Art

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All children receive a triple lesson each week; however, they can extend their interests further by joining a creative Hobby on Saturdays or an additional art Activity during weekday afternoons.

Regular visits are also made to Malvern College so that our children may benefit from the specialist staff and the broad array of outstanding facilities on offer.

Nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Malvern Hills, Art at The Downs Malvern offers a truly inspirational setting, equipped with superb resources.

Pupils delve into a diverse array of artistic skills and processes, including drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and 3D creativity. Through hands-on experimentation, they explore various techniques and media, from charcoal and pastels to inks, watercolours, and acrylics. Our studio also boasts facilities for linocut, Perspex etching, clay modelling, Modroc, and more.

A young girl with long hair in a ponytail, wearing a white shirt and a paint-splattered apron, smiles at the camera. She stands in a colorful art studio filled with various art supplies and vibrant abstract paintings behind her.

Our ‘Skills to Thrive’ are embedded within the curriculum, and in Years 7 and 8, the TDM Baccalaureate reflects the contribution pupils make within the Creative Arts. Gifted and talented pupils wishing to apply for scholarships to senior schools are supported with both portfolio preparation and interview practice.

Our pupils’ creative expressions are displayed throughout the school, and we regularly host internal art competitions, including the highly anticipated annual Summer Art Competition. Recent themes have included ‘Reflections’, ‘Farm Animals’, and ‘A Celebration of Words’.

Art has made me feel more confident… whatever I’m feeling, it allows me to express my emotions on the canvas.

Current Pupil

Art at The Downs Malvern

In addition to internal showcases, we encourage our pupils to submit their work to local and national exhibitions and competitions, amplifying the recognition of our excellent arts education and providing them with a broader platform for recognition. Visitors curious about our school’s unique history can explore the Heritage Art Trail, featuring a fascinating collection of paintings.

We create exciting cross-curricular links, such as integrating art with geography during the annual residential field trip to Cornwall. Furthermore, our pupils collaborate by creating stage scenery and props for music and drama productions, nurturing a spirit of teamwork and creativity across the school.

We welcome professional artists to the school to deliver practical workshops, share their expertise, and further inspire our pupils. We also regularly undertake visits to museums and galleries throughout the UK, including trips to London, Birmingham, Bristol, and even Rome, Italy!