Facilities

The Art Department boasts a large, well-equipped studio, with specially designated Sixth Form workstations, and an adjacent smaller studio and an Art classroom. The Department also has a specialist kiln room and set of graphics tablets for digital work.

Key Stage 3

All pupils follow a specially designed programme for Art, Craft and Design here at Withington, which is studied from Year 7 to the end of Year 9. Girls have one double lesson of Art per week. An exciting and varied curriculum is taught through a wide range of disciplines in both two and three-dimensional forms. These include drawing, painting, mixed-media, printmaking, textiles, ceramics, graphics and sculpture. Pupils explore visual, tactile and other sensory experiences to create new, interesting and vibrant artwork. They work with traditional and new media techniques, developing essential skills and nurturing confidence, imagination and creativity. Critical and contextual studies form an important part of each scheme of work. Pupils explore ideas and meanings in the work of artists, craftspeople and designers and learn about the diverse roles and functions of art, craft and design in contemporary life, in historical times and in different cultures. This knowledge and understanding informs and influences their own practical artwork as well as broadening their appreciation of the world around them. Schemes of work are thoughtfully designed to excite, interest, challenge and develop pupils’ creative and technical abilities. They encourage and enable personal development to thrive. The duration of a project is a whole term, allowing the full creative journey to take place, and includes weekly homework, which extends, enriches and supports the coursework undertaken in lessons.

Key Stage 4 and 5

Rich and broad Art, Craft and Design courses are studied at GCSE and A Level here at Withington, and girls produce wonderfully personal, creative and thought-provoking portfolios of artwork. The girls utilise the whole spectrum of techniques and materials, themes and subject matters, and they each select those which are the most appropriate for them. We pride ourselves on working with the girls on an individual level and nurturing the special skills and qualities that each hold.

Extra-Curricular Activities

There is a wide range of exciting and ever-changing extra-curricular Art, Craft and Design opportunities on offer to all pupils in the school. There are weekly lunchtime clubs held in our vibrant and inspiring art studios for all Key Stage 3 year groups and these are run by all of our senior Art Teachers. The art studios are also open each lunchtime and after school for any of our students to continue with their artwork if they choose. Our curriculum is also greatly enriched each year with visits from artists, lecturers and curators who lead inspirational talks and practical workshops. There are educational trips to galleries and museums in which girls can experience engaging with artwork and artefacts first-hand, which is invaluable. The Art Department also run and enter annual art competitions which encourage all pupils to further develop and express their artistic voice.

“In Art, you learn how to be creative and think creatively.”
A Year 7 pupil