Here at Gatehouse School, from Reception, each class receives designated Art, Design and Technology lessons. These are taught in classrooms or in the small art room by members of the Art Department team.

From Year 2, Art lessons take place in our dedicated Art and Design Studio, where children have access to a wide range of tools, materials and resources.

Pupils are taught a variety of practical skills for constructing both two-dimensional and three-dimensional work. They are encouraged to develop their imaginative and design thinking, make thoughtful choices about materials and processes, and understand how these are used throughout the design–make process. Children are also supported in expressing their own artistic ideas and emotions through their work. In addition, they learn the invaluable skill of interpreting and evaluating both their own work and that of others.

In the Upper Juniors, pupils participate in art workshops and benefit from visits to specialist exhibitions that support curriculum topics. Children can also access a range of specialist after-school art clubs, as well as take part in Inter-House Art and Photography competitions. Pupils and parents are invited to celebrate these achievements at our annual Open Studio art exhibitions for each year group, which are run and hosted by the pupils themselves.