In the Art Department, skill development, creative thinking and independent learning are integral and pupils explore their artwork and ideas using a wide range of media, processes and methods. Along with the study of art and culture, pupils build their technique and skill base through media experimentation and problem-solving.
The art department is a busy and popular environment with a range of facilities available including an ICT suite specifically for work in design. There are also two classroom spaces; one designated for Key Stage 3 & 4 and another for the Sixth Form.
At Key Stage 3, Art & Design is taught across many different disciplines including three-dimensional design, textiles, graphic communication, printmaking and drawing and painting. Girls get a taster of different areas as they work to build up their knowledge and skill set. Drawing underpins almost every activity and it is expected that all girls will have developed strong drawing skills by the end of Key Stage 3. Girls will then have a clear idea of what is involved at GCSE and A-level Art and Design.
Currently girls can choose to study Fine Art, Graphic Communication and Textiles to GCSE level and A-level (AQA). Girls are supported in crossing over disciplines in readiness for art college and university applications.
Our students are open minded, adventurous and experimental as well as hard working. A-level students are very much an innovative and enthusiastic group of students developing their individual themes whilst exploring ideas and techniques for studio work through integrated contextual study and first-hand observations. They are guided through the research with an emphasis placed upon the student to develop their interests so that they themselves ‘own’ their work. Extra-curricular activities, including extra-curricular sessions in life drawing, art and design club, printmaking and gallery visits, support studio work.
Examination results have been consistently excellent at GCSE and A-level. Pupils have regularly achieved top grades and the department has been commended in the Good Schools Guide. Strong links have been formed with Northern Print and various design groups, local galleries and artists from which the school and the students have benefited enormously. Many of our students go on to study architecture, graphic design, fashion design, photography, fine art and film and animation at reputable art colleges throughout the UK.
