Art

Art is a crucial and ever developing subject at Dean Close Prep. The department aims to inspire, enthuse and give every pupil an interesting and creative experience where they can develop their knowledge, understanding and a variety of skills. Each pupil is encouraged to achieve high standards, be adventurous and experiment with a variety of media and processes. Sketchbooks are a vital part of their independent learning and pupils are encouraged to make every effort with this aspect to help develop their confidence and extend their capabilities in the subject.

The light and airy purpose built art and pottery rooms provide excellent facilities for painting, drawing and collage as well as ceramics, sculpture and textiles.

Art Department Rationale

Art and Design is an important subject within the curriculum, providing opportunities for all pupils to explore and develop their skills and ideas. Pupils’ understanding and enjoyment of art and design is paramount and is encouraged through activities that develop their knowledge and understanding, whilst also improving and developing their skill level.

Our aims are:

• to provide pupils with the opportunity to learn new skills, develop imaginative responses, record feelings, express ideas, stimulate their creativity and imagination.
• to provide structured schemes which cover a wide variety of topics and incorporate the use of various materials, techniques and processes.
• to encourage pupils to become aware and develop an appreciation of the importance of Art and Design in everyday life and contributions made by past, present and future artists and designers.
• to help develop visual awareness and vocabulary in pupils.
• to encourage pupils to be experimental and selective with materials to acquire skills and develop an individual artistic style.
• to develop pupils’ ability to discuss and evaluate their work (and that of others), and share their ideas and opinions.

• to develop pupil’s’ self-confidence and take pride in their work.

Curriculum Guidelines

Pupils will:

• undertake a programme of observational work in which they will record closely what they see and what they recall from memory.
• undertake imaginative and expressive activities recording their ideas and feelings and exploring their imagination.
• explore the formal elements of art: line, tone, colour, shape, form, texture and pattern.
• become familiar with a range of artists and styles, and develop their knowledge of art history and other cultures.
• learn a range of skills including drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, sculpture, pottery, 2-D and 3-D work, collage and digital media. (This will involve individual and group work).
• use various materials and equipment safely.
• explore cross-curricular themes where appropriate.
• make use of art books in the department and carry out their own research using the internet to back up or inspire subsequent work.
• be shown examples of artists work relevant to their own work being produced in class.
• be expected to work to their highest ability aiming for achievable goals for a sense of achievement. Differentiation strategies will be implemented which will reinforce this.

• be given a sketchbook in which they complete weekly tasks covering a range of topics and activities.

Art Scholarship Information

Dean Close Prep School encourages pupils with a particular interest and talent to take an Art scholarship at 11+ and 13+. Pupils are expected to produce a portfolio of work that demonstrates their commitment, enthusiasm and potential whilst showing imagination and sound technical ability. Pupils awarded an 11+ scholarship have the opportunity to work on their own projects outside the classroom and benefit from extra time and tuition from the Head of Art.