Art Department Newsletter - Autumn Term 2025
Thursday 18 December 2025
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The Art Department produced a newsletter this term, and it can be viewed here. A summary of the contents can be found below. |
Honouring Through Art: Year 9’s Ceramic Poppy Installation
As part of this term’s Remembrance commemorations, all Year 9 students took part in a meaningful clay poppy project. Each student crafted a unique ceramic poppy, which came together as a powerful collaborative artwork featured in this year’s remembrance service. The installation served as a poignant tribute, honouring those who have served while showcasing the creativity and respect of our students.
Macro Magic & Light Trails: A Two-Day Creative Journey with David Gilliver
We were thrilled to welcome renowned photographer David Gilliver for a two-day creative experience with our students. Known for his striking light painting and macro photography, David led hands-on workshops that encouraged students to experiment, explore, and push the boundaries of their photographic practice. The sessions were a vibrant blend of technical skill and imaginative play, leaving everyone inspired and eager to create.
The photography workshops with David Gilliver were such a brilliant experience for our students. David brought so much energy and expertise, especially in light painting and macro photography, and the students really responded to that. They were completely absorbed in experimenting, asking questions, and pushing their ideas further than I think even they expected. Seeing David’’s famous “Little People” work up close was a real treat, and the students were buzzing with excitement as they created their own miniature scenes. David was incredibly generous with his time and feedback, and he had lovely things to say about the group. He told us:
“They got into this creative zone right from the off, and I think I saw at least a dozen or so new concepts. The trickiest thing with this style of photography is not to kind of copy something obvious. I’ve seen so many fresh ideas today, it shows you just how creative these students are.”
Capturing the Highlands: Black Isle Photography Trip with Karen Thorburn
Our photography students had the incredible opportunity to travel to the Black Isle for a landscape photography workshop led by professional photographer Karen Thorburn. Surrounded by stunning Scottish scenery, students learnt how to control aperture and shutter speed to capture dramatic landscapes and moving water. A highlight of the trip was visiting a waterfall, where students experimented with long exposure techniques to create soft, flowing effects. The experience deepened their understanding of camera settings and composition, while also inspiring a new appreciation for the natural world.
Life Drawing
Students in Years 12 and 13 recently took part in an intensive two-day life drawing workshop led by artist Kenneth Le Riche. The sessions focused on the importance of observing the human figure directly from life, encouraging students to explore proportion, gesture, and form with confidence. Working on a large scale and using mixed media, students produced dynamic and expressive pieces that will form a strong foundation for their art school portfolios. This experience not only developed technical skills but also deepened their understanding of the figure as a central subject in art practice.
Saturday Elective - Anime Club Saturdays: Art, Film & Sushi Fun
Our Saturday Anime Club has been a fantastic space for creativity and cultural appreciation. Students have enjoyed watching Studio Ghibli classics, immersing themselves in the stunning visuals and storytelling that inspire artists worldwide. Alongside the screenings, we’ve completed short art projects inspired by the films, exploring character design, landscapes, and the unique aesthetic of anime. To make the experience even more authentic, we hosted a Sushi Brew, giving students a taste of Japanese cuisine while celebrating the artistry of anime. These sessions have been a wonderful way to combine film, food, and art in a relaxed and creative environment!
Saturday Photography Elective
This term our Saturday photography workshops have been packed with exciting activities for students to develop their skills and creativity. They’ve been experimenting with shadow portraits, exploring composition through close-up and distant shots around the school site, and discovering the magic of light painting. Students also took on creative challenges such as spelling their names using letters found in nature and completing treasure hunts to capture unique images in and around the Art Department. These sessions have encouraged imaginative thinking and hands-on practice, helping students build confidence behind the lens while having fun.
“Photography is the art of seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary. ”
Year 10 Art and Photography Trip to Dundee V&A
Earlier this term, our Year 10 Art and Photography students had the fantastic opportunity to visit the V&A Museum in Dundee. The trip was designed to inspire creativity and broaden their understanding of contemporary and historical art and design. Students explored a range of exhibitions, engaging with innovative displays and gaining insight into the stories behind iconic works. They also took time to photograph the museum’s striking architecture and the surrounding waterfront area, capturing unique perspectives that will feed into their coursework and future projects. This visit not only enriched their artistic knowledge but also encouraged them to think critically about composition, design, and cultural context. We look forward to seeing how these experiences influence their upcoming work!
Artist Workshop
As part of their visit to the V&A Museum in Dundee, Year 10 art students enjoyed a jewellery-making workshop with visiting artists. Using recycled and found objects, they explored sustainable design and created unique, imaginative pieces that showcased their creativity and craftsmanship.
Photography
Year 10 photography students took part in an engaging graphic design workshop during their V&A Dundee trip. They experimented with layout, typography, and visual storytelling, learning how to combine images and text to create striking designs that will inspire their future projects.
Photography
Last year’s photography students achieved outstanding results, showcasing a diverse range of creative themes. From striking fashion shoots and vibrant food photography to carefully composed still-life studies, their work demonstrated both technical skill and artistic vision. Many students also explored imaginative digital techniques, producing captivating Photoshop edits that transformed everyday objects into surreal “small worlds”. These projects not only reflected their individuality and creativity but also prepared them for the next steps in their artistic journeys.
Coming up next term
Get ready for an exciting term packed with creative opportunities! We’ve got the new NEA set task themes coming out, trips, and events designed to inspire your ideas and help you build amazing portfolios. From hands-on sessions to chances to showcase your work, there’s plenty to look forward to.
Curious about Gordonstoun? To find out more about the uniquely broad range of opportunities available to our students, including vast opportunities in the creative arts, please join us on our next Virtual Taste of Gordonstoun Webinar.
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