Art
Introduction
The exceptional two-storey Art School was purpose-built in 1995 and provides a versatile and creative environment within which our students can immerse themselves in an exciting range of artistic endeavours and fully explore their talent and potential. The facility boasts excellent studio spaces for specialist work in 2 and 3 dimensions with individually allocated work areas for Sixth Form Scholars.
Although the department is run with a Fine Art emphasis, with painting, drawing, sculpture and ceramics being particular current strengths, additional facilities for printmaking, digital photography and IT are up and coming and proving very popular and effective disciplines.
Art is a vital and thriving subject at Dean Close and it is always noted by visitors how incredibly good the standards are. Art is high profile with students work exhibited all around the school. The department ethos is on individuality and ownership so the work that the scholars' produce is diverse and very personal.
Every year we have students who graduate to continue their artistic education in some of the country's most acclaimed Art Schools including Central St Martin's, Chelsea School of Art and Camberwell. In 2007, 14 out of the 16 students studying A2 level Art & Design achieved a grade A.
Departmental Philosophy
Art fosters the imagination and self-expression through a response to the visual world. It brings self-awareness, confidence and both intellectual and manual skills.
Art is a subject for everyone, not purely the talented elite, and each scholar needs individual tuition to help them to realise their particular strengths. As the sculptor Eric Gill wrote, "An artist is not a special person but every person is a special kind of artist!"
The environment in the Art department enables the scholars to work in a creative and personal manner, knowing that their endeavours will be encouraged and their opinions listened to and respected. The philosophy of the department is to provide disciplined study in an informal atmosphere.
The principal aim of the Department is to provide for the scholars of Dean Close School, the facilities the guidance and the expert help, the stimuli and encouragement necessary, to enable successful study of the subject.
Individual confidence is first developed through the framework of clear, well organised and exciting projects directed by the teacher. As scholars develop, these starting points become more thematic/stimuli driven, allowing individuals to make Art that reflects their own concerns, interests and issues.
The Department Staff set a high priority on catering for "the individual" and seeing to it that the artistic side of the personality is allowed to grow and mature and flourish.
An appreciation of both contemporary Art and that of the past, through discussion, analysis, transcription, interpretation and response, is considered vital at all stages and is fully integrated into all schemes of work.
Museum visits and trips, both locally and further afield, are considered essential for developing knowledge and understanding of Art, in its various forms, and providing essential stimulus and support for scholars studies.
The BonBernard Gallery provides the opportunity to display external exhibitions on a local and national basis on site bringing Art works directly to the students.
Display of the scholars own work is of course also important in terms of motivation and creating a sense of purpose and pride.