Art is in itself such an abstract topic, so open to interpretation, that teaching it to a high standard can be an art form in itself. So we asked one high-performing local school how it’s done.
Taught in their newly extended Art and DT building, complete with pottery room, kiln and printing press, and led by Sue McNamara (née Fields) since 2015, the art programme at Marlborough House School in Hawkhurst has helped pupils achieve a 100% success rate for senior school art scholarships.
Matisse-style collage by Year 6 child
This triumph is the result of Mrs McNamara’s thematic and cumulative approach to teaching art; layering the development of techniques, skills and understanding as pupils move up through the Prep School. Pupils are able to access a broad range of media within the classroom and often draw inspiration from their natural environment by heading to the outdoor classroom for some ‘plein-air’ painting. Inspiration also comes in the form of workshops and trips with a popular Aardman Animation Workshop (model makers of Wallace and Gromit fame) hosted at the School and art trips to Brighton Pavilion, the gardens at Great Dixter and further afield to London galleries.
Still Life by Year 8 Art Scholar
Surrealist Illustration by Year 8 Art Scholar
Find out more about Marlborough House, a country Prep School for boys and girls age 2.5-13 years, at their Open Day on 6 March. The School offers competitive fees for entry into Years 7 and 8, and a bespoke learning programme. They also offer a Year 7 Entry Scholarship with an assessment day on 11 March. marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk
You may also like
Something to think about
A Head for 25 years, Mike Piercy is now an educational consultant and school governor. Here, he explains the importance of encouraging reflection The wrapping paper fills the recycling bin, already overflowing with bottles and cardboard. It has been a...
‘Could do Better’
A Head for 25 years, Mike Piercy is now an educational consultant and school governor. Here, he looks ahead to school reports The long Autumn Term draws to a close. Nativity costumes have been procured (not a dry eye in...
Trend Setters
The latest in education fromtwo of our schools Ashford School tells us about theGreat Work Ethic When sixth formers start to think about university, inevitably they have to consider potential career directions and life after study. Teenagers with a clear...
