Studying Art at WLFS combines practical tasks with looking at many aspects of visual culture, from the analysis of fine art and design to fashion and architecture. In all the work they do, pupils are encouraged to take risks, explore possibilities, and understand the historical and social contexts of artistic movements from all over the world.

Wherever possible we always try to make cross-curricular links as well. Pupils are taught how to give their practical investigations greater meaning by carrying out independent research and visiting museums and galleries. As an example, every holiday we ask pupils to bring back a postcard from an exhibition they saw with their reviews of the show written on the back (see a small selection below).

We have many students who go onto Art College and study History of Art at the best institutions in the world, such as at The Courtauld, The Bartlett, The Slade, Central St Martin’s, Goldsmiths’ and many more, and we have a 100% success rate. We are inviting visiting professional artists to talk to the students and regularly take most year groups to London galleries and acclaimed exhibitions. We also visit other local schools to hear talks by visiting artists and speakers on art history.

We have entered numerous art competitions and done very well, such as this year’s ‘Royal Academy Young Artists and Global Sovereign Art Prize’ (see https://www.artdeptwlfs.com/20202021). The Art Department also has a brand new 6th Form Art Scholarship programme which will foster exciting links between the lower school and 6th form where the art scholars will help run art clubs and mentoring the younger years (see https://www.artdeptwlfs.com/6th-form-art-scholars/project-one-8z6cs ).

In conclusion, with the continued support of the school and the PTA, the Art Department with its dedicated and highly qualified team, strive to champion independent thought and hope to foster this by making the study and practice of art as enriching and as rigorous as it can be.

We hope you enjoy experiencing here just a small selection of the fantastic work created by the pupils at WLFS.

James Bacchi-Andreoli, Head of Art and Art History