Link to the Art Department gallery

Art is a well established subject and each pupil spends one double lesson in the department every week. By means of flexible programmes of study we aim to:

• Heighten awareness and visual perception.
• Develop the ability to express and communicate ideas through practical experience.
• Develop in the child a means of non-verbal communication.
• Stimulate ideas and challenge developement of original,

   personal responses, solutions to problems, and images.
• Develop insight, sensitivity and response to aesthetic qualities.
• Develop a thorough understanding of basic artistic skills.
• Foster a desire for the attainment of knowledge of creative and original thought.
• Relate artistic work and experience to everyday life.
• Foster links with other subjects through interdisciplinary topics.
• Develop the understanding of the work of artists, craftspeople and designers.
• Compare ideas and methods in different styles, traditions and cultures.

Much encouragement is given to the development of self-confidence, whilst trying to dispel the misconception that one has to be naturally talented to achieve. Pupils are given time to complete work. Quality, rather than speed of execution, is stressed.

The facilities and resources within the department enable us to fulfil the requirements in terms of practical experience, with different media, in the areas of drawing, painting, collage, printing, sculpture and pottery. Most topics involve working individually although several opportunities for group work, often on cross-curricular topics, occur throughout the course.

There is also the opportunity to pursue individual work in free time. ‘Free Art’ is a session when any child can drop in to the department for a relaxing and enjoyable hour. For those interested in three-dimensional work pottery and sculpture are also provided.

Louise Greenwood