescents while instilling a lifelong habit of exercise. Physical development is closely linked to emotional growth, making regular physical activity essential not only for the body but also for the mind. Children who engage in regular sports show improved learning capacity and increased self-confidence.
Since swimming engages the whole body, it simultaneously enhances cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility, making it highly beneficial for children’s overall development.
In our swimming classes, we start with breathing exercises and provide students with fundamental swimming training. Students who complete the basic training and show talent have the opportunity to participate in school team practices alongside our teachers, representing our school in various competitions.
Gymnastics
Children can begin gymnastics from the age of three, though the starting age may vary depending on the child’s ability to follow instructions and individual characteristics. Gymnastics is an Olympic sport suitable for all children, supporting both physical and mental development, and often serves as a foundational activity for other sports.
Gymnastics not only promotes physical growth but also helps children develop an aesthetic appearance, maintain a healthy weight relative to their height, and balance muscle mass. Children who receive foundational training in gymnastics are better prepared to transition to individual or team sports later on.
Our gymnastics activities focus on helping students develop balance, strength, speed, flexibility, hand-eye and neuromuscular coordination, control, and conscious use of their bodies.
The Visual Arts program aims to help students gain knowledge about art, create original works using traditional and contemporary techniques, and develop aesthetic sensitivity through art education practices.
Art Workshop
Students express themselves through art while enhancing their creativity. At İSTEK Semiha Şakir Schools, we aim to nurture individuals who are culturally aware, respectful of the environment, tolerant, and possess a refined sense of aesthetics.
The workshop is open to every student interested in art and willing to explore different techniques and materials. By studying artists and art periods, students gain an aesthetic perspective and develop a deeper understanding of art history.
Students also learn to transform waste materials into unique art pieces and have the opportunity to explore and apply a wide range of techniques, including pencil, watercolor, and acrylic.
Objectives (2018–2019):
The Music Department aims to cultivate students who internalize their own culture, traditions, and musical movements while gaining knowledge of different cultures, helping them become global citizens.
Music Classes:
Lessons are student-centered and include national anthems that strengthen national unity, solfège, body percussion, basic music theory, and vocal exercises that enhance rhythm and diaphragm control.
Orchestra Activities:
Students learn Turkish music instruments and unique rhythmic patterns (such as 7/4 and 9/8 time signatures) and perform global music styles (jazz, funk, soul, pop, rock, etc.) under teacher guidance.
Violin Activities:
Lessons focus on violin and bowing techniques, supported by solfège, scales, arpeggios, and exercises, emphasizing the Ömer Can and Suzuki Violin Method.
Choir Activities:
In choir, students learn the beauty of singing together, discovering harmony, discipline, and the power of collective voices.
General Music Activities:
We provide music education to help children face life with creativity and joy. Through songs, compositions, instruments, and melodies, students strengthen their understanding of the world, enrich their imagination, and develop a lifelong appreciation for music. Music adds beauty to every action and nurtures the child’s emotional and intellectual growth.
