Art

It is the Art Department's aim to inspire each pupil studying Art to be able to consider their response to the surrounding world and to explain their connection to it. It also aims to offer a challenging and exciting course, allowing pupils to experiment with a broad range of ideas, materials and techniques. We want pupils to develop their creative, imaginative, intellectual and intuitive powers and the department devises courses that are focused, stimulating and demanding and which reflect the aims of the College.

We aim to encourage and support each individual to have the independence to explore fully their creative potential and to problem-solve imaginatively. Pupils are expected to aim high, to reach an understanding of the material in hand and are then encouraged to present their own creative response.

Every project will involve considering the work of other artists. We want pupils to have an understanding of the interrelationships between art and design and an awareness of the contexts in which they operate. We want to promote the importance of developing knowledge and understanding of Art and design in contemporary society and in other times and cultures.

Drawing is an essential part of the course and the pupils will be introduced to a large range of methods and reasons to draw. The pupils use sketchbooks at home and in lessons, as a way of documenting their ideas as each project develops. The pupils will learn to evaluate their own work and the work of others.

Pupils will be introduced to a range of study skills associated with Art, which will support the development of their own practice and their studies in other subjects. Pupils' investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills will be developed as well as their aesthetic understanding and critical judgement.

Please also see the Pupils' Art page.