The Dorothy Stringer Art Department promotes the creative development of pupils where cultural diversity is valued and supported. The emphasis and focus is on the innate talents of the individual. We create an atmosphere conducive to the making of original work. Pupils are helped to develop individual levels of excellence by acknowledging their creative, imaginative and critical abilities regardless of creed or gender. They are given opportunities to engage in a variety of experiences employing a range of media, processes, and techniques.
Individuals are helped to become visually perceptive, and able to make informed judgements about their own work, as well as the work of others. Through visits to museums, galleries and exhibitions, pupils are helped to understand the role and function of Art in contemporary life. Our pluralistic society is reflected in studies of Art forms created by different cultures at different times, focusing on the significance, function and meaning of humble as well as prestigious artefacts.
The ethos of the Art Department at Dorothy Stringer encourages personal levels of interest, originality, diversity, independence and real effort in its staff as well as its pupils.
Art is indispensable for the healthy growth of feeling, imagination and intelligence. Every human society has made Art. It is a characteristic of human society as agriculture or writing: in fact it pre-dates them in the time sequence of human inventions. Art is that basic. Art is one of those things that distinguishes humans from animals, and as an expression of ideas it is universal. Art conveys ideas in a way which can often be understood by others whatever their native language. Communication through visual means transcends the spoken or written word. The 'language' of visual texts is an essential element of communication. Art does not necessarily equate with or reflect beauty. Art has an important function in human development. People of all ages relate and identify with artists, crafts people and designers through a conscious engagement in related activities. Images are powerful agents in the development of the educated mind. Art is an agent of learning, understanding and development. Imagery plays a central role in children's ability to develop concepts, values and skills. Learning takes place through evaluation, assessment, critical studies, visual language and design. Art is a source of energy both in psychological and biological terms.
Tosia Smith | Head of Art and Technology
