Saint Augustine's Priory School
Education for Life
During this time art is about developing children's creativity and imagination. Activities relate to their own identity and experiences. These activities include painting, clay, collage and sculpture. Children explore the visual, tactile and sensory qualities of materials and equipment.
The formal elements of line, tone, texture, pattern and shape begin to be explored. As they progress girls learn about the work of artists and designers. They begin to make judgements, form opinions and make more complex practical decisions.
Art is taught to all pupils between the ages of 11 and 14. Building on the early years, girls will study drawing, painting, printing, mixed media, design and sculpture, and are taught about artists and designers and different periods of art from a variety of cultures. This appreciation of art is helpful as the students progress with their own work and develop different styles.
Click here to see samples of the younger pupils' Christmas Card designs.
On average pupils will study three projects a year. Each project involves preparatory work in the form of drawings using different materials (plus sometimes photographs). Work is developed into a final piece in a selected material like paint or papier mache.
At the end of Upper IV, pupils may choose to study art as a GCSE exam course.
Pupils continue to be taught drawing, painting, printing, mixed media and sculpture. The girls’ appreciation of art is encouraged and subjects broadened as the girls progress with their own work, developing a personal style and making increasingly complex critical judgements. The course consists of two units of coursework split into four projects. Each project involves preparatory work in the form of drawings, in a variety of materials, along with photographs and experiments showing the development of ideas. Work is developed into a final piece like a painting sculpture or installation. The final exam takes place over two days in May of the second year. The eight week preparation period (excluding holidays) begins after half term in the spring.
All work is displayed in a final exhibition in June/July of the summer term. Family, friends and school staff are invited to view the work.
Click here to see samples of GCSE work from 2005 Art Exhibition
Pupils are taught drawing, painting, printing, mixed media and sculpture. As before, each project involves preparatory work in the form of drawings in a variety of materials along with photographs and experiments showing the development of ideas.
Work is developed into a final piece like a painting sculpture or installation. Drawings are based on direct observation, the imagination and secondary sources. Pupils keep a work journal/sketch book for each project.
Life drawing from direct observation of a female model forms an important part of the AS course and part of the A2 course. Exams take place in May of each year. The six week preparation period (excluding holidays) begins after half term in the spring.
All work is displayed in a final exhibition in June/July of the summer term, to which friends, family and staff are invited.
Click here to see samples of A-level work from 2005 Art Exhibition
Gallery visits are frequently organised for pupils on all courses in order to view a wide range of work appropriate to their age and interests. Visits to degree shows are arranged for older students. Visiting artists also bring their work in to show students and lead workshops.
Extra curricular Art is offered at selected lunchtimes and occasionally after school, further details are available at School.
The School celebrates the success and achievements of students by displaying numerous paintings, sculptures and pieces of artwork around the school.