Students delved into pyrolysis, transforming willow sticks into delicate charcoal pieces
(environmental guardianship). This spirit of traditional exploration extended to our Year 10 artists, who cultivated vibrant inks from natural sources including butterfly pea flowers and cochineal, a colour-infused hybrid of art and science. Meanwhile, in Art Society, students delved into pyrolysis, transforming willow sticks into delicate charcoal pieces. The James Caird Hall hosted a Year 12 Ikebana display, showcasing modern sculptures cast from discarded plastic and flowers, while raising funds for Eco Schools, an environmental charity. Events like International Women’s Day encouraged further reflective discussion around gender and representation in the art world, with our annual Art Tea Party in tribute to Judy Chicago’s ‘What if Women Ruled the World?’ Elsewhere, the Art History Futures Conference in collaboration with JAGS helped connect passion to potential career paths, proving that our commitment to student voice extends beyond the gallery and studio walls. Art Society continues to thrive as a dynamic platform for celebrating diversity to inspire the next generation. This year, Henry Yang (Year 13) and Bosco de Calonje Carderera (Year 12) captivated their audience with thought-provoking presenta-
layered expression, earning the Art Department a Printmaking Teacher Award as well. Looking outwardly across the whole school, the Middle School House Art Competition on the theme ‘Out of Place’, saw students create surreal and emotionally resonant works through Photoshop, Blender, video, and traditional media. Standout pieces like William Beresford’s migrant cityscape and Xavier Blackburn’s Blender master- piece challenged perceptions and redefined what school art can achieve. Meanwhile, Lower School House Art embraced environmental themes, with entries celebrating nature’s beauty or confronting ecological crisis. The creativity and craftsmanship across year groups was a reminder that independence in art begins early — and can thrive at every stage. Free Learning — never a bolt-on but forever part of the curriculum Year 7 students collaborated with JAGS for a Free Learning Day that blended Geography, DT, and Art. Art students responded to raranga , the Māori flax weaving practice, creating a collaborative sculpture inspired by kaitiakitanga
tions. Henry explored Xu Bing’s The Case of Transference, focusing on language manipulation, while Bosco discussed Matthew Rakowitz’s The Invisible Enemy Should Not Exist from the Fourth Plinth series. Luca Elborn (Year 13) and Kiran Kaloo (Year 12) shared their exploration of fabrics as symbols of identity and resistance, while Saverio Jones (Year 13) offered a deeply personal presentation with his passion for monster making, engaging both students and teachers with the fascinating history of monsters and inviting the audience to create their own. One of the most provocative and stimulating talks of the year ‘Who Holds the Right to Art?’ was co-hosted by Art Society and Law Society. Expertly led by Alex Zhang and Harry Brown, the talk explored the fraught terrain where aesthetics and jurisprudence collide. Through case studies, such as Gustav Klimt’s Woman in Gold and the contested Elgin Marbles, the speakers navigated issues of ownership, restitution, and cultural patrimony. At a time when creative authorship is increasingly blurred by Artificial Intelligence, this proved a timely discussion, prompting lively and thoughtful debate among attendees. Visiting artist Edward Brilliant OA proved to be one of the most impactful guest speakers. A pho-
tographer and educator, Ed shared his journey as an image maker and photography’s power to tell deep, meaningful stories. He spoke about his cur- rent projects, involving working with the elderly and the British Army, typically shedding light on often-overlooked narratives. His visit ignited a spark in the attendant future generation, urging them to view the world through their own lens- es and tell unique personal stories. Ed’s powerful message reveals the lasting impact of the Art De- partment’s core values, with past students return- ing to inspire and guide those following in their footsteps. His talk served as a reminder that the influence of those who have walked the same path can be a beacon for current students, encouraging them to push boundaries and explore their own artistic journey with confidence. Ultimately, these exhibitions and events are more than displays of skill they have become declarations of self. They reveal the courage it takes to be an artist: to take risks, to be vulnerable, and to speak without apology. We remain committed to making space for every student to grow, to experiment, and to shine on their own terms. Because when students are given the chance to take the lead, the results are nothing short of extraordinary. ◎
The creativity and craftsmanship across year groups was a reminder that independence in art begins early
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