A Colourful Trip for Art GCSE Pupils to Bristol

This trip is designed to ensure that the examination unit responses contain first hand references to works of art, and is an important expectation as part of this final unit.

Our trip took us firstly to Nelson Street in Central Bristol. We had warmed up with some perspective drawing at school for this, and the pupils were challenged to record this part of the city and the Street Art which adorns the buildings here. Some were initially hesitant, but with support, all gained confidence and managed to produce sheets of drawings which recorded the cityscape with a degree of authenticity.

From here, we went up to the Royal West of England Academy and an exhibition of Abstract Expressionist painting. This linked back to an earlier coursework unit exploring the act of painting and colour theory. This theme of colour was in fact pervasive throughout the day. For some this presented a mental challenge where they were required to confront preconceptions. Most were fully absorbed in the work beginning to understand the more sophisticated concepts at work as evidenced by the copious critical and contextual notes and references.

A short walk took us down to the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Here there was art covering many periods and styles along with a broad range of interesting objects and artefacts - something for everyone with an imagination.

Because the pupils were so reliable throughout the day and we made good time on the journey in, we left 15 minutes early to avoid the rush hour and made it back for activities. Pupils will be working to follow up on this day over the half term and, in their exam books, making a more focused exploration of the theme they wish to explore ready for the next half of the term.

Wayne Spilsbury - Head of Art