Student Life · Creative Programs

Arts & Cultural Programs

Creativity at Universal School

The arts are essential to a well-rounded education. Through visual arts, music, drama, and cultural celebrations, students develop creativity, self-expression, confidence, and a deep appreciation for beauty and culture.

K–12 Programs Visual Arts · Music · Drama 68 Years of Cultural Heritage Annual Exhibitions & Performances

Visual Arts

Drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital art across all grade levels, culminating in school-wide gallery exhibitions.

Music

Choral singing, instrumental instruction, music theory, and ensemble performance including our celebrated annual concert series.

Drama & Theatre

Script reading, acting techniques, stagecraft, and full theatrical productions performed for the entire school community.

Cultural Heritage

Multicultural events, Lebanese folklore, international heritage days, and community celebrations honouring our 68-year journey across three countries.

Featured Program

Visual Arts Studio

From foundational drawing in KG to advanced digital media in Grade 12, our Visual Arts program provides a structured journey of creative discovery. Students exhibit their work at our annual Spring Gallery, open to parents and the wider community.

Students engaged in visual arts studio at Universal School
Spring Gallery 2025

Student Artworks Exhibited Annually

What Students Learn

KG – Grade 12

Our studio art curriculum follows a progressive model — building fundamental skills in early years, expanding to mixed media and conceptual art in middle school, and culminating in portfolio-level work for secondary students applying to art colleges and universities.

Drawing & Sketching Painting Sculpture & Clay Printmaking Digital Art Photography
  • Dedicated art studio with professional materials available to all students
  • Annual Spring Gallery exhibition open to parents and the community
  • Portfolio development support for secondary students
  • Integration with OSSD and Lebanese Baccalaureate art electives
  • Guest artist workshops and museum field trips throughout the year
All Programs

Music, Drama & More

Every student has the opportunity to explore performing arts, develop their voice, and discover the joy of creative expression alongside their academic studies.

Music class at Universal School Performing Arts

Music Program

Students explore vocal techniques, instrument playing, music theory, and ensemble work — building lifelong appreciation for musical expression and collaborative performance.

  • School choir open to all grade levels
  • Instrumental instruction (keyboard, guitar, percussion)
  • Annual Winter & Spring Concert Series
  • Music theory integrated into secondary curriculum
KG – Grade 12
Students performing in a school theatre production Theatre Arts

Drama & Theatre

From improvisation games in primary school to full-scale theatrical productions in secondary, drama builds confidence, empathy, communication skills, and powerful stage presence.

  • Annual full-length theatrical production (Grades 6–12)
  • Drama elective for secondary students
  • Stagecraft: sets, lighting, costume design
  • Primary drama showcases every semester
Grade 1 – Grade 12
Students engaged in creative writing Creative Writing

Creative Writing & Media

Storytelling, poetry, journalism, and digital media arts give students a voice beyond the classroom — developing powerful communicators and original thinkers ready to share their ideas with the world.

  • Student literary magazine & blog
  • Poetry slam & storytelling events
  • School newspaper (bilingual Arabic–English)
  • Video production & digital storytelling
Grade 4 – Grade 12
Cultural Life

Where Heritage Meets Celebration

For 68 years — from Burj Hamoud to Cyprus, Greece, and now Aramoun — Universal School has woven cultural celebration into the fabric of school life. Our events honour Lebanese identity while embracing the multicultural community we have built across three countries.

68
Years of Cultural
Celebration

Lebanese National Day

A school-wide celebration featuring traditional music, dabke folk dance performances, costumes, and local cuisine shared with the whole community.

November · Annual

International Culture Day

Students represent countries worldwide through booths, presentations, traditional dress, and culinary showcases celebrating our multicultural community.

February · Annual

Spring Art Gallery

The annual showcase of student visual artwork spanning all grade levels — paintings, sculptures, photography, and digital creations in an elegant gallery setting.

April – May · Annual

Winter Concert Series

Our school choir, instrumental ensembles, and soloists perform seasonal repertoire spanning classical, contemporary, and Arabic musical traditions.

December · Annual

End-of-Year Play

The school's most anticipated theatrical event — a full-length production by secondary students over two nights, with professional set design, costumes, and lighting.

June · Annual

Founders' Day Gala

Honouring 68 years of Universal School history — from our founding in Burj Hamoud in 1958 to our international expansion — with student art, music, and storytelling.

October · Annual
Learning Outcomes

Why the Arts Matter at Universal

Research consistently shows that arts education enhances academic performance, emotional intelligence, and life skills. At Universal School, the arts are integral to our mission of educating the whole child.

68
Years of Arts Education
6+
Annual Cultural Events
4
Creative Disciplines
K–12
All Grade Levels

"Creativity is not a subject — it is a mindset we cultivate in every student, across every discipline, from their very first day with us."

— Arts Department, Universal School
Self-Expression
Students develop authentic voices and the courage to share their ideas with the world.
Confidence
Performing and presenting art builds stage presence and self-assurance that carries into all areas of life.
Collaboration
Ensemble music, theatre productions, and group art projects teach teamwork and shared creative ownership.
Critical Thinking
Analysing artworks, interpreting music, and directing scenes develops sophisticated evaluative skills.
Cultural Empathy
Exposure to diverse artistic traditions fosters respect, curiosity, and appreciation for different cultures.
Resilience
Like the school itself — rebuilt after the Lebanese Civil War — students learn that creative persistence leads to beauty.

From the rubble of the Lebanese Civil War rose Green Hill School — rebuilt not just in brick and stone, but in the arts, the music, and the cultural spirit that has defined Universal School for 68 years. Creativity is our deepest act of resilience.

— Universal School, Founded 1958 · Burj Hamoud, Lebanon
Students performing on stage at Universal School

Join the Creative Community

Where Every Student Finds Their Creative Voice

Whether your child is a budding painter, an aspiring performer, or simply curious about the arts — Universal School provides the space, mentorship, and inspiration to let their creativity flourish.

Apply for 2025–2026 Schedule a Visit

Visual Arts
Program

Our Visual Arts Program invites students at every grade level to explore the world through color, form, texture, and imagination. From foundational drawing to advanced mixed-media work, each student builds a personal creative identity rooted in skill and cultural awareness.

Available — All Grades · K–12
Students working in the Universal School Visual Arts studio
Curriculum

All Grades

  • Drawing and painting
  • Sculpture and ceramics
  • Mixed media and collage
  • Art history and appreciation
  • Cultural art forms
5 Disciplines
Outcomes

Skills Developed

  • Observation and perception
  • Color theory and composition
  • Technique and craftsmanship
  • Creative expression
  • Critique and reflection
5 Core Skills
Exhibitions

Showcases

  • Hallway art displays (rotating)
  • Annual art exhibition
  • Student portfolio development
  • Community art projects
4 Showcase Events

Student Showcases & Exhibitions

Student art display in school hallway

Hallway Art Displays

Rotating student works displayed throughout the school — celebrating creativity every day.

Year-round
Annual art exhibition at Universal School

Annual Art Exhibition

A formal gallery-style exhibition open to the entire school community and families.

End of Year
Student portfolio development session

Portfolio Development

Every student builds a curated portfolio of their best work across the academic year.

Ongoing
Community art project at Universal School

Community Art Projects

Collaborative murals and installations that connect the school with the wider Aramoun community.

Community

Art education does not just teach students to draw — it teaches them to see. At Universal School, the visual arts develop the careful eye, the steady hand, and the open heart that shape thoughtful human beings.

Universal School — Visual Arts Department

Give Your Child the Gift
of Creative Vision

From their first painting to their final portfolio, Universal School's Visual Arts Program nurtures every student's unique creative identity — across all grades, in a studio that feels like home.

Apply Now Back to Arts & Culture

Music
Program

Music at Universal School is more than a subject — it is a language. Through general music classes, choral ensembles, and live performances, students discover rhythm, harmony, and the transformative power of sound. Every voice and every instrument has a place in our community.

Universal School students performing in music program

Foundation

General Music Classes

  • Rhythm and melody
  • Music theory basics
  • Cultural music traditions
  • Listening and appreciation
  • Voice development
5 Topics Covered

Live Events

Performances

  • School assemblies
  • Annual concerts
  • Cultural celebrations
  • Community events
4 Annual Events

Outcomes

What Students Gain

  • Aural and rhythmic sensitivity
  • Stage confidence and presence
  • Teamwork and ensemble skills
  • Cultural identity and pride
  • Discipline through practice
5 Key Outcomes
Instrumental and choir opportunities at Universal School 🎵 Instrumental & Vocal

Spotlight Opportunity

Instrumental & Ensemble
Opportunities

Beyond general music classes, Universal School offers dedicated ensemble and instrumental opportunities for students who wish to deepen their musical journey. From choir rehearsals to instrumental groups, these programs build real performance experience in a supportive, collaborative environment.

School Choir Keyboard Percussion Guitar Wind Band Strings

Performances & Events

Music students perform for the school, families, and the wider Aramoun community throughout the year.

School assembly music performance Monthly

School Assemblies

Regular musical moments woven into school life — from morning assemblies to special occasion performances.

Annual school concert Annual

Annual Concerts

The highlight of the music calendar — a formal concert showcasing choir, ensembles, and soloists before the full community.

Cultural celebrations with music Seasonal

Cultural Celebrations

Music is central to our cultural day, national holidays, and Lebanese heritage events — celebrating 68 years of identity.

Community event musical performance Community

Community Events

Students bring music beyond the school gates — performing at local events and giving back to the Aramoun community.

5
Music Topics
Per Year
4
Live Performance
Opportunities
K–12
All Grades
Participate
68
Years of Musical
Tradition

Why Music Matters at Universal School

  • Builds Emotional Intelligence

    Music teaches students to feel deeply, express honestly, and connect with others.

  • Sharpens Academic Performance

    Studies show music training strengthens memory, focus, and mathematical reasoning.

  • Roots Cultural Identity

    Lebanese musical traditions connect students to their heritage and our 68-year school history.

  • Fosters Community & Belonging

    Performing together — in choir or ensemble — creates deep bonds and a shared sense of pride.

Music is the shorthand of emotion. At Universal School, we believe every student deserves the chance to find their voice — whether in song, melody, or rhythm.

Universal School — Music Program Philosophy

Join a School Where
Music Lives Every Day

From the first note to the final concert bow, Universal School's Music Program nurtures every student's musical potential — across all grades, in a community that celebrates creativity, culture, and the joy of performance.

Apply Now Back to Arts & Culture
Arts & Culture · Spaces & Resources

Facilities, Clubs & Outside Opportunities

Universal School equips every student with dedicated creative spaces, professional-quality tools, enriching extracurricular clubs, and inspiring outside experiences — because great art requires great conditions in which to grow.

Aramoun Campus · Full Arts Infrastructure

Spaces Built for Creative Excellence

Our Aramoun campus is designed with the arts at its centre. From a purpose-built Art Room stocked with professional-grade materials, to a performance space equipped for full theatrical productions, to digital studios with the latest creative technology — every facility at Universal School tells students that their creative work matters.

Art Room Performance Space Digital Studios 5 Arts Clubs
3 Dedicated Facilities
5 After-School Clubs
K–12 All Grades Have Access
Universal School art room with students working on creative projects
Art Room
Purpose-Built Creative Spaces · Aramoun Campus
Facilities & Resources

Three Creative Spaces

Every arts discipline at Universal School has a dedicated, well-resourced home — spaces designed to inspire work of the highest standard from every student who enters them.

Universal School Art Room with paints, canvases, and student artwork on display Visual Arts

The Art Room

Visual Arts · All Grades · Aramoun Campus

A dedicated, fully stocked art studio where students from KG to Grade 12 experiment with painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, photography, and mixed media — supported by display walls that keep student work visible and celebrated at all times.

Professional-grade paints, inks, pastels, and mixed-media supplies
Dedicated display walls — rotating student exhibition space
Diverse media: painting, printmaking, ceramics, collage, sculpture
Photography corner with props, backdrops, and studio lighting
Storage and portfolio archive for every student's growing body of work
Universal School performance stage with lighting and seating for school productions Performance

Performance Space

Drama · Music · Dance · All Productions

Our main performance space is a fully equipped stage where assemblies, drama productions, music recitals, and the Annual Arts Festival come to life — providing a professional, inspiring setting for students to share their performing arts work with the school community and invited families.

Full stage with professional lighting rig and sound system
Tiered seating capacity for school-wide assemblies and family events
Backstage area — costume storage, props, and rehearsal space
Dance floor sections and music performance configurations
Used for Annual Arts Festival, school plays, and national ceremonies
Students using digital tools for creative art and music projects Digital Arts

Digital Tools & Studios

Digital Art · Music Technology · Portfolios

Our digital arts infrastructure gives students access to industry-standard creative software, digital illustration tools, music production technology, and portfolio platforms — preparing them to create, present, and share their work in the formats demanded by today's creative and professional world.

Digital illustration and design software suites
Music production and composition technology
Photography editing and digital darkroom tools
Digital portfolio creation and online presentation platforms
Video production and film editing for media arts projects
Outside Opportunities

Competitions, Festivals & Field Trips

Learning flourishes beyond the classroom walls. Universal School actively connects students with the wider arts world through regional competitions, live performances, museum visits, and artist encounters.

Competitions & Festivals

Regional & national · All arts disciplines
Regional Art Competitions
Students submit original artworks to inter-school and regional juried exhibitions — gaining professional feedback, recognition, and portfolio entries that stand out on university applications.
Visual Art
Music Festivals
Solo instrumentalists, vocal performers, and ensembles represent Universal School at regional music festivals — performing in professional settings and receiving adjudicator assessments from leading musicians.
Music
Drama Performances
Drama students participate in inter-school theatre festivals and competition events — performing scenes, one-acts, and improvisation for audiences and adjudicators beyond the Universal School campus.
Drama
Cultural Showcases
Dabke troupes, cultural performance groups, and heritage arts ensembles represent Universal School at community showcases and national cultural events — honouring Lebanon's artistic traditions on the regional stage.
Culture
Universal School students visiting a museum on an arts field trip
Field Trips · Learning Beyond the Classroom
Field Trip Destinations
Museum & gallery visits across Lebanon
Live theatre and professional performances
Cultural and heritage sites across the region
Artist studio visits and creative workshops
Concert halls and music conservatory tours
Arts Club & Enrichment

After-School Arts Clubs

Five dedicated after-school clubs give students the time, space, and community to pursue their creative passions beyond the timetable — guided by specialist teachers who share their enthusiasm.

Advanced Art Club
Mon & Wed · After School
Advanced techniques, independent projects, and portfolio development for dedicated visual artists preparing for exhibitions and competitions.
Music Ensemble
Tue & Thu · After School
Collaborative ensemble rehearsals for instrumentalists and vocalists — preparing pieces for performances, festivals, and the Annual Arts Festival concert.
Drama Club
Wednesday · After School
Script work, improvisation workshops, and rehearsals for the Annual School Play — open to all grades with a passion for performance and storytelling.
Photography Club
Thursday · After School
From composition and lighting to digital editing and darkroom techniques — students develop a photographer's eye and build a portfolio of compelling images.
Creative Writing
Friday · After School
Short stories, poetry, screenwriting, and personal essays — a supportive writing community where student voices are encouraged, refined, and shared.
Contact Arts Programs

Meet Our Arts Faculty

Our arts teachers are practicing artists and dedicated educators — always available to speak with students and families about programmes, clubs, competitions, and pathways.

Arts Department Faculty

Aramoun Campus · Universal School
Visual Arts Teacher
Ms. Nour Al-Khoury
n.alkhoury@universalschool.edu.lb
Painting Sculpture Art Club Lead
Music Teacher
Mr. Tarek Mansour
t.mansour@universalschool.edu.lb
Piano Composition Ensemble Director
Drama Coordinator
Ms. Lara Haddad
l.haddad@universalschool.edu.lb
Theatre Direction Script Writing Drama Club
Department Contact
General Arts Enquiries arts@universalschool.edu.lb
Office Hours Mon – Fri · 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location Aramoun, Mount Lebanon
Book a Campus Tour
See our art rooms, performance space, and digital studios in person — and meet the teachers who will inspire your child.
Request a Visit

A student who walks into a well-equipped, beautifully maintained art room feels something immediately: their work is taken seriously here. The facilities we provide are not just rooms — they are a message from the school to every student that says your creativity matters.

— Arts Department · Universal School, Aramoun Campus
Facilities & Resources · Universal School · Since 1958

Give Your Child the Creative Space They Deserve

Visit Universal School and see our art rooms, performance space, clubs, and digital studios in person. Our arts faculty will be delighted to show you everything we have built for your child's creative future.

Apply for 2025–2026 Contact the Arts Department
Students celebrating Lebanese Independence Day at Universal School with traditional costumes and Lebanese flags
68 Years of Cultural Heritage
School Life · Cultural Calendar

Celebrating Our Roots & Our World

At Universal School, culture is not just celebrated — it is lived. From Lebanese Independence Day ceremonies to International Day festivities, from our Opening Assembly to Graduation, every tradition connects students to their heritage and to a broader, more compassionate world.

3 Countries in Our History
40+ Annual Cultural Events
K–12 All Grades Participate
Explore Celebrations View Full Calendar
Lebanese National Days

Honouring Lebanon's Heritage

Since our founding in Burj Hamoud in 1958, we have kept Lebanon close to our heart. National days are not simply days off — they are living lessons in identity, pride, and resilience.

Lebanese Independence Day ceremony with students holding Lebanese flags
Signature Event
November 22

Lebanese Independence Day

Our most cherished national celebration. Students from every grade come together in a formal ceremony featuring the national anthem, traditional Dabke folk dance performances, patriotic poetry recitation, and addresses by student council leaders — a powerful reminder of Lebanon's resilience and the freedoms we honour.

Students at a commemorative assembly for Martyrs Day
National Commemoration
May 6

Martyrs' Day Assembly

Solemn ceremony honouring Lebanon's national martyrs through readings, music, and student-led reflections on sacrifice and memory.

Students performing traditional Lebanese Dabke dance in traditional costumes
Cultural Heritage
Throughout the Year

Traditional Music & Dabke Dance

Live Dabke performances, traditional Lebanese instrument workshops, and folk music sessions weave cultural heritage into everyday school life.

Students learning about Lebanese cultural heritage in the classroom Heritage Education
Year-Round Curriculum Integration

Cultural Heritage Education

Lebanese history, geography, literature, and visual arts are woven into the curriculum so that cultural knowledge is built every term, not just on special occasions.

Lebanese literature and poetry studies
Traditional craft and visual arts workshops
Historical excursions across Lebanon
All Grades
Students participating in the Liberation Day national celebration National Day
May 25 · Liberation & Resistance Day

Liberation Day Ceremony

Students reflect on Lebanon's 2000 liberation through structured assemblies, documentary screenings, and civic discussions — understanding that freedom is earned through courage.

Civic assembly with national anthem
Student-led history presentations
Documentary screening and discussion
Grades 5–12
Students performing traditional Lebanese Dabke folk dance on stage Traditional Arts
Term Performances · All Year

Dabke & Traditional Music

Dabke rehearsals, Oud workshops, and traditional choir performances bring Lebanese musical heritage alive — preserving art forms that have echoed across our mountains for centuries.

Weekly Dabke dance troupe rehearsals
Oud and traditional instrument workshops
End-of-term stage performances
Grades 1–12
International Recognition

Celebrating the World's Cultures

Having operated in Lebanon, Cyprus, and Greece, Universal School has always been international at heart. Our diversity celebrations reflect a community where every background is welcomed, studied, and celebrated.

International Day & Global Awareness

Our annual International Day transforms the Aramoun campus into a global village. Families and students from dozens of nationalities share food, music, traditional dress, and stories — building the cross-cultural empathy that defines a Universal education. Global awareness is then extended throughout the year through curriculum, visiting speakers, and cultural exchange projects aligned with our Canadian pathway and OSSD programme.

International Day — Global village fair
Cultural diversity appreciation weeks
Holiday traditions from world cultures
Global awareness and UN theme days
Heritage & language showcase evenings
Students dressed in traditional costumes from different world cultures International
Annual Spring Event

International Day Festival

A full-day celebration where students and families transform our campus into a global village — flags, food, costumes, music, and stories from every corner of the world.

Country booths with cultural exhibits
Traditional costume parade
Global music and dance showcase
All School
Cultural holiday traditions display from various world cultures Holiday Traditions
December & Throughout the Year

World Holiday Traditions

From Eid and Christmas to Nowruz and Diwali, we recognise and respect the holiday traditions of every student's background — building mutual understanding and joyful inclusion.

Classroom cultural sharing sessions
Holiday story and craft mornings
Respectful interfaith awareness
KG–Grade 6
Students engaged in global awareness project presentations Global Awareness
UN Days & Global Theme Weeks

Global Awareness Activities

Aligned with UN international days, our students explore climate, human rights, peace, and sustainability — understanding their role as global citizens before they step into the world.

Model UN and debate competitions
SDG project-based learning weeks
International pen-pal and exchange
Grades 7–12
School Traditions

Traditions That Define Us

From the first day of school to the last, Universal School's calendar is anchored by ceremonies that connect each new generation of students to 68 years of shared history.

September Opening Ceremony

Opening Assembly & Welcome Ceremony

The academic year begins with our whole-school Opening Assembly — students, teachers, and families gather to sing the national anthem, hear messages of vision and welcome, receive the school oath, and set the intentions for the year ahead. For new students, it is a rite of passage; for returning students, it is a homecoming.

All School Families Welcome Student Council Leads Signature Event
October Heritage Day

Founder's Day

A celebration of our school's founding in 1958 as "Modern Education" in Burj Hamoud. Students explore the school's rich history — surviving the Civil War, relocating to Aramoun, expanding to Cyprus and Greece — understanding that resilience is Universal School's deepest tradition. Archives, exhibitions, and alumni visits bring the past to life.

Founded 1958 Alumni Engagement Historical Exhibition
November 22 National Day

Lebanese Independence Day Ceremony

A formal ceremony with national anthem, Dabke performance, patriotic poetry, student council addresses, and flag raising — our most solemn and proud national moment of the year.

National Anthem Dabke Performance Flag Ceremony
March Arts & Culture

Cultural Arts Week

A dedicated week where every class presents a creative cultural project — drama, visual art, poetry, music — exploring Lebanese and world cultures through artistic expression. The week culminates in a school-wide gallery evening open to families.

Drama & Theatre Visual Arts Exhibition Family Gallery Night
June Milestone Ceremony

Graduation Ceremony

The most emotionally significant event on the Universal School calendar. Grade 12 graduates process in cap and gown, receive their diplomas, and deliver valedictory speeches before families, faculty, and the whole school community — a celebration 13 years in the making, and a launchpad for futures without limits.

Grade 12 100% University Acceptance Valedictorian Speech Families & Community
Late June End-of-Year

End-of-Year Celebrations

From KG to Grade 11, each level closes the year with its own celebration — talent shows, awards assemblies, sports days, and farewell performances. A joyful, high-energy close to every chapter, honouring growth and friendship before summer begins.

Talent Showcase Awards Assembly Sports Day

Culture is not a chapter in a textbook — it is the air students breathe when they walk through our doors. At Universal School, every celebration is a lesson in who we are, where we come from, and what kind of world we are building together.

— Universal School Community · Aramoun Campus, 2026
Cultural Celebrations · Universal School · Since 1958

Come Celebrate
With Our Community

Whether you are a prospective family, an alumnus, or a community partner — our doors are open. Experience 68 years of tradition, culture, and belonging first-hand at Universal School, Aramoun.

Join Our Community Plan a Visit
Arts & Culture · Student Showcase

Student Exhibitions & Performances

At Universal School, creativity is not confined to the classroom or reserved for a single end-of-year event. Student artwork, music, drama, and digital portfolios are shared and celebrated throughout the entire academic year — because every student deserves an audience for their imagination.

All Grades · KG – Grade 12

Where Every Student Becomes the Artist

From hallway galleries displaying hand-painted canvases to a packed auditorium watching the Annual Arts Festival — Universal School creates genuine, meaningful moments for students to share what they have made. Art is not a subject that ends when class does. It is a way of thinking that we celebrate year-round.

Students Families Community All K–12 Grades
40+ Annual Showcase Events
4 Exhibition Formats
68 Years of Creative Tradition
Students displaying artwork at the Universal School Annual Arts Festival
Annual Arts Festival
Student artwork displayed in hallway gallery Hallway Gallery
Student performing music at a school assembly Music Performance
Students performing drama on stage at school Drama Show
Signature Event

The Annual Arts Festival

Our most anticipated event of the creative calendar — a full celebration of student artistry across visual art, music, drama, and dance, open to families and the wider community.

Annual Arts Festival

Universal School · Aramoun Campus · End of Academic Year
2026 Arts Festival
Student Artwork Exhibition Paintings, sculptures, mixed-media pieces, and photography — student work displayed in a professionally arranged gallery setting throughout the festival venue, open for the community to explore.
Music Performances Solo recitals, ensemble concerts, choir performances, and band showcases — students from every grade performing pieces they have rehearsed all year for a live, celebratory audience.
Drama & Dance Performances Theatrical scenes, monologues, Dabke folk dance, and modern choreography performed live on stage — showcasing the full range of expressive arts talent across the school community.
Family & Community Invited The Arts Festival is a true community event — families, alumni, and guests are warmly welcomed to walk the galleries, attend performances, and celebrate the creativity of Universal School students together.
All grade levels represented — from KG finger-painting to Grade 12 portfolio work
Live music performances across three stage sessions throughout the evening
Creativity Celebration Award presented to outstanding student artists
Open to the entire school community — no ticket required for families
Digital portfolio display alongside physical artwork in the gallery walk
Students and families enjoying the Annual Arts Festival at Universal School
Annual Arts Festival · Aramoun Campus
Festival Programme
May 10
Gallery Walk Opens Artwork exhibition · All day
May 14
Music Evening Live performances · 6:00 PM
May 16
Drama & Dance Night Stage performances · 6:30 PM
May 17
Creativity Awards Night Awards & community celebration

All families are personally invited. No booking required — simply arrive and celebrate the creativity of our students together.

Throughout the Year

Creativity All Year Long

The Annual Arts Festival is the centrepiece — but it is surrounded by a rich calendar of smaller, equally meaningful exhibition and performance moments that keep student creativity visible every single week of the school year.

Rotating · Monthly

Hallway Galleries

Our school corridors function as a living, breathing gallery — rotating displays of student artwork are mounted along hallways, in entrance foyers, and outside classrooms. Every student sees their work respected and shared in a public space.

Monthly theme rotations — fresh work on display every 4 weeks
All media included — paintings, collages, ceramics, photography
Student artist statements displayed beside each piece
Visible to every student, teacher, and visiting family daily
Weekly · All Year

Assembly Performances

Weekly school assemblies regularly feature student performances — musical numbers, dramatic sketches, poetry readings, and dance pieces. Assemblies transform into mini-performances that build confidence through repetition and real audiences of peers.

Every grade performs at assembly at least twice per term
Low-pressure, high-encouragement performance environment
Linked to cultural days, national events, and curriculum themes
Whole-school community builds shared appreciation for the arts
Ongoing · Each Term

Class Presentations

In-class presentations and creative showcases give students a regular, intimate audience for their learning. Whether it is a science poster, a research project, a creative writing piece read aloud, or a visual art critique — sharing work is built into the fabric of every subject.

Integrated across all subjects — not just Arts classes
Peer feedback sessions develop critical appreciation skills
End-of-unit showcases invite parents into the classroom
Builds comfort with public sharing from the earliest grades
Ongoing · Digital · All Year

Digital Portfolios

Every student maintains a digital portfolio — a curated record of their creative and academic work throughout the school year. Portfolios grow with the student, capturing progress across art, writing, projects, and performances. At year end, they become a proud archive of growth.

Updated regularly throughout the academic year
Shared with families at parent-teacher conferences
Displayed during the Annual Arts Festival digital gallery
Supports university applications with evidence of creative growth
Student Spotlight

Moments From Our Creative Community

A glimpse into the exhibitions and performances that have filled our hallways, stages, and screens with student imagination throughout the year.

Student painting artwork on canvas at the Annual Arts Festival
Visual Art
Hallway Gallery · Grade 8
Student performing music at school assembly on stage
Music
Assembly Concert · Grade 10
Students rehearsing a dramatic performance backstage at Universal School
Drama
Annual School Play · Grade 11
Student presenting digital portfolio work on screen at arts showcase
Digital
Digital Portfolio Showcase · Grade 9
Our Belief in Creativity

Why We Celebrate Creativity

Exhibitions and performances are not simply events on the school calendar. They are acts of courage, community, and communication that shape how students see themselves and each other.

Art is How Students Learn to Say Who They Are

When a student stands in front of a painting they made and explains what it means — or steps onto a stage in front of 200 people — something shifts. They discover a voice they did not know they had. This is why we do not save exhibitions for the end of the year. We make them part of every week, every term, every year of school life.

Courage Through Sharing Every time a student shares their work publicly, they practise the courage that will carry them through life's biggest moments.
Identity Through Art Creative expression helps students understand themselves and communicate their identity — an essential developmental process at every age.
Community Through Celebration Witnessing each other's creativity builds mutual respect, deep community bonds, and a school culture where every student feels they belong.
100% Students exhibit or perform each year
4 Exhibition & performance formats
K–12 Every grade participates year-round
68 Years of creative tradition since 1958
40+ Showcase events in the school year
3 Countries where our arts tradition has lived

An exhibition is not the end of a project — it is the beginning of a conversation. When a student sees their work on the wall and watches a classmate stop to look at it, they understand for the first time that what they create has meaning beyond themselves.

— Arts Faculty · Universal School, Aramoun Campus
Student Exhibitions & Performances · Universal School · Since 1958

Come See What Our Students Create

Join us at the Annual Arts Festival and throughout the year — open to families, community, and anyone who believes in the power of student creativity. Your presence makes our students' work matter even more.

Arts Festival Details Join Our Community
Entrepreneurship Track · 2026
Universal School · Entrepreneurship Pathway

Where Creative Vision Meets
Business Reality

The Entrepreneurship Track at Universal School gives students a rare and powerful opportunity: to transform their artistic talent into a working business. Through arts-based entrepreneurship, students don't just create — they launch, market, and sell, building real-world skills that universities and employers recognise as genuinely exceptional.

Creative Arts Business Skills Product Design Marketing & Sales Digital Portfolio
3 Pathways Available 2026
K–12 Creative Arts Foundation
100% University Acceptance
Explore the Track All Pathways
Student entrepreneur presenting their arts-based business concept at Universal School
Student Pitch Day · Entrepreneurship Track
Creative Entrepreneurship

Four Capabilities Students Develop

Students in the Entrepreneurship Track don't study business in theory — they build it. Each of these four capabilities is developed through hands-on projects, mentorship, and real business challenges throughout the academic year.

Student developing an arts-based business plan at Universal School
01
Business

Develop Arts-Based Businesses

Concept → Viable Business Model

Students transform their creative passion into a structured business concept — identifying a market, defining their offering, writing a business plan, and presenting it to mentors. The arts are not the backdrop to this process — they are the foundation of it.

Identify a creative niche and target customer
Conduct market research and competitor analysis
Write and present a structured business plan
Pitch to a panel of real business mentors
Outcome: A funded and validated business concept
Student creating and selling original artwork through the entrepreneurship programme
02
Artwork

Create & Sell Original Artwork

Artistic Practice → Commercial Product

Students produce original artworks — paintings, illustrations, prints, photography, digital art — with the explicit intention of bringing them to market. They learn to price their work, present it professionally, and build the confidence to declare: my creativity has value.

Build a cohesive collection or series of original works
Price work using cost, value, and market positioning
Exhibit and sell at the Annual Arts Festival marketplace
Build an online artist presence and digital shop
Outcome: A live portfolio with sold original works
Student designing and marketing a product line as part of the entrepreneurship curriculum
03
Design

Design & Market Products

Creative Design → Market-Ready Product

Students apply design thinking to create products — from merchandise and branded stationery to digital assets and handcrafted goods — then build marketing strategies to reach real customers through social media, storytelling, and community outreach.

Apply design thinking — ideate, prototype, test, refine
Develop brand identity — name, logo, visual language
Build and execute a social media marketing plan
Launch product with a measurable sales campaign
Outcome: A launched product with a real brand identity
Students collaborating to combine creative and business skills in a project
04
Combined

Combine Creativity with Business Skills

Integrated Learning → Professional Readiness

The most powerful outcome of the track is integration — students who can move fluently between creative thinking and analytical business reasoning. They become the kind of professionals that the modern creative economy actively seeks: people who can both make and lead.

Financial literacy — revenue, cost, profit, reinvestment
Leadership — managing a creative team or collaboration
Presentation — pitching ideas with clarity and conviction
Resilience — iterating after failure with a growth mindset
Outcome: A creative professional ready for the real world
The Student Journey

From Idea to Launch

Every student in the track follows a structured five-phase journey — guided by teachers and mentors — from their initial creative spark to a real, functioning arts-based business.

The Creative Business Journey

Five structured phases · Mentored throughout · Real business outcomes
Phase 1
Discover & Ideate
Find your creative passion and identify how it can solve a problem or serve a market need
Phase 2
Research & Plan
Analyse the market, define the offering, cost the venture, and write a full business plan
Phase 3
Create & Prototype
Produce the artwork, product, or service — test with real feedback — refine and improve
Phase 4
Market & Sell
Build brand, launch marketing campaigns, and sell to a real audience at the festival or online
Phase 5
Reflect & Pitch
Present results to a panel of mentors and investors — what worked, what was learned, and what comes next
Real Revenue Students earn genuine income from their creative business activities
Live Portfolio A professional portfolio of work produced, sold, and verified
Mentor Network Connections with experienced business and creative professionals
University Advantage A standout application with real entrepreneurial and creative evidence
Where Two Worlds Meet

The Creative Business Intersection

The most powerful learning happens at the intersection of two disciplines. Arts & Entrepreneurship gives students fluency in both languages — and the rare ability to speak them simultaneously.

Creative
Arts
Visual Art Design Thinking Storytelling Craft
Business
Skills
Finance Marketing Strategy Leadership
Arts Entrepreneurship
The Sweet Spot
Creative Problem-Solving Using artistic imagination to find innovative solutions to real business challenges — thinking differently when conventional approaches fail
Value Creation & Pricing Understanding that creative work has genuine economic value — and learning to price, position, and protect it with confidence and evidence
Brand Storytelling Communicating a business's identity, mission, and values through the compelling narrative and visual language that only artists truly master
Resilient Iteration Artists know that the first version is never the final version. This creative mindset — try, fail, refine, and improve — is the most valuable entrepreneurial habit of all
Students working on creative product design in the entrepreneurship workshop
Product Design Workshop
From Sketch to Market-Ready Product
Student entrepreneur pitching their arts business to a mentor panel
Pitch Day
Student Business Pitches to Real Mentors
Entrepreneurship Track at a Glance
5 Business journey phases
2026 Track launch year
Real Business outcomes & revenue
Apply for 2026
2026 Three Pathways

Part of Universal School's Three Pathways

Arts & Entrepreneurship is the creative engine of the Entrepreneurship Pathway — one of three distinct academic tracks Universal School is launching in 2026. Students choose the pathway that matches their ambitions.

Which Pathway Is Right for Your Child?

From 2026, Universal School offers three clearly defined pathways — each delivering rigorous academics through a distinct lens. Arts & Entrepreneurship sits within the Entrepreneurship Pathway, which is built for students who think creatively and act boldly.

Entrepreneurship Pathway Arts-based business · Creative economy · Innovation
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Lebanese Excellence Pathway Lebanese curriculum · Baccalaureate · National standards
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Canadian Gateway Pathway OSSD with Rosedale · International credential · University prep
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Entrepreneurship Pathway
Launching 2026 · Universal School, Aramoun
Arts-based business development as core curriculum
Create, market, and sell original artwork and products
Real business pitch day — panel of mentors and investors
Financial literacy, branding, marketing, and leadership
Digital portfolio and online presence creation
100% university acceptance record — school-wide
The Entrepreneurship Pathway is open from 2026. Admissions for the inaugural cohort are now open — places are limited.

When a student sells their first original painting and realises that their creativity has economic value — that moment changes how they see themselves forever. That is precisely what Arts & Entrepreneurship is designed to create.

— Entrepreneurship Track Faculty · Universal School, Aramoun Campus · 2026
Arts & Entrepreneurship · Universal School · Launching 2026

Your Child's Creativity Is Their Future Business

The Entrepreneurship Track gives creative students the skills, mentorship, and real-world experience to turn their artistic talent into a sustainable, successful career. Places for the 2026 inaugural cohort are limited.

Apply for 2026 Cohort Speak with an Advisor