As part of their GCSE Art and Design course Year 10 students recently visited The Bowes Museum. Students enjoyed exploring the extensive collection, noting works and artefacts that may inform their future work.

As part of their GCSE Art and Design course Year 10 students recently visited The Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle. Students enjoyed exploring the extensive collection, noting works and artefacts that may inform their future work. Students were keen to make observations of subjects inspired by nature and were particularly interested in the famous Silver Swan. The students viewed the current David Hockney exhibition which showcases his career in print. They have documented the mark making techniques he used in order to develop some print works of their own. Prior to the visit students prepared designs to translate into silk paintings and the education team at the museum were impressed with the students’ ideas and their commitment to creating effective outcomes. Students enjoyed a picnic lunch and have come back to the academy enthused about their first project 'Inspired by nature'.