Art and Ceramics

The Junior Art and Design curriculum at St Helen and St Katharine offers a thrilling introduction to the world of creativity, where budding artists can develop their skills in fully equipped studios under the guidance of specialist teachers. From the very start, students benefit from expert support, helping them grow in confidence as they experiment with a wide range of materials, techniques and ideas. 

A unique aspect of our Junior Art and Design experience is the opportunity for younger students to work in the same inspiring environment as our GCSE and A-level artists. Seeing the ambitious projects of older students firsthand fosters a sense of aspiration and excitement, showing them what is possible as they progress through the school. 

Through exploring both two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, students develop a broad artistic skill set, from painting and printmaking to sculpture and textiles. This hands-on approach encourages them to think creatively, experiment boldly and build a strong foundation for future artistic exploration. 

With specialist teaching and an environment that nurtures curiosity and ambition, Junior Art and Design at St Helen and St Katharine is more than just an introduction to art—it’s the foundation for a lifelong creative journey. 

In today’s highly visual world, the ability to create and interpret images is more important than ever. At St Helen and St Katharine, students split their year between Art and Ceramics, building confidence in both disciplines while learning to produce and understand effective visual communication. 

Our curriculum is accessible to all, regardless of experience, with projects that develop skills in both visual and tactile media. We emphasise diverse artistic voices, focusing on female artists and makers to provide a broader perspective beyond the traditional Western canon. By exploring art in context, students learn to think critically and creatively, preparing them to navigate and contribute to an image-driven world. 

As students progress through Middle School, they can refine their artistic skills and make more independent, creative decisions. In Year 9, they may choose to study Art and/or Ceramics before selecting their GCSE options, where they can pursue Art, Craft and Design or 3D Design. The focus at this stage is on developing a strong visual and tactile vocabulary, enabling students to think beyond prescribed answers and communicate ideas with fluency in an increasingly image-driven world. 

To broaden their perspectives, students work with professional visiting artists, gaining insight into the wide range of careers within the creative industries. Practical skills are deepened through hands-on experiences, and all students take part in at least one trip per year—culminating in Year 10 with an inspiring residential visit to Cornwall, a highlight of the course. These experiences encourage students to take creative risks, develop independent thought, and see the wider impact of art beyond the classroom.

Building on the skills and independence developed in Middle School, our A Level Fine Art course provides students with the freedom and space to refine their personal artistic voice. Many of our Sixth Form students go on to apply for highly competitive degree and foundation courses, not only in the arts, but also in fields such as Maths, Liberal Arts, Engineering, as well as Architecture, Art History and Fine Art. We offer extensive support in developing their portfolios alongside their A Level work, ensuring they are well-prepared for the next step in their diverse career paths.  

Sixth Form students benefit from their own studio space, with Upper Sixth students having personal desks, allowing them to work in a focused and inspiring environment. Our well-equipped studios offer a variety of disciplines, including painting, printmaking, life drawing, sculpture, pottery and photography. With access to the studios at lunchtime and every evening, students can continue to work independently, with staff available to offer support and guidance. This flexibility encourages students to think beyond traditional boundaries, refine their visual literacy, and explore how art intersects with the broader world of design, technology and culture. 

Discover our inspiring curriculum:

A LEVEL FINE ART