Facilities

Our modern, purpose built centre provides excellent facilities for art and design. Two large studios are for general art and design with several individual sixth form work areas. Separate studios for ceramics and textiles, facilities for photography and computer aided design are complemented by a library housing a comprehensive range of books, magazines and audio visual resources. Along the length of the building there is a light, airy exhibition space where all types of work are on display. Exhibitions are open to the public throughout the year. Pupils benefit from our close proximity to the University of Birmingham Barber Institute of Fine Arts and gain regular access to one of the finest collections of art in the West Midlands. We also have links with the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists and several fellows of the society have run inspirational workshops within the department. We have an annual Artist in Residence scheme and this has again brought exciting new ideas and experiences to our students. Of particular interest was the combined millennium brick sculpture project that was undertaken with Gwen Heeney and which was Highly Commended by Artworks; The National Children’s Art Awards panel. 

Trips and Visits

Overseas visits to museums and art galleries are invaluable in extending the girl’s knowledge and understanding of art. In recent years we have undertaken trips to Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid and New York.

In England much has been gained from regular visits to lectures and exhibitions in London, to the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, to the David Hockney gallery at Salts Mill, Bradford. In addition to our splendid local Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, the Midland Arts Centre, The Ikon Gallery and the Custard Factory. 

Former Pupils

Natasha Chetiyawaradana was the British Design Council’s ‘New Designer of the Year, 2002.