Art
At Heritage we seek to develop keen powers of observation and attention to detail, and to develop the skills pupils need to accurately represent physical objects and create pleasing outcomes. We want our pupils to develop an aesthetic sense, an appreciation of beauty, and an ability to express their own ideas effectively in their work. Representing and responding to the natural world plays a particularly important role, including through our Nature Walks and subsequent Nature Notebook.

There are separate Art and Handicraft lessons each week for Infants and Juniors, taught by specialists from Upper Prep (Year 1). From Year 2 pupils go down to our basement Art Room and learn how to do many things from weaving on individual looms, sewing, clay work, and knitting to painting, sketching, observational work, pastiche and more. For our youngest pupils, art activities often allow them to creatively respond to what they have been learning about, through painting, collage, drawing and  model making; sometimes independently and sometimes collaboratively. At other times they might be encouraged to look carefully at a daffodil or holly leaf, for example, and try to copy the shape and colour of it. An after school Art Club for Juniors normally runs throughout the year.

We focus throughout the school upon art appreciation. In particular, from Year 2 to Year 6, pupils participate in a Picture Study lesson each week. Following a brief introduction by the class teacher, pupils look in silence with concentrated attention at a reproduction of a painting by a famous artist. The painting is then turned over and its details are described from memory. In this way pupils study numerous works by that artist each term. Over the years they become familiar with a large number of great works by artists such as: Giotto, Leonardo Da Vinci, Vermeer, De Hooch, Holbein, Rembrandt, Titian, Constable, Monet, Manet, Turner, Cezanne, Cassatt, Van Gogh, Degas, and Picasso. After studying so much art in this way, pupils take real pleasure when they are able to see the original in a London museum, or even a 10 minute walk away at the Fitzwilliam Museum.

In the Senior School, pupils continue to appreciate artwork from different times and cultures as well as further developing their practical skills. Establishing good drawing techniques is emphasised. Encouraging powers of observation, sensitivity, imagination, conceptual thinking and personal expression are also key objectives.