Over recent years there has been much concern over the future of the arts in schools, with some schools investing ever more time in the EBacc subjects like English, Maths and Science.
At The Wensleydale School and Sixth form we have always protected the time that we devote to art, music and drama from Year 7 right the way up to Year 11. We value the arts and understand the enormous benefits they give to students in raising their self-confidence and developing a love for the world around them.
As a musician myself, I remember the way in which being involved in music at school helped me to come out of my shell. I remember, at the tender age of 13, playing the opening notes of ‘Mars’ from ‘The Planets’ on the timpani at the Royal Albert Hall – an experience which certainly taught me how to deal with nerves!
In this month’s article, I would like to showcase the work of two of our GCSE Art & Design students. Both students are in the process of completing their final art portfolio and they have kindly shared with me some of their sketches along with a short explanation of the rationale behind their work.
Millie Riley, Year 11
I have been using a wide range of art materials within my coursework and really love capturing detail with pencil and graphite. To challenge myself in the mock Art exam I wanted to produce a piece of work that celebrated my Grandad. I did some blending and tone experiments before I started.
To help get the proportions accurate I used an enlargement grid to help me. I have been inspired by the work of Anna Mason who captures natural objects with incredible realism.
Rebecca Kilker, Year 11
My artwork has been predominantly inspired by the rich natural world of the Yorkshire Dales. I find every season, and every animal to be full of inspiration, and I love taking the natural world and capturing it on paper. My favourite media to work in would be graphite, because I find that I can include a wide range of tonal details, although watercolour also provides a wonderful effect for certain species. I also try to link some of my pieces to the outside world, and for one of my pieces, I decided to create a link to the World Wars. The subject was an elephant, and I thought it could be particularly poignant to create the connection with the cruelty of the ivory trade and the First World War. Another piece I loved developing was my kingfisher, as I hoped the delicacy of the watercolour could capture effectively the beauty of the feathers and depth of the colours.
I am sure you will agree that both students have excelled themselves and I wish them both well as they prepare for their final exams. However, they are just the tip of the iceberg – our school is full of hugely talented artists, musicians and actors and it is a real privilege to work with them.
Mr Andy Wilkinson, Deputy Headteacher
