The Art Room

The Art department at Breckenbrough School is fully committed to providing an education for the boys that is a unique experience and popular within the curriculum. Over the years it has developed successfully in providing pupils with a theraputic atmosphere, which addresses some of their emotional and behavioural problems.

Within the National Curriculum it provides the students with the opportunity to create visual imagery in two and three dimensions. Students are encouraged to work with a variety of media and given a high degree of independence with the choice of projects. The sense of ownership of individual artwork is very strong. This broad experience contains a combination of practical, critical and theraputic work where applicable or appropriate, plus the opportunity to achieve success and enjoyment at a level according to their ability.

Breckenbrough, being a boarding school allows the students to have quality time within the department and recreational time after school hours. Units of work are also set as an option, for students to take home during holiday time, especially in Years 10 and 11.

The department is open from after assembly in the morning until 8.00pm. at night. However students are encouraged to work in the Art room at any time they wish, with supervision.

Our aim is to establish and develop good working relationships with the boys in the Art room. This is not only a working area but also somewhere where they can come to relax and socialise. The planning of room space includes a sofa, television and background music giving a calming theraputic atmosphere for the students. During the summer months access to the garden is available through the patio doors and work is encouraged outside taking advantage of the quiet surroundings.

Through extending our relationships built up with the boys we can bring about change, improvement and development in following social skills, learning to cope with problems and working them through in acceptable ways. Other aims are, helping the boys to maintain self-control, giving reassurance where there is evidence of low esteem, and building up a trusting atmosphere where problems can be discussed with confidence and confidentiality.

The Artwork is taught around the AQA examination syllabus approved by the N.E.A.B. and covers as much variety as possible to allow students to fulfil the requirements of the board. Students who do not wish to complete the Art course to examination level can use the time in a recreational and theraputic way.

An open-ended approach is used where a mixture of coursework and topics are completed. There has to be a balanced programme to ensure the relevant areas of the National Curriculum are being followed, and changes of key stage are completed with a school certificate. Within the course there is an emphasis on presentation and an active encouragement in the development of handwriting skills.

The AQA examination syllabus provides a short course and a long course, for both Art and Photography. Both subjects are popular, attaining successful outcomes. The department is confident of continuing its tradition of providing a stimulating environment for students, parents and visitors.