Ripon Cathedral Choir School

Art at RCCS is a hands-on subject for everyone – the practical aspect taking precedence over the theoretical and historical aspects. 

One of the main functions of Art within the School Curriculum is to help children make sense of their imaginative, sensory and emotional experiences.  Our aim is to help them better understand the world around them in all its guises and through that experience, to discover qualities within themselves. 

Children develop the skills of observation, judgement, manipulation, co-ordination, decision-making and many others, through their creative work. 

We aim for a balance between technique and creativity. 

The Art Room provides a comfortable, stimulating environment with easy access to a large choice of materials. 

 

Pre-prep Department 

 

In Pre-prep the National Curriculum for Art is followed.  Drawing and painting is practised relative to other subjects, as art skills are developed. 

Some work is carried out associated with a chosen artist. 

Some informal clay modelling is done 

There is a gradual introduction of a wider variety of media. 

Pre-prep Department – Key Stage 2 

Here experience in drawing, painting and 3D work is extended and developed. 

In Year 4 a graduated programme of skills and techniques in hand-building with clay is introduced. 

Children study the work of other artists including contemporary, as an addition to their own creative projects, whether in drawing, painting, collage or printing. 

Formal aspects such as scale, perspective and proportion are gradually introduced according to ability and interest.  Our small classes allow for a good degree of individuality. 

Acquired art skills are developed in new tasks and areas of study are often re-visited. 

Pre-prep Department – Key Stage 3 

The spiral of learning continues in these years, one aim being to prepare pupils for further study of Art at their senior school, either at exam level and/or personal development throughout life. 

Plenty of opportunity is given for exploration and experimentation of media. 

The scheme of work continues to provide a balance between technique and creativity 

An appreciation of the work of others, either fellow pupils or other established artists is actively encouraged at all stages.