Art Department News
The KS3 Art students at PGHS have been enthusiastically exploring the Formal Elements of art through a series of hands-on workshops and creative challenges. Focusing on line, tone, texture, colour, shape and form, students have experimented with a wide variety of media including pencil, paint, ink, collage and mixed materials. Their curiosity and willingness to take artistic risks have been impressive, as they investigated how different materials can express mood and meaning. The energy in the classroom has been contagious, with students confidently discussing their discoveries and showing real pride in their developing technical and creative skills.
In their Portraiture project, students turned their attention to self-expression and identity, creating striking face portraits and conducting their own photo shoots. Inspired by the contemporary French artist Brno Del Zou, who deconstructs and reassembles photographic images to explore the complexity of human identity, students experimented with collage and digital layering to produce unique, thought-provoking compositions. They approached this project with great enthusiasm, embracing the challenge of representing themselves in unconventional and expressive ways. The resulting artworks reveal a strong sense of individuality and creativity, reflecting both their confidence and their deepening understanding of portraiture as an art form.
The theme of Architecture allowed students to apply their observational and design skills while studying the visionary artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Known for his colourful, organic buildings, flowing lines and rejection of straight edges, Hundertwasser inspired students to think imaginatively about how art and architecture can blend with nature. Through perspective drawing exercises and imaginative design tasks, students created vibrant, character-filled architectural pieces that celebrated pattern, colour, and individuality. Their inventive use of perspective and composition has shown how confidently they can translate artistic inspiration into original, dynamic work. Key Stage 3 students at PGHS have truly impressed with their creativity, enthusiasm and commitment across all three themes.
The Key Stage 4 GCSE Art students at PGHS have shown exceptional enthusiasm and commitment throughout the year, with both Year 10 and Year 11 impressing their teachers with their creativity and work ethic. Year 10 students have settled into the GCSE course brilliantly, demonstrating strong observational drawing skills and a keen eye for detail. Working on the theme of Natural Forms, they have explored organic shapes, patterns and textures through a variety of media, producing beautiful studies that showcase their confidence and develop technical ability. Their sketchbooks are already full of vibrant experiments and thoughtful compositions, setting a strong foundation for the rest of their GCSE journey.
Meanwhile, our talented Year 11 students are preparing to produce their second final piece for their Coursework Portfolio, and the standard of work is outstanding. The group continues to impress with their creativity, ambition and perseverance, with each student developing a personal and meaningful response to their chosen theme. Their portfolios display an impressive range of skills, from painting and drawing to printmaking and mixed media; all demonstrating careful thought and refinement. The quality and individuality of their work highlight the dedication and artistic maturity of this exceptional cohort who are producing pieces that truly reflect their hard work and passion for art.
Mrs Gerrard
Art Department
