Vision for the Art Department at Cobham Hall
At Cobham Hall, the Art Department is dedicated to fostering creativity, independence, and confidence in every student. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that art plays a crucial role in holistic education, nurturing not only technical skills but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-expression. Through their artistic journeys, we aim to empower students to develop their unique voices, explore their interests, and build the resilience to take creative risks.
The vision is for the Art Department to continue being a vibrant, supportive, and inspiring space where students not only develop exceptional artistic skills but also grow as confident, thoughtful individuals ready to embrace the challenges of the world. Through their artistic journeys, we hope students will discover their potential, find joy in creativity, and carry the lessons learned here into all aspects of their lives.
Balancing Creativity and Skill Development in Art Education
At Cobham Hall, we strive to nurture creativity and individuality in our students while ensuring they develop the essential skills and techniques that form the foundation of artistic expression. Achieving this balance requires a structured yet flexible approach that allows students to explore their ideas within a supportive framework.
We begin by teaching the fundamental skills—such as drawing, painting, photography, and digital tools—that provide students with the technical confidence to express their ideas effectively. This structured learning phase introduces key concepts and techniques, enabling students to build a strong foundation.
Once these basics are in place, students are encouraged to take creative risks and experiment with their work. They explore different media, approaches, and themes, developing their own artistic style and voice. By presenting open-ended projects and fostering an environment where individual ideas are celebrated, we allow students to interpret briefs in ways that reflect their personal interests and perspectives.
Regular discussions, critiques, and reflective practices further support this process, helping students make thoughtful choices while considering both technical execution and conceptual depth. The result is a curriculum that balances creativity with structure, empowering students to confidently express themselves while mastering the skills needed for artistic success.
Unique Opportunities in the Art Department
Our Art Department offers an exceptional environment for creativity and artistic growth, providing facilities and opportunities that set us apart from other schools. With two general-purpose art rooms, a dedicated Sixth Form studio, a photography studio equipped with professional lighting, and a fully operational darkroom with six enlargers for manual photography techniques, students have access to outstanding resources to explore their artistic potential.
We pride ourselves on encouraging independence of thought, allowing students to work to their strengths and interests. There is no prescribed “house style” for presenting work—students are free to showcase their creativity in formats that suit them, with Adobe Portfolio being a particularly popular choice.
Our art rooms are open every lunchtime and after school, ensuring that both day and boarding students have extended opportunities to develop their projects. The annual Creative Arts Festival in June celebrates the remarkable achievements of all our art students, from Key Stage 3 to Sixth Form.
With a strong track record of success in local and national competitions, an exceptionally high A*-A achievement rate in Art, Graphics, and Photography, and 100% of our students securing places at top art universities, our Art Department is committed to fostering both creative excellence and academic success.
Thinking of applying to be an Art Scholar?
When selecting students for an Art Scholarship at Cobham Hall, we seek individuals who demonstrate a genuine passion for creativity and a strong commitment to developing their artistic potential. We are not only looking for technical ability but also for originality, enthusiasm, and a willingness to experiment and push boundaries in their work.
In terms of examples of work, we encourage applicants to present a diverse portfolio that reflects their interests, creativity, and skills. This could include:
Observational Studies: Drawings, paintings, or studies from life, showcasing an understanding of proportion, form, and composition.
Personal Projects: Artworks that highlight individuality, creativity, and exploration of themes or ideas that are meaningful to the student.
Experimentation: Evidence of trying different techniques and media, such as printmaking, photography, mixed media, or digital design, demonstrating a willingness to step out of their comfort zone.
Sketchbooks or Process Work: A record of their artistic journey, showing how ideas develop through research, experimentation, and refinement.
We are particularly inspired by students who are curious about the world around them and who can articulate their passion for art—whether through their work, discussions about their inspirations, or a desire to explore new techniques and concepts.
At Cobham Hall, we value independence of thought, creativity, and dedication. An ideal scholarship applicant will show not only talent but also the drive to grow, learn, and contribute positively to our vibrant Art Department community.