Putney High School

Art & Design

'Without Art, the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable'. George Bernard Shaw

This exceptional department has a Fine Art ethos and comprises three specialist teachers, who are practising artists, and two part-time technicians. Work is undertaken in four studios, one dedicated to the use of sixth form students.  Years 7-9 are taught in groups of about twenty; GCSE groups can be up to 15 in size. The main focus of the department is driven by the study and practice of drawing and painting. Specialist printmaking facilities exist in order to explore possibilities in engraving, drypoint, lino and wood cut, silkscreen and relief. Sculpture and 3D work is also extensive and possibilities exist to construct using wire or willow and cast and carve plaster as well as using varied mixed media sources.  

Years 7, 8 and 9 have two periods of Art each week. A broad programme exists involving the study of two and three-dimensional work and related critical and contextual studies. Sketchbooks are seen as essential to the creative process and students are encouraged to develop them from year 7 – they frequently grow into extensive visual journals. There is an emphasis on developing the ability of all students to see clearly and record visually from direct observation as an appropriate basis for the work made. Studios are used extensively at lunchtimes and after school.

Both the GCSE and A Level courses are well subscribed.

GCSE

Between 40 and 60 students a year choose to study Art at GCSE level.  We currently follow the AQA syllabus unendorsed option.  We admit all who wish to take the course irrespective of ability although a facility for drawing and an enthused approach are considered important. Recently all students have achieved A*, A or B grades.

AS & A Level

At A/S and A/2 Levels, the Edexcel examination specification Painting, Drawing and Printmaking and Sculpture option is followed.  We have up to 25 students in each year, all again gaining A or B grades. Both year groups have a weekly life drawing class, which is sometimes taught by visiting artists. The standard of work is high and ambitious and many of the year group apply for Art Foundation courses, usually gaining places at first choice colleges, typically Wimbledon, Camberwell, Byam Shaw or Chelsea.  Additionally, some students gain places directly to read Fine Art, Architecture or Graphic Design at university.

The department maintains lively and challenging displays of work throughout the school. Each examined group has a comprehensive end of year exhibition with a private view and we participate in external exhibitions and competitions; recently the joint schools exhibitions at St. Paul’s School and Emmanuel school, a joint exhibition with Kings' College School in Wimbledon and an award in the prestigious ‘Young at Art ‘ competition.  Recently Putney students exhibited work alongside members of the ISADA organisation at Rugby school.

'Art is Art, everything else is everything else.' Ad Reinhardt

 

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