Art is a tool for communication; it reflects societies, records history and the shifting trends and values of cultures throughout time.

At Freemen’s we look at what the world outside the School can teach us about who we are and our place in society. Our well qualified and inspired teaching team have created a disciplined, professionally equipped and ambitious department that mirrors the School’s expectations of high standards and achievement.

Whilst our academic results are excellent we focus on our students learning experience in a wider sense for the individual and their community. We are a skills based, multi disciplinary department with a focus on developing confidence with a broad range of materials. Right from Year 3, students will learn drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, sculpture and ceramics. We support and promote learning opportunities that allow our students to think about, challenge and engage with the world around them.

Integral to our teaching are the contribution of visiting artists and practitioners alongside gallery visits. Students are encouraged to become independent in their exploration of the rich and varied resources to be found London’s museums and galleries.

Art is taught from Year 3 through to Year 9. Students wishing to continue their art education can then further develop skills in fine art, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, ceramics, and photography at GCSE. In the Sixth Form we offer an explorative, dynamic Fine Art course with a dedicated sixth form workspace .

The Art department is an environment that is constantly humming with activity. In free periods and at lunchtimes, pupils are welcome at all times to participate in a range of clubs and work on their own projects.

We have an unblemished record of success in student applications to a variety of Foundation level and Higher Education degree courses in the Creative Arts.

Check out our most recent work on our Instagram page @FreemensArtDept and the School's Facebook page @hellofreemens, or look for the hashtags #freemensartdepartment #hellofreemens #lovefreemens

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Art Aptitude 

The Art Aptitude programme is a bespoke programme of study for gifted KS3 Art students. 

Successful applicants will join the Art Aptitude class that runs after school, one day a week and commit to joining the programme for three years. These sessions introduce students to new and exciting materials and processes, as well as developing mastery in traditional skills. The class consists of students from U3, L4 and U4 who will all work towards submissions for internal and external competitions, as well as hosting their own exhibition in the Spring Term. They will also visit an exhibition in the Summer term.   

The application process will commence in September of U3 and will include a supervised timed drawing task, a portfolio of work and a written task.  

Portfolio Requirements 

Students are asked to submit a small body of work (up to 8 pieces and/or one sketchbook) which they feel best displays them as an artist. The work can be in any media and can be completed in school or at home.  

Written Task 

Along with the portfolio, students are asked to write an account of the best exhibition they have ever been to. What made it so memorable? What did they learn from the experience? How will it impact their own work? 

Supervised Drawing Task 

During a lunchtime break applicants will be asked to draw from observation, under timed conditions.