Art & Design
“The only time I feel alive is when I’m painting"
(Vincent Van Gogh)
When God creates an artist, he does so with the talents and abilities necessary to see his beauty and truth in the world, and lead others to them. The call of the artist is a personal one that comes from God.
“You are God’s masterpiece created in Christ to do good works” Ephesians 2:10
Artistic creation and appreciation have always played a powerful part in people’s lives as a pleasurable activity providing fulfilment through life. People of every culture have the need to share ideas, opinions and feelings through art and design. It helps the development of imagination, the ability to think laterally and in understanding the sensory world around us.
Aspiration
“It is not where you start but how high you aim for success” Nelson Mandela
Knowledge of the work of artists, designers and creative thinkers from different traditions and times, contributes significantly to developing cultural understanding and enhances learning across the curriculum. Students experience important works and ideas, about individuals/groups art and are motivated to aspire to their own excellence.
Dedication
“Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working” Pablo Picasso
Through creative activities students are taught the importance of a growth mindset and ‘grit’ - appreciating that artwork expertise comes with time and purposeful practice.
Students are encouraged to recognise that they will make mistakes along the way, but with effort, engaging with feedback and self-reflection, they can always improve further.
A wide range of artistic experiences makes students aware of their own creativity, offering a unique way of communicating and developing self-confidence and esteem.
Creativity
“Creativity is intelligence having fun” Albert Einstein
Art is an inspiring and engaging subject using creativity and developing a critical understanding. Students experiment and explore a range of ideas/media with observational drawing at the core of everything we do. We encourage individual experimentation and using both creativity and imagination pupils make art, craft and design activities within a variety of contexts. They acquire broad subject knowledge and draw upon other disciplines
Risk-taking
“Creativity takes courage!” Henry Matisse
Pupils learn to take risks, (mistakes are proof they are trying), becoming resourceful, innovative and capable citizens. They develop a critical understanding of art and design’s impact on daily life.
Art education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of society.