Head's Blog: Development

Dear Parents,

I was helping to adjudicate the Christmas card competition this week – such a high standard and well done to the winners! Whilst I was in the Art Department, I had the opportunity to see all the Year 8 Art scholars' work and also the DT, pottery and ceramics that had been completed by many other pupils within the school. Wow! As you know, there is a lot of chatter in the press about the lack of focus concerning the Creative Arts in Education, and I am so pleased that Art and Design at Handcross Park is thriving. It is impressive, and I would urge you to pop into the Tomlinson building and have a look if you have a moment.

As we all know, children that are exposed to Art and Design experience the developmental benefits of motor skills and language development (in younger children), decision making, visual learning, inventiveness, pride, creative thinking, problem solving, self-expression … the list is endless. I feel that our Art curriculum allows children to learn new skills, to express themselves and have fun. We also have some excellent teachers – Mr Davis, Mrs Angel and Ms Mara.

I thought that I would share with you some examples of the Year 8 Art scholars (potential) who have been working on their portfolios.