Art

Art and Design at Shrewsbury exists to encourage independent thinking skills and to develop creativity and imagination. Pupils gain practical, technical and critical skills, learn about arts and crafts from a range of periods and cultures, and explore and develop visual language. Art and Design is an essential element in the development of the whole person, and we prepare interested pupils for successful entry into universities worldwide.

The Art department at Shrewsbury International School has an "open-all-hours" policy. Many students use the art facilities during break-times and after school hours. Through this policy, we encourage self-motivation, self-confidence and self-discipline, at the same time helping pupils enjoy the practical side of making art. All materials are provided by the school and departmental staff are on hand throughout the day. Art is considered a contemplative subject and pupils are expected to work quietly, showing respect for others at all times.

Our Artist-in-Residence scheme allows pupils to work alongside professional practitioners as part of their coursework.

We organise a number of field trips to support studies in Art and Design so that students can experience the local environment and cultures further afield. We involve pupils with the local community and contribute to projects outside of the school.

Each year we organise a project where staff and pupils throughout the school are invited to contribute to a major exhibition. Last year the title was "What is beautiful?", and the school community was asked to provide a response using digital media. This was a huge success, with pupils and staff contributing work of an outstanding standard.
 
The department has enjoyed significant success in recent years with pupils achieving 'Best in the World' and 'Best in Thailand' in the CIS examinations for the past 3 years.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 the department follows guidelines set by the National Curriculum for England and Wales. Pupils follow a structured course in the use of a variety of materials, leading to the practical development of their own ideas. At Shrewsbury, we encourage pupils to "think big". We generally work on a large scale, encouraging plenty of personal expression. 

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 students work towards IGCSE, following the Cambridge (UCLES) Examination syllabus. This involves completing four practical assignments. The topics covered aim to stimulate students' imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation and analytical ability. Students are expected to show clearly and in detail, the development of their ideas from initial attempt to final solutions. There is a practical examination with a written content, but there is no written examination.

Sixth Form

Sixth Form students follow the UCLES A/S and A Level syllabus. Pupils throughout the school work in the disciplines of Painting and Drawing, Sculpture, Ceramics and Digital Graphics, including Photography and Film.

From the outset we encourage pupils to be adventurous and bold in their approach to the subject, which has helped to create an innovative and vibrant Art Department. We aim for Art and Design to be at the forefront of developing a creative ethos in this exciting school.

Peter Douglas,

Head of Art and Design