Art, Craft and Design

Art has the power to transform, allowing students to innovate, communicate and view the world through a creative lens.

It provides a unique outlet for self-expression, helping students develop their awareness and understanding of the world around them, to build their skills in observation and interpretation and to explore ways of turning concepts and ideas into concrete objects and images.

I made a king crab for our art unit on food. I had the idea because I really enjoyed eating king crab when we visited Portugal. I find art relaxing and when I’m bored, I like to paint. My favourite type of painting is on clay. I love everything about St George’s, but especially my friends and playing. I am looking forward to going to Secondary because I’ll get to go to different classes and have different teachers for each subject.

Andrea Year 6

Primary

Students in Early Years and Primary enjoy one art lesson each week, where they’re introduced to a variety of techniques and the works of different artists. Projects are aimed at connecting our students with broader learning topics, allowing them to deepen their understanding whilst exploring their creativity.

For example, Year 1 students studying space may assemble space-themed collages and 3D spaceships. Year 4 students, learning about Vikings, bring their history lessons to life by crafting Viking ships using ceramics and textiles.

From the early years through to our Year 6 children, students are introduced to art styles, techniques and practitioners from around the world. They experiment with different approaches, express their individuality, and explore their cultural backgrounds through creative work.

Secondary

Our Secondary section’s Art, Craft and Design programme encourages students to tap into their creativity and critical thinking. With an exciting and dynamic curriculum, students explore both historical and contemporary art movements, gaining insight into the works of diverse artists.

From Years 7 to 9 (ages 11 to 14), all students experiment with a wide range of artistic disciplines, including drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography and textiles. This broad foundation allows them to experiment with different media and start developing their own artistic voices.

As students progress, they have the chance to personalise their learning journey in Key Stages 4 and 5. At 14 and then at 16, students who wish to continue with art in any form, can choose first either GCSE progressing to A Level or BTEC at first Level 2 and then Level 3. There is also flexibility to move between the programmes.

With the GCSE and A Levels, the course has a greater theoretical component, where the BTEC is more practical, with higher levels of coursework.

Secondary Art Highlights

Students are encouraged to enter international art competitions, such as the annual COBIS Art Award. In 2024, our talented Year 13 art student Aislinn was a runner-up in the Key Stage 5 category.

Another highlight for A-level art students is a visit to the National Art Museum to deepen their appreciation and understanding of art history and contemporary practice.

Showcasing Talent

We love celebrating student achievements. Each year, students from all year groups exhibit their work in the highly anticipated annual Art Exhibition. The two-day event, held in the summer term, provides a platform to showcase our students' creativity and artistic growth.