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ARTS & DESIGN

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BEHIND THE SCENES

BEHIND THE SCENES

It has been a busy, wonderful year in the Art department, and coming towards the end of the final term allows us to reflect on all that has transpired over the last few terms. The exuberance of the lessons and how much the pupils have progressed creatively and skillfully despite the unavoidable rollercoaster of lessons being online at times has been a thrill to witness.

We began the first term with the typical energy and excitement that comes with the beginning of the academic year which was then amplified by the joy and anticipation of starting in a brand new school. The Art department was certainly a blank canvas and the pupils from Years 5 and up were invited to start by making the first marks. Inspired by artist Jen Stark, pupils began working on a large scale collaborative piece to brighten up a corner of the room. And what an eye catching mark they managed to achieve. The drip style paintings, when put together certainly became a talking point for visitors. What a great beginning to the school year!

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Returning to school in person after a combination of online and blended learning was enlightening and the physical presence in the department, access to equipment and materials never seemed so welcome and inviting. The department was bustling in ways that were sorely missed. This was evident when pupils across the senior school joined together to create a collaborative and cross curricular mural for International Women’s Day. Challenged to think about motivational women and things to aspire to be, pupils made a life size collaged female figure with feathered wings to represent our unique qualities. Everyone was then invited to write encouraging and empowering words to motivate each other. The finished artwork is beautiful and reflects a wonderful collaboration of meaningful artmaking!

It is clear that pupils have worked very hard this year and within their projects have learned about essential art concepts such as the Formal Elements of Art, different art techniques, and were also inspired by famous artists and art movements. It has been fulfilling to have been able to recognize and celebrate their artistic learning by displaying art work proudly around the school. Pupils were also able to share a taster of their hard work and creativity with their family during the recent Stem innovation day.

Art is about learning through practice and research, through making, through doing and through creating. Throughout the year, pupils have been challenged, encouraged to express themselves and take risks in creating art, helping them to develop a sense of innovation that will be important throughout their learning and in their adult lives. Next year, we are looking forward to developing these young artists further still and wait in anticipation for their creativity and skills to be shared with you again.

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