Art

An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one –Cooley 

At St Hugh’s we aim to encourage the artist that is within each of us by fostering an enjoyment of the visual arts, developing creativity and imagination and providing the skills necessary for pupils to express their ideas.

We teach appreciation for the visual and foster love of the experience. We experiment with as many different materials and processes as possible so that pupils are given every opportunity to develop their creativity and reach their potential. 

PRE-PREP

Art and Design is woven throughout the curriculum and supports learning across all subjects. In the Early Years Foundation Stage, it links closely with the Expressive Arts and Design area of learning, where children are encouraged to explore a wide range of materials, develop their imagination, and use art as a way to express their ideas, feelings and experiences. 

As children move into Key Stage 1, these early experiences are built upon. Pupils continue to develop their creativity and imagination while learning to use colour, form, texture and pattern, as well as a variety of materials and processes, to express what they see, feel and think. They learn about a range of artists, often linked to class topics, and explore how different artists use materials and techniques within their work. Opportunities are provided for both independent and collaborative work, allowing pupils to experiment, share ideas and develop their skills. 

Our aim is to ensure that every child enjoys art, develops curiosity and builds a positive attitude towards creative expression. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

In Middle School, pupils engage deeply with Art through dedicated lessons that immerse them in creative exploration. Carefully linked to wider curriculum themes, these sessions introduce children to a broad range of artists, techniques and materials, building on the strong foundations established in Pre-Prep. Alongside their weekly lessons, pupils also enjoy opportunities to develop their artistic skills during special Art Days, and through creative activities in Forest School. Nurturing a genuine appreciation for the visual arts is a key priority, and it is something that is embraced and enjoyed by all in Middle School.

UPPER SCHOOL

The Art Department is located in a purpose-built building where pupils are taught in a large, light-filled studio with an adjoining design suite and library. We often use the outside space for sketching and inspiration. 

Our teaching familiarises each pupil with the creative use of the elements and principles of art. Each learner experiences a wide variety of processes including drawing, painting, printmaking, collage and 3D work in each year they are in upper school. Projects are varied from year to year so that anticipation and excitement are always for new ways of working. Pupils learn to look at galleried work and art displays for the skills and learning that created each piece rather than only the product.

 

We offer lunchtime clubs and open studio time. We use the glorious grounds and wider community to sketch and paint, learning our urban sketching skills first in the school environment and later in Faringdon and Oxford. We also take trips to galleries and exhibitions,  and workshops and visits in different senior schools to help our pupils with future planning and inspire them.   

 

We host an exhibition to showcase our creative arts and pupils regularly take part in both national and local art competitions. Recently we have exhibited in the Royal Academy and Ashmolean Museum as well as participating in IAPS and other competitions. 

We host a programme for scholars to develop and create, which since 2026 includes our own year 7 scholars within school. The provision is extensive with specialist trips and visits and extended support and studio time as well as inspiration and ideas for sketchbook technique and working at scale. We are proud of our success and have recently gained art scholars going on to Bloxham, Tudor Hall, Headington Rye, Stowe, St. Edwards and others.  

We have a lively department where our children have fun, work with confidence and build a love of the subject that will remain with them throughout their lives.