On Thursday 13^th June, over sixty pupils from Hazlegrove, All Hallows, Sherborne Prep, Forres Sandle Manor and Bruton Primary all attended the King’s Prep Schools' Arts Day. 

The day commenced with a warm welcome and some fun and games from staff, who gave the pupils a different perspective of what life was like at King’s in the 6^th Form, although with a slight twist. Breakfast was spilt, shaving foam was applied and in no time at all, staff members covered each other in the remnants of a meal. It was all good fun and a good activity to provide the feel for the day.

Pupils then were divided into their various workshops which were situated all over the Design Centre. Options available were painting with Elena Gual, printmaking with Charlotte Marshall, photography with Mark Pickthall, ceramics with Hiro Takahashi and jewellery making with our very own, Naomi Warren. Pupils seemed to really enjoy the activities and they ended up making anything from beautiful bracelets to tall clay towers. The Prep School staff even got stuck in and making their own art.

After the second activity was underway some staff members headed up to Hauser & Wirth to have a talk from the Education Secretary, Debbie Hilyard who showed them around the new exhibition and gave them invaluable insights to the gallery and its possibilities as a teaching resource.

After lunch, Old Brutonian and professional artist, Elena Gual, gave an inspiring talk in the Fitzjames Theatre about her time at King’s, her work and her life as an artist. Pupils and staff came away feeling very enthused and in awe of her talent. They had many questions to ask.

In the afternoon pupils participated in the third and final activity of the day; hammers were being banged, clay rolled out, the printing wheel was turning, flashes flashing and paint brushes hitting the canvas; it was hive of activity with lots of willing participants.

At 3 o'clock, when all the art activities had come to an end, the staff and pupils headed over to the music school to watch the 500^th Celebration Concert, put on by the editors of the school magazine The Dolphin. It was a dazzling array of talent showcasing the pupils’ efforts. There was animation and video work alongside some incredible musical pieces, a lot of which were written for the occasion. It was a fitting way to end the day and to showcase our wonderful new facility and the talent of the pupils at King’s.

We couldn’t finish without mentioning the amazing catering staff that fed and watered us all day long… they are at the core of the School and their big finale was to produce some incredibly tasty cakes for the parents, staff and pupils. Although it rained all day the smiles shone brighter and everyone left with a full belly and some happy memories. We look forward to the next Prep Schools' Arts Day.

Seamus Harkness - Art Teacher