Art and Design
Aims and philosophy
The art department is committed to offering a stimulating environment for a wide range of art practices, in the belief that creativity is a vital part of education. There are facilities for painting, drawing, sculpture and specialist facilities for printmaking. Observational and practical skills are taught in structured lessons to small groups, and there is ample opportunity to experiment with new ideas while learning from the study of old and modern masters.
Curriculum
Art is taught to all girls in years 7-9 and then becomes an option at GCSE.
The GCSE course is an integrated programme of practical and critical study, in which creative work in a variety of media is informed by the study of works of art, craft and design from different periods and different societies. Visits to museums and galleries play an important part in the teaching of art to all ages at Queen’s.
In the sixth form we aim to encourage an adventurous and enquiring approach to art. Girls are expected to produce artwork that embraces a range of ideas and to demonstrate an understanding of past and contemporary art practice. Both the AS and the A level courses provide a strong foundation for further studying art, craft or design or for related activities such as architecture. We do not view art as a vocational subject but one that also develops intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive powers, a critical understanding and practical skills.
