Art and Design Technology

Art and design technology are important subjects, which touch on all aspects of school life.

Communicating and exploring the visual world both physically and culturally helps children to understand the world and their place in it. Each has an individual contribution to make to it and this is facilitated through art and design. The magic of the world big or small is understood and enhanced.

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Nursery

Pre-Prep

Prep

Not only is it enormous fun and very satisfying, but getting arty is a great vehicle for stimulating both sides of the brain, developing self-expression and a child’s hand-eye coordination.

The children get messy and have a sensory experience as they mix colours, feel and use different textures, and build essential skills that tomorrow’s Kandinsky will need.

Whilst making art, our children are learning about shapes, numbers and boosting their language skills.

We hope you will enjoy the paintings and sculptures the children have made when you visit the nursery.

You will not be able to see, however, the yummy things we bake and cook, which quickly make their way into the tummies of our children! These experiences help to broaden palates and boost coordination and motor skills.

Learning in the Pre-Prep is topic-based and we make the most of small class sizes to bring art to life.

Children discover new textures, techniques and colours and this exploration supports the essential developmental skills that all budding artists need.

From junk model building and outdoor painting in Reception, to moonscapes and solar system art in Year 1 and Van Gogh-inspired pastel landscapes, sewing and weaving in Year 2, children have daily access to open-ended, inspiring materials and ideas.

Extra-curricular cookery lessons take place after school in the food technology room and children leave the course with a folder full of recipes they can cook at home.

Art gives the children an opportunity for creative expression and personal discovery. It enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, lateral thinking, complex analysis and critical thinking skills. A considerable amount of time is dedicated to art, design and technology during the course of a pupil's week.

Every child is an artist and we aim to explore and develop their skills. We concentrate on teaching the fundamental skills so each child is able to express themselves, but more importantly make the art a lively and stimulating experience.

We explore a vast range of materials and processes, painting, printing, sculpture, textiles, and a host of others whilst injecting excitement into learning and exploring. Art is never dull. We also find each child’s strength. No artwork is the same we pride ourselves on individuality.

There is a double art lesson once a week plus a double design technology lesson. The latter is on a four-way rotation involving textiles, resistant materials, ceramics and food technology.

Art and Design Technology

Outside the classroom

outside art We create Andy Goldworthy inspired sculptures in the woods and get out into the grounds to paint and draw what we see. We visit art galleries for inspiration from time to time.

Children are welcome in the art room during lunchtimes and breaks. Each year, children compete in the Great Westbourne Bake Off! In the live final, they recreate their ideas in the food tech room and aim to wow the judges.

There is an extra-curricular cookery class for Pre-Prep children.

Lisa Jeram

Head of Art, Design and Technology

As an artist myself, I am delighted with the opportunity to work with such lively and creative children. Art is a joy at Westbourne with each child able to explore and develop their individual skills, whether in sculpture, textiles, ceramics, painting or a host of other activities. I have been at Westbourne House for 18 years and am still thrilled and excited by the sheer exuberance of their work. It is a truly magical place to work.

Facilities

The glorious converted coach house is a light and stimulating environment with a gallery and a dedicated art library. The large art room is perfect for creating in lessons and free time.

Below are two dedicated workshops for wood, plastics and ceramics. In the state-of-the-art food technology room, children produce yummy, nutritious food.

Food Technology

Our cooking facilities were designed with the core culinary needs of our pupils in mind. The need to promote independent and creative cooks was at the forefront of the design process with space, accessibility, safety and productivity being the main features required to support effective cooking and learning. The pupils seem to be at home the room’s professional yet friendly atmosphere.

Food Technology