Regents Review - Summer 2026

The Regents Review Summer 2026

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS

KS3 Art & Craft Club This term, students in KS3 art and craft club have enjoyed exploring a wide variety of creative activities in a relaxed and supportive environment. The club has provided opportunities for students to experiment with different materials, techniques and artistic styles beyond those experienced in the classroom.

From drawing and painting to crafting and mixed-media projects, students have been encouraged to develop their creativity, confidence and personal interests through hands on making. The club has been a wonderful space for students to express themselves, share ideas and learn from one another while developing new skills and

refining existing ones. It has been particularly rewarding to see students demonstrate enthusiasm, imagination and perseverance as they take on creative challenges and produce a range of unique and thoughtful outcomes. The positive atmosphere and commitment shown by club members have made it a highly enjoyable and successful part of the school year.

Year 10 GCSE 3D Design During this term, Year 10 3D Design students have continued to develop their understanding of the creative design process through a range of practical and research-based activities. They have built their online portfolios by researching a variety of artists, designers and craftspeople, analysing how materials, techniques and ideas are used within professional practice. Alongside this, students have created a personal sketchbook of 2D work, exploring drawing, design development and visual communication skills to support their creative ideas. A significant focus of the course has been the development of ceramic skills. Students have gained increasing confidence working with clay, learning a range of construction techniques and refining their ability to create high-quality outcomes. They have also developed a strong understanding of surface decoration, including the use of underglazes to add colour, detail and personal expression to their work. Through experimentation and refinement, students have demonstrated growing technical skill and creativity in their 3D outcomes. Miss Brookes is extremely proud of the dedication and perseverance shown by Year 10 throughout the year. Students have worked hard to meet coursework deadlines, shown commitment to developing their portfolios and approached challenges with maturity and determination. Their effort and focus during the mock examination period were particularly impressive and they should be congratulated for the progress they have made and the high standards they continue to strive towards in their GCSE 3D Design course.

Year 10 Fine Art During this term, Year 10 students have explored the artistic movements of Cubism and Vanitas, examining how artists use still life objects to communicate ideas and meanings. They investigated the fragmented forms and multiple viewpoints associated with Cubism, as well as the symbolic objects commonly found in Vanitas artworks that represent themes such as time, mortality and personal identity. Using these influences as a starting point, students have created their own personal responses, selecting and arranging meaningful objects to develop drawings, paintings and mixed-media outcomes. Throughout the project, they have strengthened their observational skills, understanding of composition and ability to communicate ideas through visual imagery. Miss Brookes is extremely proud of the commitment and resilience shown by Year 10 throughout the year. Students have worked hard to meet coursework deadlines, responded positively to feedback and demonstrated increasing independence in developing their projects. Their focus, determination and mature approach during the mock examination period were particularly impressive and they should be commended for the effort they have put into preparing for the demands of the GCSE Art course.

35