The Art department goes from strength to strength. Each year examination students attempting to out-perform their predecessors.

The Art room is, as always, a hive of industry and the work produced is exciting, innovative and technically competent. We were delighted and proud to have been notified by Edexcel that five of our Art students were in the top ten worldwide for results!

Quite a number of GCSE and ‘A’ Level students were awarded the perfect score which generates a sense of competitiveness amongst the generations that follow to maintain the high standards. Indeed, this year’s entrants, I feel, will not let themselves down and the 2009 exhibition reiterates my observations that they are keeping up the high level of execution.

Students’ attention to fine detail with regards to presentation of work, and the pride with which they exhibit the product of a hard years work, makes me feel honoured to have worked amongst these special people.

Thank you parents for being so supportive at such a time consuming period! Some of the A2 pieces were so fantastic that offers were made at the exhibition to buy them . . . so they were sold to the highest bidder!

The department is continually being improved. All Sixth Formers now have a large personal work space with their own individual spot lights. We have our own colour photocopier, for the exclusive use of our students and a computer room where quiet contextual study can take place without interruptions.

Air conditioning throughout has made the working environment cool and pleasurable in the summer months and the heating system makes for a more cosy ambience in winter.

An enormous thank you goes to David Stevenson, our assistant, for his hard work and dedication to the department over the year . . . your input has been invaluable to myself and the students.

Our appreciation and gratitude also go to the maintenance staff, Eugene and Mark, without whose help and man power we could not construct such amazing exhibitions or set designs.

Kate Jackson