At Sunninghill Preparatory School, The Art, Craft and Design Technology Department aims to enable every child to explore visually the world around them and to develop an appreciation and understanding of the technological world in which they live. The department offers a broad range of opportunities for visual response, enabling children to use stimulus that will enable them to express their ideas creatively. Our work encompasses whole school, class, group and individual activities. Discussion plays an invaluable part in our learning and evaluation is ongoing. Pupils are encouraged to talk about their work; problems and successes are shared and used as part of the learning process.

Pupils enjoy working in both two and three dimensions enabling them to gradually build on their knowledge and skills. They work with a broad range of materials and processes ranging from drawing for different purposes, felt making in textiles, and working with wood, wire and plastics in technology. We acknowledge that the creative subjects can challenge the most academic pupils and offer new ways in which to excel for the less academic.

Exciting Cross- Curriculum topics are planned where the department recognises the importance of the subject as a vehicle for learning in other areas. Links are made with History, Geography and Science. Theatre week offered many opportunities such as the making of dancing dummies for the childrens’ ‘Strictly come dancing’ sketch. Trips to exhibitions are organised locally and in London. The National Portrait Gallery was the starting point for Self Portraits in Year 8. Key Stage Three pupils enjoy the extra challenges of a day in a Senior School’s DT workshop.

Pupils enjoy Art activities outdoors at Stokewater Meadow where they are encouraged to develop their observation skills and an appreciation of Nature. A collaborative project linking with the Dorchester BID, resulted in the design by pupils , of an environmentally friendly bag which is currently being offered for sale in local shops. Each year pupils’ work is exhibited in the Primary Art Exhibition at Sherborne House.