Art

Art is central to our school's cultural and creative life – a space in which students feel confident to experiment, explore and develop their own artistic voice.

Our ambitious curriculum encourages students to see art not just as a subject, but as a language for thinking and questioning. Many of our students come from global majority backgrounds, and we are particularly mindful of expanding what is seen as possible in the Art room.

Students are introduced to both historical and contemporary practices, and are supported in experimenting with animation, performance, sculpture, video and conceptual work – forms that feel more relevant to their lives and experiences. We aim to build a genuine community of practice in the department, with students leading workshops, curating exhibitions, and working alongside visiting artists in shared creative spaces.

Visit the HBAED Art Instagram.

Year 7 – developing visual confidence

Year 7 begins with a focus on formal visual elements and strong drawing foundations. Students study the powerful, expressive drawings of Charles White and develop their own tonal mark-making and shading skills in graphite. This work leads into a self-portraiture project that spans drawing and watercolour painting, continuing to draw influence from White’s practice.

Alongside practical work, students are introduced to critical discussion and Art vocabulary, learning how to describe and analyse images thoughtfully.

The key themes of Year 7 are: tonal drawing and mark-making; graphite and watercolour self-portraiture; personal identity and representation; observational skills and creative expression.

"As practice makes perfect, I cannot but make progress; each drawing one makes, each study one paints, is a step forward.” Vincent Van Gogh.

Years 8 -11 – a maturing approach to art-making

In Year 8, students begin to encounter more conceptual and experimental art-making. They study Conceptual Art, Surrealism, and Dada, creating works that reflect social issues, dream imagery, and collage-based design. In Year 9, the curriculum shifts to include Street Art, typography and Natural Forms, with an increasing focus on mixed media and independent interpretation.

At GCSE (Years 10–11), students undertake a sustained project exploring Identity, beginning with artist research and workshops in various media, then developing their own personal investigations and final pieces. This is followed by the externally-set exam project in Year 11, culminating in a 10-hour practical exam and a folio of preparatory work.

In Sixth Form, students pursue more independent, self-directed work, with emphasis on critical thinking, experimentation and preparing for further study in the arts.

“The classroom remains the most radical space of possibility in the academy.” bell hooks

“At HBAED, our Art curriculum is broad, inclusive, and rooted in real-world creative practice. Through workshops, collaborations and our Artist in Residence programme, students engage with south London’s contemporary arts scene. Working with leading institutions like Bold Tendencies, UAL and Christie’s, they gain insight into art as both study and career." Lachie Rhodes, Artist and Technician, Harris Dulwich Boys

“It’s been a pleasure building the Art department at HBAED. The most inspiring part of the job is sitting alongside students as they make. Making artwork becomes a way of learning about their worlds, their voices, and their hopes. Art not only reflects these things, it can challenge and reshape them – widening horizons, shifting perspectives, and opening up new ways of thinking.” Joseph Murray, Subject Leader of Art