Art
Art is taken by all girls throughout the school until the end of Year 9. Each whole year is divided into three equal groups to allow for team teaching and more individual attention. Each group rotates every six weeks to enable the pupils to experience the teaching of three different members of staff.
Projects are very much focused on producing ideas and developing them with confidence and imagination. All aspects of art skills are covered ranging from painting and drawing, printmaking and textiles to 3-dimensional studies. Girls also have the possibility of doing some photography.
At the beginning of Year 10, girls who have decided to continue will then study for GCSE Art (AQA) when they will have the chance to further their skills across the full range of the Creative Arts.
After the successful completion of GCSE an Art course is offered, leading to Art College and University for those wishing to pursue further art education. Girls trained to have a professional standard and outlook towards art, which facilitates the transition from school to College.
Textiles
Textiles is taught as a technology subject to all pupils in years 7 - 9. The emphasis is placed on understanding Textile design in a historical context and the role it plays in the manufacture of Textile products. Pupils work through a design and then make it; they learn the principles of designing from a brief and processes with textile media.
As an option from year 10 Textiles is offered following the AQA Art and Design (Textiles) GCSE and AS/A level syllabus. The basis of all units is drawing using a variety of methods, media and scale. Pupils then develop an awareness of Textile design and processes increasingly self directing their work. Ultimately following A level they are prepared to move into Higher Education should they wish.
The Textile facilities and media are extensive. These allow the pupils, working in small groups, to experience an extensive range of materials and processes. Trips to museums, galleries or other places to research and resource textiles are a integral part of the curriculum. Ultimately the pupils leave with a significant range of practical skills and a wide appreciation of Art and Design.