Art & Design

Each and every pupil can succeed in Art and Design. It is a myth that one must be born talented to achieve high standards in this subject. Pupils of all abilities have successfully pursued studies in higher education and made careers in this subject’s numerous exciting areas. With effort and enthusiasm inevitably comes success.

Everything is designed so that the fundamental and essential nature of this subject is appreciated. To be able to design in the fullest sense, one must be able to draw. Art and Design therefore, is on one hand a single subject, and on the other hand, two subjects, inextricably linked, in one.

We aim to make lessons purposeful and pleasant, encouraging each pupil to use taught techniques and given materials in an individual way, to be analytical, imaginative and creative. Homework is set from Year 7 and complements class projects.

At present, we offer GCSE and A level courses in Art and Design. Both courses include coursework covering an interesting range of areas. Pupils study Fine Art disciplines, such as still life, pictorial composition, analytical study, figure drawing and 3D, plus Graphic Design and Art History. Many of the students go on to Art College, indeed all those who have wished to go have been successful. Help with portfolio preparation and interview technique is given.

Visits to galleries and museums in London, Kent and Paris give invaluable first hand experience of great original works of art and design. Workshops by visiting artists further widen the pupils’ experience and give them insights into other cultures. We have a link with an African art group based in London.

Whenever possible, we display pupils’ work in public, exhibition work produced by every year group, thereby ensuring an equal chance for all. We are constantly increasing exhibition spaces within the School. Pupils are entered for major Art competitions and produce artwork for school theatrical productions and magazines. Our pupils have undertaken major panel paintings for such bodies as P & O Ferries, Demelza House Children’s Hospice and Whitfield Primary School and original graphics work for Dover District Council and local companies.