Art for all at Wellington School

Jan 30 2009

PUPILS are simply not allowed to say ‘I can’t draw’ at Wellington School, Ayr.

Lynne Morrison, art department head, said: “Essentially we offer pupils a course that runs for ten years, from P4 through to S6, covering a wide range of themes from 3D silhouettes and decorations through to portraiture, landscape, still life, and fashion, jewellery, product and graphic design.”

From pre-school to P3, art is taught in the infant and primary departments. But when they get to P4, the children start receiving specialist teaching.

“In P4, for example, we introduce the youngsters to line, shape, and colour. This year we’re looking at the natural world, so we’re getting some wonderful paintings of insects and plants,” said Lynne.

“In P6 they’re investigating shape, pattern, form and colour through the built environment – this year concentrating on fantasy, myths and legends.

“Into the senior school, and the S1 expressive theme this year is tree landscapes, allowing them to produce fantastic work that varies from oil, pastels, and pen drawings to lino prints, cut-out trees, wire trees and Christmas trees.”

Every child at Wellington has the opportunity to have their work exhibited in the Wellington Art Exhibition, Art Spectacular, which is displayed in the two main school halls in early June.

This year, pupils are developing their artistic skills outwith Wellington in places as varied as the Glasgow School of Art, the Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine, and Ayr College, where some pupils are attending portfolio and even corsetry classes.

There’s also a thriving art club at the school two nights a week.