At Wetherby, our Art and Design Department is built on a clear and ambitious vision: to develop confident, creative and adaptable young people who are prepared for future careers that do not yet exist. In a rapidly evolving creative landscape, we believe pupils need more than technical skills; they need curiosity, independence, resilience and an authentic understanding of the creative industries.
Our innovative curriculum is fully embedded within real-world creative practice. Pupils regularly engage with live and recorded industry videos from world-renowned artists and designers, including illustrators, game designers, architects, footwear designers, photographers and fine artists. These professionals share insight into their creative processes, career pathways and current industry demands. The content directly feeds into classroom learning, ensuring pupils understand how their skills apply in contemporary contexts and how art and design continue to evolve at pace.
Teaching is enriched by carefully tailored lessons and specialist clubs that respond to pupils’ passions and interests. Opportunities include LEGO design, ceramics, photography, automotive design, animation and digital illustration. Alongside structured curriculum projects, pupils participate in one-off workshops and enter national and international competitions, giving them experience of working to real briefs, deadlines and creative constraints. This approach enables pupils to begin developing professional-style portfolios from as early as Year 3.
The physical learning environment reflects this ambition. Our art room has been transformed into a professional studio space that encourages experimentation, collaboration and independence. Pupils see themselves not simply as learners, but as emerging artists and designers. To further connect pupils with the wider creative world, we have launched our own departmental Instagram platform, celebrating pupil work and showcasing the department’s industry-driven approach.
A highlight of the year is our termly exhibition evening, a truly unique event that brings together a professional physical exhibition with a virtual, immersive gallery experience using VR headsets. These exhibitions celebrate pupil achievement, creativity and progression, while allowing parents to experience the curriculum in a powerful and memorable way.
Curriculum pathways are carefully designed for progression and inspiration:
- Year 3 pupils explore creativity through an “Is It Cake?” project and a fashion design unit inspired by influencer artist Hannah Lipsey,with over 100,000 followers.
- Year 4 complete an edible art project linked to artists such as Sarah Graham.
- Year 5 investigate African mask design, connecting cultural understanding with industry expertise from specialists including Toby Mobbs.
- Year 6 produce an “Under the Sea” animation project informed by professional animator Peter Clark and illustrator Anna Burham.
- Year 7 explore surrealism through advertising, fashion and game design contexts.
- Year 8 undertake an in-depth portrait project inspired by leading professional portrait artists, including Sara Gregory, winner of Portrait Artist of the Year.
The Wetherby Art and Design Department is not just an art department; it is a creative hub that lives and breathes the industry. Through innovation, ambition and authentic industry connections, we empower pupils and inspire parents, preparing the next generation of creative thinkers, designers and artists for the future. Follow our Wetherby Prep Art Instagram page to find out more! https://www.instagram.com/wetherbyprepschoolarts/
