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The Stopfordian 2011–2012
NOTES FROM LEONARDO
While it is too simplistic to sum up teaching as a series of events
and deadlines that take place over a period of twelve months
and then repeat themselves ad infinitum, it would be easy to
believe that there is a degree of truth to be found in that
definition. I am fortunate, therefore, to be part of a school in
which a serious work ethic exists among the pupils that ensures
that teaching the subject never becomes routine or stale and
where the work that emanates out beyond the department can
been seen across the school throughout the year.
A regular part of the school calendar, and indeed, the
culmination of the year for our GCSE and A level pupils, is the
end of year show. For many this is the stepping stone onto the
next stage of their art education and among our A level
candidates this year were pupils who have been accepted to
study Architecture, Fashion and Photography at degree level
and also onto the Art Foundation course. It is by no means a
straightforward application process for those choosing to
pursue a course in these disciplines however, and, as well as
the work that was displayed as part of their A level show, each
pupil had been required to prepare a separate portfolio and
produce a response to a set task which they then took to
interview. I am pleased to report that all our candidates were
successful in their applications and we wish them well in their
future studies.
Of course, not all those that study the subject at GCSE or A
level choose to opt for an Arts based degree. Nonetheless,
judging by the number of pupils, parents, staff and governors
“It’s not a matter of painting life, it’s
a matter of giving life to painting.”
Pierre Bonnard
who regularly attend the show, there is no doubting the level
of significance they attach to it. This year visitors were once
again treated to a tremendous display of work at each level and
which merited the many praiseworthy comments that were
forthcoming on the night. Perhaps most impressive is the lack
of a ‘house-style’ that exists and the range of media that pupils
use in the development of their work which encompasses
painting, textiles, photography, print and sculpture.
Of course, for there to be a successful end of year show, there
needs to be a prolonged and sustained period of study leading
up to it. For the Sixth Form, this begins with two days spent
out of school making visual recordings (drawing) that are then
used in their subsequent developmental studies when they
return to the studio. This year, we chose to visit a new site,
Salford Quays, as it provided an interesting environment with
plenty of contrasting elements: steel and glass architecture,
reflection, water, perspective etc. This was followed a few
days later with a shorter session around the Castlefield Basin
in central Manchester, another mine of good source material.
These out of school visits are always challenging, and often
attract a good deal of attention from members of the public
(not all of it beneficial to the process!) but the outcomes are
often superb and provide encouragement to those pupils
initially intimidated by the scale of their subject matter.
It is the department’s firm belief that there is real benefit to be
had in understanding the subject in broad terms and, to that
end, the London trip that takes place
early in the Autumn Term is always very
useful. There can be no substitute for
seeing Art ‘live’ and, although the
day can seem quite exhausting, it is
of great benefit in getting pupils to
The Fifth Year on the steps of
The Walker Gallery, Liverpool
respond to the subject and to
develop their critical
understanding. Later in the
year, the GCSE pupils spend
a day visiting the Walker
Gallery in Liverpool and this,
too, is invaluable in assisting
them in their response to the
GCSE examination paper.
Winners of the Oliver! ticket
design competition
We value opportunities for
work to be seen by a wider
audience, both the
competition to design the
front and back cover for the
School Carol Service at St
George’s Church, won by
Gwen Harris and Rebecca
Hill, as well as the ticket
design for the school’s
production of Oliver,
proved to be popular and
attracted a very high
standard of entries.
The Sixth Form outside the National Gallery in London
78 Music, Drama and Art