Art at Crestwood College for Business and Enterprise

Art holds a unique and distinctive contribution towards students’ education and learning as it stimulates creativity and imagination, and allows children to explore visual, tactile and sensory experiences.   Art enables students to learn about the diverse roles and functions of art, craft and design in contemporary life and in different times and cultures.

We aim to give students the opportunity to communicate what they see, feel and think whilst enriching their enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts.   Having direct experience with materials, modelling and making, students can express themselves and take independent risks.   This in turn promotes key skills in communication, research, spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and problem solving.

The Art department offers all students a range of extra-curricular opportunities including visits to art galleries and museums.   In recent years this has included trips to the Tate Modern London, Roche Court Sculpture Garden, Southampton Art Gallery and Marwell Zoo.   The links we have made with local galleries inform students of clubs, exhibitions and events occurring in their area. Artists in residence are organised every year to provide students and staff with a skill that they might not otherwise encounter in a normal lesson. 

Art clubs and additional support classes for GCSE students offer all students a chance to develop their abilities and confidence further.   Displays are regularly exhibited around the School and have a strong and positive impact at Crestwood, enhancing students’ awareness of Art and Design as well as giving them a sense of pride and achievement.   In addition to this, parents, teachers and governors are invited to the GCSE Art exhibition at the end of each academic year.

GCSE Art allows students to work in a variety of mediums and consists of both coursework and examination.   The course is a demanding but rewarding one which allows students to set and achieve high personal targets.   These opportunities alongside a positive and structured working environment have resulted in a steady intake of students taking Art at GCSE level.

Year 7 Artwork