Frensham understands the point of teaching art is to create an attitude of mind to

The creative arts are in a position to make an essential contribution to the intellectual and emotional development of each of us.  To inspire an appreciation of the role creative arts can play in a lifetime of personal growth is central to our ambition as a Department.

We provide a well-planned and resourced curriculum where students have the opportunity to experience a wide range of process areas and domains within the Creative Arts.  We seek to achieve an effective balance between the acquisition of process related skills and the development of an individual's creative imagination and understanding of design, alongside the development of broader learning and thinking abilities.

Within Fine Art students have the opportunity to explore drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and mixed media work. 

In Design Technology students focus on the design process in the context of resistant materials, progressing to a Product Design specialism at A level.

The Three Dimensional Design courses up to GCSE, allow students to work in ceramics, sculpture and design orientated construction, complementing the Fine Art and Design Technology courses.

Students can study History of Art at AS level, where they extend their critical understanding, powers of analysis and appreciation of art and design in social, political and cultural contexts.

The integration of digital imaging and new media progressively informs the creative and design aspects of all courses, both as a research and development tool and as a means of production in its own right.

Developing a student's knowledge and understanding in relation to media, materials and techniques will enable them to make decisions from an informed perspective.  This in turn, will allow students to express and communicate ideas, feelings and emotions with conviction and a strong sense of personal ownership whether in art, craft or design contexts.

Knowledge and understanding relating to techniques, concepts and meanings in the work of other artists, designers and craft-workers from a wide range of cultures is important in inspiring students, contextualising their learning and building the confidence necessary to promote risk taking and a personal sense of challenge.

Central to the design technology curriculum is an exploration of the relationship between form and function.  The distinctiveness of design is asserted through the identification of a need to be met, a problem to be solved.  Design however, is never entirely utilitarian, the products we produce will ultimately reflect who we are and values we hold.

We have a vision and belief in the potential of creative arts in education to enrich life and relationships and establish values founded on respect for the uniqueness and worth of every person, both as an individual and as a responsible member of a community in a local, national and global context.

Brendan Horstead, Head of Creative Arts.