Art and Design

Enjoyment of the creative process is central and the subject is taught through projects that are designed to develop imaginative and personal responses, engaging young minds and fostering the ability to analyse critically and make confident judgements about the development of their own work.

Boys are encouraged to explore materials and processes confidently through creative investigation into the visual world. These might include the use of clay to produce 3D structures, textiles, print making, graphic design, digital imaging and other aspects of the subject. Drawing is fundamental to all areas of these and is taught through traditional and experimental approaches.

Starting points are designed to teach techniques that develop skills and are supported by investigation into relevant aspects of art history in addition to artefacts, crafts and traditions from other cultures. We aim to help boys not just to ‘look’ but to ‘see’ by looking closely, analysing what is ‘seen’ rather than what we think an object or image looks like.

Exhibitions are staged regularly and participation in art competitions often features during the  term. The boys’ continued success in the creative arts has meant that for several consecutive years Ryleys pupils have been awarded prestigious Art Scholarships.