Celebrating Community in Our Art Department
An academic year rich in collaboration and connection. Here’s what happened—and the positive impact it brought:
Throughout this academic year, the Art department has been a bustling hub of activities and collaborations. Here’s what happened—and the positive impact it brought:
New Staff Recruited: Mrs McDowell, our inspiring new Art and Design teacher, is developing a dynamic new curriculum and Mrs Krakovska, our highly skilled new arts technician, is introducing cutting-edge AI projects to link with small group theatre productions.
Open Art Room KS4 students had open access to the art rooms. This flexible approach increased engagement and the motivational ‘buzz’. As a result, more students than ever are pursuing art and design routes post 16.
Primary School Puppetry Selected Year 8 students hosted a shadow puppet workshop for Oak View Primary School’s Year 1 pupils. This pilot was so successful, it will be extended to the entire Year 8 next year.
Sewing with Support Grandparents joined Year 7 sewing sessions to help create bunting, building confidence and strengthening community bonds.
Life Drawing with Volunteers Generous art department friends sat as life models, giving students valuable experience in observation and expressive technique.
Sixth Form Leadership Year 12 students and prefects led competitions, supported in lessons, curated displays, and introduced new media, boosting mentorship, and community spirit.
Competitions Students entered many competitions which were all celebrated. A few went even further, including Violet B who was selected amongst 23,000 national entries to have her artwork (‘Happy’) displayed at The Royal Academy of Arts Children’s Summer Exhibition
Hertfordshire University (Chapman) Gallery visits and Workshops Year 11 graphics students participated in a printing workshops and Year 11 art students completed gallery research, boosting experimentation and knowledge.
Want to get involved next year?
We’re looking for support in:
- Drama, set or costume design
- Music or orchestra
- Art, graphics and arts award
Whether you can give an hour or more, your support will make a big difference.
Contact: Jmckinnell@bishophatfield.herts.sch.uk (Music and Drama) Kmcdowell@bishophatfield.herts.sch.uk (Graphics) Karmstrong@bishophatfield.herts.sch.uk (Art, Craft and Design)
