Students learned about the origins of marbling and explored how this traditional technique has been used to decorate paper for centuries. They then created their own marbled papers by experimenting with colour and pattern. Their finished designs were used to cover sketchbooks, giving every pupil a unique and personalised book for the year ahead.

Students began the project by creating observational drawings from a range of natural marine specimens, including sea urchins, starfish, shells, fish skeletons and crab bodies. They then explored the detailed scientific illustrations of Ernst Haeckel and his discoveries of microscopic marine life. Inspired by the intricate patterns and forms found in nature, pupils created circular weavings, developing fine motor skills, patience and hand–eye coordination through the repetitive weaving process while celebrating the beauty and complexity of the underwater world.

Students studied real taxidermy birds, carefully examining the intricate feather structures, markings and unexpected details found in each specimen. Using high-quality coloured pencils, they developed blending techniques and built up rich tones and textures through careful application of colour. They then explored the work of contemporary artist Mark Hearld, whose bold and decorative style inspired them to design and make their own paper bird puppets. These colourful creations were later brought to life in the school's production of The Lion King.

Students began the project by producing analytical graphite studies of vintage robot parts, developing their line drawing skills by carefully capturing shape, pattern and texture. They then explored the concept of composition through two-dimensional collage, creating robot characters before applying these ideas to three-dimensional sculpture. Using repurposed recycled materials, pupils designed and constructed robot plaques, which were coated in Mod Roc and finished with acrylic paint and metallic waxes to create the appearance of aged metal.

Students began the project by studying the striking macro photography of Levon Biss, training their eyes to notice extraordinary details that are often overlooked. They then examined real insect specimens, producing magnified drawings that recorded the structures of individual body parts. These two-dimensional investigations fed into a three-dimensional crafting project, using cardboard to construct individual insect models while developing practical problem-solving skills, manual dexterity and an appreciation for the remarkable intricacy of the natural world.

Key Stage 2 pupils explored the bold and vibrant work of graphic artist Rex Ray, using his distinctive style as inspiration for their own collage pieces. Working with painted paper scraps, they experimented with positive and negative space, cut-out and cut-away shapes, and the idea of patterns within patterns. Pupils also investigated how colour theory can be used to create striking visual impact, incorporating “edge events” and layered compositions to build dynamic, expressive designs.

Pupils explored the theme of plants through the work of three artists, each specialising in a different process: tonal photography, printmaking and textiles. They began by studying the Victorian photographer Karl Blossfeldt, using his detailed botanical images to inform pencil drawings focused on form, tone and proportion. Next, they looked at the work of contemporary printmaker Angie Lewin, exploring stylised plant designs and learning how to simplify natural forms for visual impact. Building on this, pupils were introduced to reduction printmaking, using a registration matrix and jig to ensure accurate alignment across multiple layers of colour. Finally, they studied textile artist Jessie Chorley, whose “drawing with thread” approach inspired pupils to explore mark-making through stitch and surface design.

Pupils’ imaginations were sparked through short readings and sketching inspired by legendary beings such as Medusa, the Phoenix and Unicorns. They then designed their own mythical creatures, considering how habitat, purpose and diet could be communicated visually. Ideas were refined and annotated with material choices and instructions for construction. Moving from design to making, pupils built wire armatures bound in spun cotton with clay heads, finishing their work with paint, fabric and decorative embellishments to create highly individual final pieces.