Our Head of Art & Photography is Mr J W Henderson

All staff within the department are Bachelors or Masters of Fine Art with specialisms in figurative painting, drawing, sculpture and instillation, photography and digital media. Our department technician is also a professional illustrator and can often be found advising students on ideas and techniques.

Our aim is to create a safe and inclusive environment where pupils are confident enough to express their ideas and not afraid to take risks with their work as emerging artists. Pupils are directed by a team of enthusiastic and highly motivated staff who teach them to use media in a skilful and accomplished manner. From the beginning of the Third Form (Year 7) there is a strong emphasis on practice and 'perseverantia' in mastering the traditional skills of drawing, painting, sculpture, print-making, constant research and inquisitiveness. Our examination courses are very popular and pupils are extremely successful.

Facilities

Lower and Middle School pupils are taught in four large, light and airy classrooms that are equipped for a full range of artistic mediums. A Level artists have the exclusive use of two large painting studios and are allocated their own individual work space for the two-year course. They also have use of a dedicated life drawing and seminar room. The A Level photographers have exclusive use of three photography studios, two ICT digital editing suites and a wet process darkroom. All classrooms, ICT suites and the seminar room are equipped with large screens for demonstrations and presentations and the latest Adobe Photoshop software. Wi-Fi is available throughout the department. There are two kilns for glass fusing and ceramic work, a print-making studio for etching, screen printing, cyanotype printing and photographic screen printing.

Curriculum 

Lower School

Third Form (Year 7)

Pupils study the foundation skills in detail.

• Observational drawing through self-portraits
• Colour theory through painting and abstraction
• Perspective drawing

Shell Form (Year 8)

Pupils study drawing, sculpture and printmaking.

• 3D design skills and sculptural outcomes using ceramics, card construction or mixed media.
• Mono printing, collagraph, lino and reduction lino printmaking.

Fourth Form (Year 9)

This year is fundamental preparation for the GCSE course and pupils explore more experimental drawing techniques with mixed media, drypoint etching, painting and composition. Research and analysis into the work of contemporary and historical artists is also expanded on.

Middle School

GCSE Fine Art

Pupils (Years 10 & 11) follow a two-year linear course comprised of a series of short practical projects focusing on specific skills, and a larger more comprehensive project that demonstrates their ability to develop an idea creatively through to a resolved outcome.

From January to May of the final year, pupils produce a further body of work based on a theme set by the exam board with a controlled exam at the end of the course where they create their resolved outcome.

NB. All work for the course and exam units is completed before the final GCSE exams begin for other subjects.

GCSE Photography

Pupils (Years 10 & 11) follow a two-year linear course. Initial practical projects focus on specific technical skills and the formal elements of photography. Pupils then undertake a series of creative projects to develop their own style and interests. Finally, they undertake a larger more comprehensive project that demonstrates their ability to develop an idea creatively through to a resolved outcome.

From January to May of the final year, pupils produce a further body of work based on a theme set by the exam board with a controlled exam at the end of the course where they create their resolved outcome.

NB. All work for the course and exam units is completed before the final GCSE exams begin for other subjects

Sixth Form

The level of creative autonomy within the A Level Fine Art and Photography courses is designed to enable pupils to express their ideas effectively and develop new methods of problem solving. This level of independence also improves their organisation and study practices as well as many other transferable skills that are useful in society and a whole range of careers and situations.

Trips & Visits

Art and Photography pupils undertake various study trips throughout the year including visits to major museums and galleries. Regular visiting practitioners enhance Art and Photography students' visual and contextual experience.

Destinations

Many of our pupils go on to study at leading universities and past pupils have been successful in Fine Art, History of Art, Architecture, Product Design, Graphic Design, Computer Modelling and Animation, Games Design, Automotive and Transport Design, Photography, Film and Television Production, Illustration, Special Effects Makeup Design, Interior Design, Art Education, Professional and Commercial Photography,

Click here to learn more about Art & Photography in the Sixth Form