As link governor for Art and Textiles, I was delighted to meet with head of department, Mrs Aitken, this week.
Mrs Aitken told me that the department has had a successful year. Year 9 students have continued to enjoy varied and stimulating experiences in art as part of their ‘super-curriculum’, and students’ work at A level and GCSE has been of a consistently high standard. Their art projects are now complete, have been assessed by the external examiners and are on display in preparation for the annual Art and DT show.
During the recent Ofsted inspection, Art was one of the subjects chosen for a ‘deep dive’ inspection, including interviews with staff, discussions with students and lesson observations. This can be stressful for staff, but Mrs Aitken said that they were pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate the enthusiasm and passion that staff have for teaching art, the positive attitudes and hard work of students and the wonderful. creative work students produce. Comments made about the department in the Ofsted report were very positive.
I am now looking forward to the annual Art Show on Wednesday 3rd July, 6.30-8,30pm. All are welcome! Do come along to see the high standard and amazing creativity in the displays of students’ GCSE and A Level course work.
Dr Vicky Hardwick