Exploring Process: A Fresh Approach to Learning
14th February 2026
Exploring Process: A Fresh Approach to Learning
This week, our Art students stepped beyond the traditional classroom setting and into a series of carefully curated mini workshops held outdoors during double lessons. Led by our Art Technician and Artist in Residence, these sessions were designed to immerse students in diverse techniques that will prove invaluable within their coursework and portfolio development.
Working in small, rotating groups, students explored expressive watercolour techniques, experimenting with layering, wet-in-wet, glazing, blending and controlled fluidity. The movement of pigment across paper became both a technical exercise and a moment of discovery. The outdoor environment offered a welcome change of pace; natural light, open air and a quieter rhythm encouraged thoughtful observation and creative risk-taking. Year 12 students rotated every twenty minutes, ensuring that each group benefited from focused guidance, live demonstration and meaningful one-to-one feedback.
These workshops were not simply about technique, but about process — understanding how subtle adjustments in water, pressure and timing can transform an outcome. Students were able to see first-hand how professional practice informs artistic decision-making, reinforcing the importance of experimentation and refinement within the creative journey.
The feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed how much they valued the opportunity to work in smaller groups, to receive direct guidance, and to experience a different pace of learning outside the classroom. Several commented that the sessions boosted their confidence in using watercolours and encouraged them to take greater creative risks within their own projects. The impact of these sessions will undoubtedly be reflected in the confidence, depth and quality of work that continues to emerge in their portfolios.
