Art

Art and Design is not just a subject to learn, but an activity that you can practise; with your hands, your eyes, your whole personality.

At Coworth-Flexlands School we provide many opportunities for children to experience ‘Art’ in its widest concept. We encourage them to experiment with different techniques and media and teach them the vocabulary required to express ideas and feelings. We do this through: weekly dedicated Art and Design lessons; after-school clubs; scholarship classes; gallery and museum visits; workshops with visiting artists and designers.

In Art and Design three clubs are run for an hour after school every week throughout the year: Tuesday club is for Years 5 and 6, Wednesday club is for Years 1 and 2 and Thursday club is for Years 3 and 4. The clubs are open to all pupils but girls thinking of applying for art scholarships to senior schools are strongly advised to attend the Tuesday club, to work on extra pieces for their portfolios. The clubs offer a wide range of activities that are teacher or pupil led and often, students on work experience from senior schools such as St. Georges, Ascot and Sir William Perkins', come in to assist.

Art and Design is taught by class teachers and assistants in the early years and then by a specialist teacher in Years 3-6. Years 1-6 have one hour a week timetabled for dedicated Art and Design activities and teachers estimate that a further 20% of curriculum time involves Art as a cross-curricular activity. Lessons are taken in the classroom up to Key Stage 2 and thereafter in the Art room.

In Nursery and Kindergarten children experiment with art at will. Work includes easel painting, crayons, chalk, pastels, felt tips, free collage, clay and dough. Teacher led activities happen on a daily basis and include drawing, collage, salt dough, clay, printing, junk modelling and varied paint experiences such as splatter, bubble, marble, sponging and textured. The teacher led activities will link to the current theme or topic web.