The Art and Design department is concerned with the visual and tactile senses, enabling a pupil to communicate their ideas and demonstrate self-expression. The art studio is a busy and vibrant environment where all pupils are encouraged to make an imaginative response about what they see, feel and think. Pupils are inspired to observe and interpret the world in which they exist creating curiosity and self-confidence within the subject.

All pupils in the Infants, Juniors and Seniors are taught in a specialised art studio fostering continuity and enthusiasm for the subject from a very young age. The children develop their artistic skills through a wide range of materials and techniques such as drawing, painting, textiles, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and ICT. Schemes of work are designed to encourage the pupils creative, technical and personal development. Drawing from observation is fundamental to every aspect of art at all levels and we use a balance of different teaching styles. Children are given the opportunity to work on their own or with others. Pupils are introduced to a variety of artists, designers or craftsperson in relation to their work which helps broaden their understanding and appreciation of the world around them. Pupils who choose to study the subject at GCSE level follow the AQA Art & Design syllabus.

Homework is set in the senior school to extend and stretch the pupils’ in their artwork and develop presentational skills within a sketchbook.

Co-Curricular Activities

The art department runs an art club and pottery club for KS1 & 2 children afterschool. The art studio is open to KS3 &4 pupils’ at lunchtimes for independent work and extra support. Displays around the school and within the local community play an important part in their art education as it celebrates the pupils’ work and their achievements. We have exhibited pupils’ work in several local exhibitions with great success including Macclesfield Silk Museum, Macclesfield library and the annual ISA arts & craft competition. Within school, the annual Beech Hall Inter-house Arts Competition and G.C.S.E. art display is an opportunity to see the very high standard of artwork produced by all our pupils’.

Trips and visits are organised for different year groups and are a great source of inspiration. A recent trip to the Tate Gallery, Liverpool provided a starting point for a G.C.S.E project.

Pupils have the opportunity to become involved in a variety of co-curricular activities and competitions, these include pupils helping with set designs, posters and mural designs.