In the Art School at Lancing College, we aim to encourage each student to discover what Art can bring to them as individuals. Since Art is a reflection of life, there is something for every student to engage with creatively, intellectually or personally.
We seek to make connections with other aspects of the curriculum as well as with extra-curricular life. There is scope to take the subject to Advanced level and beyond, with rigour, depth and dedication.
Art is also a route to self-discovery, a vehicle for examining the world around us and a means of exploring the fundamental truths of human civilisation. Art can provide the chance to take creative risks, to experiment and play with materials: Art at Lancing is also, importantly, about having fun!
About the Curriculum
Students follow a two-year course in Art & Design and choose one of two available courses: GCSE Fine Art or GCSE Art Photography.
Both Fine Art and Art Photography are enjoyable subjects, and complement literary, mathematical and scientific studies. Art history, the history of photography and social/critical awareness are important areas studied as part of both courses.
Learning approach
Art pupils are encouraged to arrive with an open mind to the subject. In almost all art activities pupils are required to use independent thought and reasoning skills. The department places great emphasis on the individual; careful analysis of the individual’s progress enables everyone, regardless of aptitude, to be challenged and to work to their strengths.
Portfolio work in the Senior School aims to develop the pupil’s skills base and encourage independent learning. After an interim period of skills based workshops in Fourth Form, pupils devise and develop their own personal project through into Fifth Form, preparing them for Art at A Level.
Enrichment
Pupils will have the opportunity to study work first-hand in galleries, collections or through visits from artists and art historians. These visits will usually support the work of the particular project. Pupils may also be required to make independent visits to galleries during the holidays. The Department organises one visit abroad each year.
The Department offers a number of clubs and activities for pupils, including architecture, photography, life drawing, textiles and ceramics.
