Art
At the heart of our school’s creative spirit, the Art Department inspires curiosity, cultivates skill, and celebrates individual expression. Through a rich blend of tradition and innovation, we empower students to explore, create, and connect with the world through visual language.
Art at Ballard is renowned for its diversity, talent, quality, and above all, achievement. Our vibrant department offers a rich and varied programme—from drawing, painting, and printmaking to ceramics, sculpture, textiles, digital media, and emerging technologies like 3D printing.
Led by highly trained specialists with expertise across disciplines, our team nurtures creativity and technical excellence. Visiting artists, gallery visits, and international art trips further enrich the experience, connecting students with the wider cultural world.
Visual Arts play a central role in Ballard’s holistic approach to education—encouraging self-expression, critical thinking, and a lifelong appreciation of the arts.
Pre-Prep
With all the creativity enjoyed in Nursery, our pupils love art in Pre-Prep. They have a huge array of materials and ideas available to them and they are encouraged to flourish and create independent art work – letting their own creativity continue to shine.
As they progress through Pre-Prep, pupils begin their creative journey through a variety of 2D and 3D projects exploring colour, texture, and mark-making. With access to a wide array of materials and inspiring ideas, they are encouraged to explore freely and develop independent artwork. Their projects often reflect the seasons, link with wider classroom themes, and introduce artistic traditions from different cultures. Guided by their teachers and sometimes specialist art teachers, pupils grow in confidence and skill, embracing more complex techniques while letting their creativity shine.
Lower Prep
In Lower Prep, art is woven into cross-curricular themes wherever possible, enriching learning through creative exploration. From Year 3 onwards, all pupils are taught by specialist art teachers, giving them access to expert guidance and exciting opportunities.
Working across both 2D and 3D disciplines, pupils explore a wide range of materials and techniques. They are introduced to the formal elements of art but are encouraged to experiment and think independently—developing confidence, creativity, and a mindset that reflects the artist’s process. A ‘three before me’ approach fosters problem-solving and self-reliance, helping them to think smart and take ownership of their work.
Upper Prep
Senior
In Senior School, pupils begin Year 9 with a rotation through Artist Studies, Textiles, and Ceramics, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of disciplines before choosing to specialise in either Art or Textiles at GCSE. This broad foundation allows them to make informed, confident choices based on their interests and strengths.
In GCSE Art, pupils work across painting, drawing, printmaking, photography and lens-based media, sculpture, and ceramics. In GCSE Textiles, they explore sewing machine skills, fashion, printing, weaving, felting and a wide variety of experimental textile processes.Pupils are encouraged to take increasing ownership of their creative journey—designing their own interpretations of projects, selecting artists, and producing original resources using techniques such as photography and drawing. They learn to analyse and discuss artwork critically, both visually and in writing, developing a deeper understanding of art movements and genres.
Workshops with visiting artists and gallery visits, both in the UK and abroad, inspire new ideas and broaden their perspective. With expert guidance and high levels of challenge, students are encouraged to think smart, use materials inventively, and avoid the ordinary. The result is confident, well-rounded individuals with strong creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and a work ethic that prepares them for A Level, Art College, and beyond.
