Art & Design
We are a popular, thriving department situated in the old part of the school with beautifully bright art rooms for all to enjoy.
All our students are given the freedom to create work individual to them, and projects are adapted to draw the best out of each learner. GCSE students explore the formal elements alongside a range of media and techniques, so they are equipped to create artwork that is both skilful, personal and meaningful. Beyond mastering technical aspects, they cultivate the ability to express themselves authentically, fostering a deeper understanding of self-expression and communication through art.
Art at A-level is both challenging and rewarding, and we are always enormously impressed by the technical skill and creativity displayed in the girls’ final works. Whether or not students take the subject forward in future career paths, they benefit hugely from the therapeutic and creative outlet that taking Art at A-level entails.
We are also very proud that our department serves as a sanctuary for students’ mental well-being. Engaging in artistic endeavours provides an outlet for self-reflection, stress relief and emotional expression. By fostering a safe space for creativity, the department plays a crucial role in promoting mental health and resilience among students from across the school.
In Upper 3 – Upper 4 students enjoy a one-hour Art & Design lesson each week, following an exciting range of creative projects where skills are developed in drawing, painting, design and 3D work including clay modelling. We enjoy experimenting with a range of mediums and have seen our students create wonderfully imaginative, creative and very skilful pieces which are grown from initial concept to brilliant completion.
This exciting and enjoyable practical course develops students’ creativity and visual literacy. It encourages an enquiring approach, develops practical as well as analytical and communication skills. Students will develop as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds. During the course, students will visit galleries and take part in a whole day Artist in Residence workshop. The achievements of all students are celebrated in the group Art Exhibition held at the end of the course.
Studying Art & Design will develop the valuable visual and practical skills which are valued in many careers from Architect, Design Engineering to Medicine.
The aim of A-level Art & Design is to develop students’ intellectual, imaginative and creative abilities. The course will enable students to work within a broad context of Art & Design, covering a range of disciplines including drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media and both digital and traditional film and darkroom photography. Students are fully supported and encouraged to develop as creative individuals where their own interests can and should shape the work they do.
Meet Mr Hurd-Thomas, Head of Art & Design
Mr Hurd-Thomas studied Art History at Cambridge before going on to complete an MA in Photography at De Montfort University. After several years working variously as a freelance photographer, university lecturer and architectural draughtsman he decided to explore the possibility of becoming a school teacher and has never looked back.
As a teacher his passion is for introducing young people to the creative process. Art is an amazing vehicle for this, and he remains inspired and delighted by the way his students grow in confidence and ambition as they engage with their creative practice.
Outside school, as well as making art, Mr Hurd-Thomas lives a rich creative life, working in theatre and storytelling, and writing poetry and songs. He loves walking and camping, and spending time with his wife and two grown-up children.
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