Art and Design Technology
Art and Design Technology are taught throughout the school from the Foundation Stage to Year 8. From Year 4, boys have specialist lessons every week but younger boys also have the opportunity to work with a specialist teacher in the Art room for specific projects and focused tasks.
Art
The curriculum strikes a balance between imaginative work and more academic drawing and colour work. Each term we work to a particular theme, looking at a variety of artists and styles for inspiration whilst building on our observational skills.
The boys work with a whole range of materials including watercolour, wire, plaster and clay. We have a kiln and the boys create some wonderful ceramics.
We visit a variety of galleries and museums in conjunction with our studies, including The Tate Modern, The Hayward Gallery and the V&A. We have many visiting artists during the school Arts Festival and run a whole school Art Exhibition and sale every two years. Our boys have also been extremely successful at having their work shown at the annual Royal College of Art exhibition.
A strong Art Scholarship programme runs for boys in Years 6 to 8 and we have a good record of gaining scholarship places to upper schools.
Design Technology
The main emphasis of the Design Technology curriculum is on problem solving. Through focused practical tasks the boys learn new skills and how to handle tools and materials safely. This helps them to create interesting and informed designs which they have the opportunity to make.
The boys work on a range of projects covering structures, mechanisms, graphics and textiles amongst other things. They have created a wide range of designs from wallets and T-Shirts to fairground rides and moving monsters.
We are also lucky enough to have parents who work in the design industry who come into school to talk about their careers. This gives the boys a clear idea of the importance of design and technology in the real world.
Boys in Years 6-8 are also able to take part in the scholarship programme.
