Art and Design 

The Art School is open to pupils for a number of creative activities, both for our artists and for enthusiastic non-artists.

M4 Carousel

On entry to the College, all M4 pupils embark on a programme of activities that gives them the opportunity to experience a diverse range of skills. The Art School's contribution to this is significant. In Pottery, pupils are introduced to clay as a material, gain an understanding of its properties and confidence in handling it. The focus is on construction and technique to establish an awareness of 3 dimensional work. In Dry Point Printing, pupils experiment with mark making to create texture and tone. The process extends their drawing skills and also inspires pupils to explore different approaches to drawing. Pupils work with our Resident Artist for the Big Art Project, a team project that challenges preconceptions of what Art can be. It encourages and values a creative and ambitious approach in developing ideas.

Creative Textiles

Open to pupils from all year groups. The course takes place in a fully equipped, purpose built studio. Gaining experience in design, hand stitching techniques and the use of sewing machines, pupils explore the potential of traditional and contemporary methods of constructed textiles. Quilting, appliqué and embroidery are all incorporated to make decorative items. This discipline can also be used by artists to extend their coursework.

Pottery

Open to all year groups, a wide range of skills is taught enabling pupils to explore their creative potential in this area. The course covers many aspects of pottery from developing ideas, practical skills and ceramic theory, including hand built pottery, decoration, glazing and throwing on the potter's wheel.

Art Focus Time

This time is reserved for our exam pupils; they are free to come in to their studio space and to continue developing their coursework. This facility is vital in order to meet the rigorous demands of GCSE, AS and A Level. With access to teaching staff and Resident Artist, advice and support are available if required, but most importantly Art Focus Time provides pupils with the time and space to stand back from their work and to consider a range of creative possibilities and to develop personal direction and enthusiasms. Pupils are engaged and committed, but also enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere in the Art School, that encourages curiosity and independence.