Art class

art and dt

In the Art and Design Department we develop individual creativity through our wealth of resources and expertise. We provide tuition in a wide range of media; painting, 3D design, woodwork, clay modelling, wire modelling, screen printing, pastel work, ink studies, lino reduction printing and 3D printing. Art work is placed into context, Old Masters are taught alongside modern artists. Art Theory is explored and we delve into the artists’ motivations behind the works that we study.

The Art and Design Syllabus are relevant to the current offer within London-based museums and galleries. Class work is enhanced by visiting external workshops and exhibitions in a wide array of London based galleries such as the National Gallery, British Museum, Wallace Collection and V&A Museum. Professional artists regularly visit our Art Room, giving us a valuable insight into the life of an artist and illustrating contemporary practice. Our young artists have been taught by high profile artists such as Tracey Emin, CBE, RA. Our Advanced Artists Programme further develops an individual’s potential by building a portfolio for an Art Scholarship application to senior schools. We have a great track record for attaining Art Scholarships to competitive schools.

The potential is maximised for Art and Design, together with Music and Drama, to enhance all subjects. Projects are designed to encompass a range of concepts and themes and to integrate across the school. For example in Year 3, the Egyptian project will work alongside History, Science and IT and will take the class to the British Museum.

The Art department offers a daily after school Art or Design club; Drawing, Arts and Crafts, Design Engineering and Architecture. We run creative holiday clubs in every school holiday ranging from Design and Engineering to Painting, Drawing and Clay workshops. The annual Art Exhibition for Lower and Upper School professionally displays the boys work, showcasing all of the work created over the year with a series of social events and exhibition evenings.

In the Art Room we encourage peer work and support each other to develop ideas and to grow as artists. We adopt a studio style environment allowing for personal creative journeys and collaborative practice to be explored, extending a sense of empathy and expanding our problem solving skills. The Art & Design offer extends to staff and parents making Wetherby Prep a hive of activity and a truly creative community.

Louisa Murphy
Head of Art