Art Workshops for Prep School
Art is taken very seriously at Hull Collegiate School - and with a bumper crop of 100% marks at A Level and GCSE in the past few years, including pupils being recognised in the national top ten by Edexcel - the proof is certainly in the painting.
In the past three years, 77% of the pupils entered for external Art examinations at A-Level have gained A grades and 90% of pupils have gained A or B grades. To get these results, art training starts early in the Prep School and London artist, Ivel Muller, spent two days working with Key Stage 2 pupils.
Every child in Years 4, 5 and 6 took part in workshops which were directly related to their curriculum topics, including self-portraits, rivers and trees.
“Ivel showed us some pictures painted by David Hockney and talked to us about how he makes the water move in the picture. Then we had our turn,” says Year 4 pupil, Cameron Wood. “Ivel gave us some tissue paper and glue and challenged us to make a moving river picture. It was quite hard to make the water look alive, but by using different colours and experimenting with transparency we all created brilliant pictures. We all had fun and it was great to work with a proper artist.”
A special session was also held for the talented artists in Key Stage 2 and these children had a very enjoyable session with Ivel. The Prep School is fortunate to have its own dedicated art room and Ivel was very complimentary about the standard of art work and the school’s facilities. Originally from Argentina and having exhibited in New York, Ivel is now based in London and is a renowned artist working in schools and education.
“As Art Co-ordinator in the Prep School, it brings great pleasure in providing an opportunity for the children to work with an artist in residence" says Mr Mark Dyson. "Ivel’s infectious personality and artistic talent was abundant and she spent two days inspiring and nurturing the topic work of the children from KS2. After attending the workshops, and from the completed work that I have seen, it is clear to see the amount of enjoyment and creativity that has taken place. The money raised from the Big C2 Christmas cards contributed towards paying for the two day workshops and we look forward to showcasing the work in the near future."
Gareth Hughes, Head of Technology in the Senior School commented: ‘It is important with such events to infuse a deep and meaningful appreciation of art at such young age groups. At Hull Collegiate School, I currently teach most of the Prep Year 6 classes in the Senior School art studio, as well as up to Sixth Form, so I can confidently say that the depth of artistic talent is certainly very strong throughout the ages at the school.’
