The Lower School at Sevenoaks LS_book_single_pages | Page 42

In the Art department, pupils follow a structured programme of exploration of a range of media and processes. The aim is to expose the student to as varied a series of creative tasks as possible to foster individual strengths, confidence and excitement about the potential for self-expression in visual media. The emphasis is on observation and experimentation, with the intention that pupils will increasingly recognise and develop their ability to solve creative problems with lively independence and informed purpose, gradually discovering and refining their creative voice. The studios are a welcoming environment where students of all ages work on developing visually engaging outcomes. Key to this is an open, accessible space where students have free access during their free time. Working alongside Sixth Form students enables younger pupils to see and discuss their work and creates a sense of collaborative creative purpose and ambition. After-school clubs offer a relaxed but stimulating environment for independent development or exploration of specialist areas such as ceramics. Examples of students’ work of all ages can be viewed at: www.sevenoaksschoolart.org Projects are often structured as thematic responses, encouraging freedom and exploration. For example, initial observations might be recorded through drawing and these developed into more sustained, personal work. ICT plays an ever-changing and exciting role in developing creativity when used as a tool to facilitate and discover visually arresting imagery. In recent years Lower School students have shot and edited movies on iPads, and explored the power of Adobe software such as Photoshop and Lightroom alongside exploring more traditional approaches to photography. 40 the lower SCHOOL | AT SEVENOAKS