Years 7-9

Girls in Year 7 to 9 follow a carousel of three different areas of study: textiles, two- dimensional art and ceramics. Each area of study is taught for approximately one term. While specialist skills appropriate to each area of study are being learned, girls also learn to draw with greater accuracy and to look at the wider world of Art with a more critical and enquiring attitude to augment their own ideas and improve their own practice as artists. A trip to the Tate Modern gallery is arranged for Year 7 girls each January.

Years 10-11

In Years 10 and 11, girls follow the AQA GCSE unendorsed syllabus over two years. The main essentials of this course are well covered: recording visual information using a variety of media (generally in sketch books); commenting critically on the work of other artists; developing personal ideas in sketch books; and realising a final piece of work after a period of intense practical research. Course enrichment is provided in the form of weekly life drawing classes and visits to major Art galleries and museums.

Post-16 studies

Sixth form students follow the OCR AS and A level Art examination syllabus. Each of these levels takes one year of study and comprises (as of September 2008) a coursework portfolio including a study of a relevant topic in Art, plus a controlled assignment or test.  Substantial preparation is expected before the final timed test is taken in the Summer term. The coursework portfolio is also submitted in the Summer term and should demonstrate not only skill but also imagination, originality and a knowledge of the wider world of Art practice, both past and present. Portfolio advice is given to those intending to apply for a place on a course at an Art college or Architecture faculty.

AQA

History of Art can be studied in the Sixth Form to A level.

Beyond the classroom

As well as the lively studio work that goes on in the Art department on a daily basis, trips are arranged to major Art galleries and museums and to less well-known destinations including (in 2007) the Zabludowicz collection of contemporary art and the Henry Moore Foundation at Perry Green in Hertfordshire. Every two years, a Sixth Form trip is organised to Amsterdam, usually in the October half term. In the intermediate years, an Art Week is held to encourage interest in Art, during which creative activities take place, speakers are invited into school and competitions are held. Links have been established with "The Big Draw" campaign, the "Young at Art" competition and with local art galleries, the Highgate gallery where occasional exhibitions of students' work are held and the Catto Gallery in Hampstead, which has generously established a "Catto Gallery prize for Art" at Channing School.

After-school clubs include ceramics and photography (Middle School), life classes and senior photo club (Upper School and Sixth Form). End-of-year exhibitions are held in the Art studios and school halls. These are public exhibitions, which attract a good deal of local interest.