It’s been an exciting year of creativity and innovation in the Junior School’s Art, Design & Technology department, where pupils have tackled a wide array of hands-on, imaginative projects.
Throughout the year, pupils have explored the work of a diverse range of artists, both past and present. In Art lessons, our girls studied the bold dots of Yayoi Kusama, the thought-provoking street art of Banksy, and the expressive cut-outs of Henri Matisse. These artistic icons provided inspiration for the girls’ own interpretations, created using various media and techniques. These studies not only deepened their understanding of artistic expression but also encouraged them to find their own creative voice.
A highlight this year was the introduction of a topic on Stone Age art. Year 3 pupils were transported back in time as they examined the imagery created by early humans. They made their own ‘cave’ panels using Modroc to add texture and authenticity to their designs. This immersive project offered a fascinating intersection of history and art, and the children relished the opportunity to create something both tactile and visually impactful.
Design & Technology lessons have also been a hive of activity and invention. In Year 5, pupils combined creativity with technology by designing and making night lights. They were introduced to coding software, which allowed them to programme colour sequences for the lights within their structures – blending engineering and aesthetics in a modern learning experience. Year 3 pupils enjoyed designing and constructing their own marble runs, learning about forces, motion and the importance of precise construction.
Meanwhile, Year 6 pupils took on the challenge of upcycling old clothes into new and useful items. This eco-conscious project sparked discussions about waste reduction while developing valuable sewing and design skills. They also visited the ‘Little Hands Design’ studio, where they turned unwanted school uniform into adorable plush toys using sewing machines. This hands-on experience was not only fun but also highly rewarding, giving the children a sense of pride in reusing and repurposing materials.
Food Technology brought another delicious dimension to the curriculum, with Year 4 pupils creating healthy and colourful Hawaiian poke bowls. These tasty and nutritious creations allowed the girls to explore seasonal vegetables, knife skills and presentation – and they thoroughly enjoyed sampling the fruits of their labour!
Workshops and cross-curricular opportunities further enriched the children’s experiences. Year 5 pupils ventured into the Senior School’s Ceramics Department, where they created beautiful tiles inspired by the designs of William Morris. This gave them a valuable opportunity to work with clay and learn new techniques in a specialist environment.
The entrepreneurial spirit was also alive and well, as our eldest pupils took part in the Junior Entrepreneur Programme. They worked collaboratively to develop two successful mini-businesses: one class designed and produced colourful hair bows, while the other crafted charm bracelets. These handmade items were a huge hit with their peers and sold out quickly during playground sales. The project offered invaluable insight into product design, marketing and teamwork – skills that extend far beyond the Art & DT Room.
We are also incredibly proud of our budding artists whose work was selected for display in prestigious competitions. A number of pupils had their artwork chosen by judging panels for the Young Art competition, exhibited at the @OXO Gallery, and the Fourth Plinth Schools Awards, displayed at City Hall. These accolades are a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication within our school community. Our pupils and staff also took part in a school-wide photography competition on the theme ‘Living in London’. Girls were encouraged to think outside the box, and we were delighted by the images submitted. It was a real challenge for the judges to pick winners from the high-quality array of entries on display in the Junior School on Founders’ Day.
From cave walls to ceramic tiles, and from poke bowls to programmable lights, it’s been a wonderfully creative and dynamic year. The Junior School Art and Design & Technology department has provided endless opportunities for exploration, innovation and expression. We are proud of every pupil’s achievements and look forward to another year filled with imagination and artistic adventure!