The Art and Design Department is a vibrant, well-resourced and academically successful department, based across two bright and inspiring studios in the Senior School and a dedicated studio in the Junior School.
Our experienced teachers bring together a wealth of expertise in both Fine Art and Design, creating a dynamic learning environment where pupils are encouraged to explore a wide range of techniques, genres and creative approaches. Through practical, hands-on experiences, pupils develop confidence, creativity and technical skills while discovering and refining their own artistic voice.
Specialist art teaching begins in Primary 3, with pupils from Primary 4 onwards benefiting from access to our Senior School art studios and facilities, allowing them to work in a stimulating and professional creative setting from an early age.
Head of Art, Mrs Morton, is Qualifications Scotland Principal Assessor for the National 5 Art and Design Question Paper and an experienced Qualifications Scotland standardiser for folio marking. Mrs Hunter has served as a marker for the Higher Art and Design Question Paper and has experience as a verifier. This breadth of professional expertise ensures that pupils benefit from excellent preparation for national qualifications.
S1 and S2
Pupils build on their skills to reflect national standards with all pupils working in both 2 and 3 dimensions. The department also delivers a range of media based activities and a range of subject matters to challenge pupils and help develop their skills. For example, the department recently acquired a laser cutter and relevant software which will allow pupils to link their school experience to industry.
National 5
In S3 and S4, pupils follow the National 5 course which covers all genres of design and expressive art. Uptake of Art & Design at National 5 level is thriving which creates a varied, diverse and very personal approach to the subject.
Higher and Advanced Higher
The experiences and skills of pupils are further developed at Higher and Advanced Higher. At this stage, pupils are expected to have a very independent attitude to the course allowing their ability and skills to really shine.
Wellington School offers Advanced Higher courses in both Design and Expressive Art with pupils specializing in one of these areas. Pupils can link their choice to a potential future career or simply work at this level to develop skills in a subject that they enjoy.
Each of the SQA courses are highly valued by universities nationally, with creativity being apparent in all industry areas.
Higher Photography
The Higher Photography course is offered to S6 pupils. This inspires and creatively challenges learners by encouraging them to visually represent their personal thoughts and ideas through the medium of photography.
Learners plan, develop and produce imaginative photographs, and develop both technical and creative skills in using photographic media, techniques and processes.
Curricular Activities and Extracurricular Clubs
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in a wide range of clubs, workshops and enrichment activities that encourage creativity and foster a lifelong appreciation of the visual arts.
The department provides opportunities to engage with art, design and culture at both local and international levels. Pupils have the opportunity to visit galleries, museums and cultural landmarks in destinations such as Barcelona and Florence, broadening their artistic understanding and developing valuable cultural awareness.
We are committed to preparing pupils for future study and careers across the creative industries. Through a combination of practical experience, portfolio development and expert guidance, pupils gain the skills and confidence needed to progress to the next stage of their creative journey.
Our former pupils have gone on to study at some of the UK’s most prestigious art and design institutions, including in recent years Glasgow School of Art, Edinburgh College of Art, The Bartlett School of Architecture London and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design.
Competitions
The artistic talent and creativity of our pupils are regularly recognised at a national level. Pupils have enjoyed success in prestigious exhibitions and competitions, including the Royal Scottish Academy Schools Art Award, the Royal Academy Young Artists’ Summer Show in London and the Caledonian Club London Young Artist Exhibition.
Sustainability is an important aspect of our creative practice. We encourage pupils to embrace the principles of recycling, reusing and reimagining materials within their artwork, helping them to develop environmentally responsible approaches to creativity in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our pupils have seen considerable success in Junk Kouture, the international sustainable fashion competition. Regularly reaching the UK finals, participants have benefited from exciting opportunities including professional photoshoots in London and attendance at major events and competitions in London and Dublin. These experiences allow pupils to showcase their creativity on a larger stage while developing confidence, collaboration and innovative design skills.
Future Studies & Careers
The creative industries, for nearly a decade has been the fastest growing part of the economy. More than ever before there is a demand for creative people with excellent communication skills, enquiring minds and innovative ideas. We encourage and promote the development of creative thinking.
Scotland boasts some of best teaching and research facilities in Europe for pupils wishing to pursue art and design based courses after school. Specialisms vary from fashion, textiles and graphic design to fine art, photography, architecture, product and interior design. Many courses provide a direct route into a profession and some courses offer opportunities for students to access industry before they graduate.
The Glasgow Conservatoire offers courses in the Production Arts and Design. This is a high-level learning environment for aspiring scenic artists, prop makers, stage carpenters, costume makers and set and costume designers. The skills developed directly link to the environment where technical knowledge is as important as creativity and individuality.
Meet the Art & Design Teachers
Mrs Morton – Head of Art & Design
I have been Head of Art at Wellington School since 2018. I have an MA in Fine Art from Edinburgh.
I became an art teacher because I am passionate about Art and Design, and it is exciting to work with young people and see their creative ideas develop.
The Art department at Wellington is a happy inspiring place. It is full of creativity. Our Art Captains run lunch time Art Clubs and we also offer supported study. Costume design is a very popular extracurricular activity at Wellington and our pupils have been finalists in national fashion competition Junk Kouture.
For an artist there couldn’t be a more inspiring location than that of Wellington. The views over the Firth of Clyde to Arran are breath taking.
A Quote on Wellington life:
“Wellington is special not only for the its beautiful setting but also the people. There is a real sense of belonging and everyone is valued.”
Mrs Hunter – Art & Design Teacher
I have taught Art and Design at Wellington since 2011 and have also been Head of S1 and S2 for the past 6 years. In the Art Department we always have pupils around at lunchtime working on folios or competitions and I also run the S1/2 Homework Club where we invite senior pupils to support pupils with their work.
One of my favourite things about Welly is the size which encourages pupils to mix with other year groups and allows us, as teachers, to get to know pupils and their families well.
I decided to become a teacher initially because my husband was in the army, and I knew we would move around a lot. However, as soon as I started my training I wondered why I hadn’t done so sooner – I love the busy atmosphere in a school where our young people surprise and impress us every day. I love seeing them challenge themselves (and sometimes us) and love seeing them develop from wee boys and girls into capable young adults.
A Quote on Wellington life:
‘It’s cool to be clever’ – this always appeals to me as a former pupil of a school where this wasn’t always seen to be the case.