Art
In Reception two afternoons a week are dedicated to adult-led activities which the children develop. These too, will enhance the topic or theme set out in the Early Learning goals. In addition, pupils have access to resources for child-initiated art activities such as glue, scissors, craft materials, paper, pens and pencils. When the weather allows, children can take these resources outside.
The annual, week-long, residential trip for Years 5 & 6
always includes an art activity. Last year we sketched plants and structures
at the Eden
Project in Cornwall. Next May, we will create sketches of seascapes in
Yorkshire and use these back at school to paint canvasses.
In Art and Design we reinforce key skills with a quick demonstration
of techniques at the beginning of every lesson. This boosts the confidence
of all pupils. Use is made of ICT at the start of
a project to show the work of various artists and designers and each
child is encouraged
to research, in order to develop ideas and build up a personalised sketch
book. The Art room is open most lunchtimes for keen students
to expand their ideas.
Year 6 pupils produced a flower arrangement for the flower festival at a local church and children design programme covers for productions. Art work also forms an important part of the School Magazine and newsletters.
Every year we exhibit art, crafts, photographs and poetry at the Chobham Show and this September we won the prize for the school gaining the most points for winning entries. Display boards in all areas of the school show pupils' art work and each term everyone is eligible for selection for Artist of the Term, when the winning pieces are framed and displayed. A second, framed art exhibition with a piece from every pupil in the school took place in the spring term.
In International Week, artists from different cultures perform and run workshops .A mosaic designed and made by all pupils adorns the building in the new courtyard, welcoming all to our school and a ceramic structure made by all pupils is planned for the new peace garden.
Girls are encouraged to enter for scholarships in the arts at their chosen senior schools.
