At Parmiter’s, the Art & Textiles Department is committed to nurturing creativity, ambition and individuality in every student. We aim to inspire learners to think independently, take creative risks and celebrate their unique artistic journeys. Through an engaging cycle of develop, refine, record and present, students are empowered to express themselves with confidence and purpose.

We champion cultural awareness and inclusion by encouraging students to explore and celebrate diverse artistic traditions, practices and perspectives. Our curriculum is rich in knowledge and skills, designed to be vibrant, inclusive and accessible to all. It not only cultivates creativity but also introduces students to the world of design and the many exciting careers it offers within the creative industries.

Our curriculum is shaped by a commitment to:

• Make creativity relevant, exciting and meaningful.
• Spark intellectual curiosity, enjoyment and passion for the arts.
• Equip students with the vocabulary, skills and understanding to communicate their ideas with clarity and purpose.
• Encourage experimentation as a vital part of the creative process, where mistakes are seen as opportunities to grow.
• Foster a culture of self-reflection, allowing students to refine their work and raise their expectations of what they can achieve.

Our vision aligns closely with the Parmiter’s Learner Principles. We strive to develop students who:

• Demonstrate resilience, self-awareness, curiosity and a growth mindset.
• Apply transferable skills across subjects and into future learning or employment.
• Become confident, independent learners who understand how to progress and fulfil their potential.
• Work collaboratively and independently with creativity, organisation and open-mindedness.
• Recognise the role of the arts in shaping society and their responsibility as creative citizens.

Our collaborative approach to teaching and learning reinforces a lifelong love for creativity and design.

Beyond the Classroom

We provide a rich and varied programme of enrichment opportunities that extend students’ learning, deepen their interests and expose them to real-world creative experiences. These include:

• Year 8: Creative Careers Workshop at Warner Bros. Studios.
• GCSE Textiles: Fabric manipulation workshops led by a professional fashion designer.
• KS3: Textile printmaking workshops inspired by natural forms.
• GCSE Art: Residential trip to Cornwall – visiting artist studios, workshops and galleries.
• A-Level Art: London gallery visits and photoshoots.  In addition, an annual trip to Paris to support personal investigation projects.