Art and Design

Art Awards may be made at each level i.e. Junior (Year 7), Senior (Year 9), Sixth Form (see Scholarships for further details).

Scholars will be expected to play a full part in the creative life of the art and design department. They would normally be expected to select art as a subject at GCSE and would be strongly encouraged to select art at both AS and A2 level.

Requirements

The Art and Design scholarship exams are held in January and the closing date for applications for 2011/12 is 22nd November 2010.  Candidates are expected to show an appropriate level of technical skill, but more importantly, imagination and a commitment to the subject.  They are required to submit a portfolio of work, take a short practical exam and be interviewed by departmental staff, giving the opportunity to discuss the portfolio and general interests.

The portfolio is one of the most important parts of the Scholarship submission.  It should show an understanding of representational drawing as well as a personal response to the individual's experiences, environment and culture.  The work submitted need not just be drawings and paintings, but may show a broader area of study which might included prints, photographs and ceramics.  Within a portfolio we are looking for an ability to record observations and experiences, develop ideas through various materials and techniques, and communicate ideas and feelings in a visual form.

Candidates must produce, unaided and under supervision, work accompanied by preliminary/ supporting studies.  They are advised to use this period for their preliminary work.  This forms a very important part of the exam.  We are looking for a gathering of ideas from various sources, the development of ideas and an ability to work towards a final piece.