Art
The Waldegrave Art Department is a lively and exciting place. Students value the creative outlet and freedom that Art at Waldegrave allows, as well as appreciating our fantastic resources which enable them to realise ambitious and sophisticated artworks.
Art occupies a unique position in the school curriculum, providing students with the practical and conceptual skills to go on highly rewarding and creative personal journeys. A special language of self-expression and communication, it combines the intuitive, intellectual and emotional faculties. Teaching students to think and act critically and creatively is central to our aims, as is fostering a sense of excitement and possibility, and facilitating works which students create with a sense of pride and achievement.
In Years 7-9, pupils undertake two thematic projects each year. Each project is designed to provide an engaging stimulus for pupils to develop their practical skills. A knowledge of art across a broad spectrum provides stimulus for pupils, inspiration being found in both contemporary and historical forms.
At GCSE, projects are teacher-led initially, becoming pupil-directed later. Pupils work through a process of recording information, developing a theme, experimenting with materials which results in a personal response where they use their own choice of media. All of these processes are underpinned by contextual research.
At A level we offer both Art and Photography. Each year several students choose to undertake art-related further education and gain places on highly competitive art foundation and art and photography degree courses, as well as on art history and architecture courses.Visits to London and local art galleries and industry practitioner workshops inspire students throughout the year.
Not only do students students develop self discipline, resilience and self worth, the subject offers many transferable skills such as time management, working within a team, problem solving and idea development, all of which can be applied within many future career opportunities.
Art occupies a prominent place in the life of Waldegrave. Each year the Art and Photography Exhibition occupies public spaces within the school, celebrating students’ work outside the department. Other exhibitions and art competitions throughout the year create additional exciting platforms for our students to further enrich their experience.