The Visual Arts are an integral part of everyday life, permeating all levels of human creativity, expression, communication and understanding.

They range from traditional forms embedded in local and wider communities, societies and cultures, to the varied and divergent practices associated with new, emerging and contemporary forms of visual language. They may have sociopolitical impact as well as ritual, spiritual, decorative and functional value; they can be persuasive and subversive in some instances, enlightening and uplifting in others. We celebrate the visual arts not only in the way we create images and objects, but also in the way we appreciate, enjoy, respect and respond to the practices of art-making by others from around the world. Theories and practices in visual arts are dynamic and ever-changing, and connect many areas of knowledge and human experience through individual and collaborative exploration, creative production and critical interpretation.

The IB Visual Arts Programme at St Julian’s is based upon the traditions of an Art and Design course, with a leaning towards Fine Art.  There is an emphasis on drawing, and an importance placed on developing strong technical skills in a variety of media. Throughout the course students have the opportunity to work in a broad range of materials and processes; these include painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, video-work and assemblage.  Through structured projects and more independent personal investigations, students are given the artistic tools to enable them to work imaginatively and creatively. At all times students are guided through the creative process; however, there is also more freedom within this course to pursue personal interests and themes.  As in all the IB courses there is an emphasis on critical thinking and cultural awareness. In the Visual Art course students are taught how to respond and reflect on the work of others; they are shown the significance, context and aesthetic values of Art and Craft from other times and places. 

The first two terms of this course are dedicated to giving an artistic ‘foundation’ or introduction to making Art.  Students are taken through a variety of processes and instructed on practical techniques and the investigation strategies that are required for a successful IB Visual Arts student.  After these initial projects, the following terms allow students the opportunity to set their own goals and deadlines and to organize projects based on their own personal interests. These investigations will form a more mature, personal and cohesive body of work, that culminates in a final exhibition.  

Throughout the course every student is required to keep an investigation journal.  In this book, students document their work in progress and show evidence of their research.  This investigation workbook (sketchbook) is an integral part of the artistic process and forms a significant part of the final assessment.  

Visual Arts can be a great subject within your IB Menu card, providing a subject radically different to your other subjects.  It might also be a course that will help you get into the next phase of your education, by offering an exciting and rewarding subject that will gain you vital IB points for University admission.  There are some career paths and jobs, however, that recognise creativity as either a requirement or a preference.  Have you ever thought about a career in the following: 

• Architecture, Animation, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Product Design, Textiles, Fashion,  Media,  Photography, Film & TV, Graphics, PR & Marketing, Museum and Gallery organisation, Art restoration and Art History, even Primary School teaching   

After studying IB Visual Art, St Julian's students go on to pursue  a whole range of courses and careers.  In recent years we have had students have offers from some of the top American and UK universities for courses such as Architecture, Design, Product Design, Graphics, Media, Marketing, Photography, Fine Art, Interior design, Anthropology, History of Art, PPE amongst many others.

Students wishing to apply for Arts, Design or Architecture are given guidance and support through workshops, guest university speakers and a taylormade Google Classroom.