NEW art facilities at Wellingborough Prep School enjoyed a practical official opening when artist Ian Murphy joined children from Years 7 and 8 for a special workshop.
The new art facility was part-funded from donations to mark the Prep School’s centenary last year, and provides a large, open space filled with natural light in which the children can work.
Investment in the Prep School art department reflects the continuing growth and development of the school, which aims to provide the finest in academic and extra-curricular teaching and facilities.
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NEW art facilities at Wellingborough Prep School enjoyed a practical official opening when artist Ian Murphy joined children from Years 7 and 8 for a special workshop.
The new art facility was part-funded from donations to mark the Prep School’s centenary last year, and provides a large, open space filled with natural light in which the children can work.
Investment in the Prep School art department reflects the continuing growth and development of the school, which aims to provide the finest in academic and extra-curricular teaching and facilities.
Richard Mitchell, Head of the Prep School, said: “A year or so earlier, the school completed the Senior School art department and that is in itself a fantastic facility and we are delighted to see that reflected in the Prep School facility.
“It will be a great addition to the school as a whole and to the opportunities it provides for children of all ages.”
During his visit, Ian Murphy held art sessions with the children, sharing his approach, his techniques and methods, and then carried out the official opening, at which a plaque was unveiled carrying the names of those whose donations helped make the building possible.
While still very much a working artist, Ian Murphy makes himself available for regular sessions in educational establishments, both with children and with teachers and trainee teachers to expand and develop their learning.
He said: “Every artist produces very unique and personal work, and people ask me why I give my secrets away, but there’s no secret to the processes and methods they use. I love to work with groups of students or teachers to show them how to develop their work and produce the best they can.
“Whether we are listening to music or watching a performance, we learn from it but then go away and produce our own interpretation of what we’ve seen and heard. Art is no different and if someone benefits from my experience, then fantastic.
“This is a wonderful room to work in – I wish I had a studio like this – and I’m sure the children will benefit from it massively.”
WELLINGBOROUGH School prides itself on being a Family of Schools, taking children from as young as three years old and often seeing them all the way through to leaving Sixth Form as young adults.
From nursery, through Pre-Prep to Prep and then on to Senior School and eventually Sixth Form, pupils benefit from an all-round education that promotes not just academic excellence but also extra-curricular opportunities.
Investment in facilities in both academic areas and in the school’s sports facilities and music, arts and drama provision, is ongoing. Even the youngest children benefit, with Nursery and Pre-Prep children using parts of the Prep and Senior Schools where it is appropriate.
An Open Morning on March 8 will give potential parents and pupils the chance to see for themselves what’s on offer.
