Art and Design

Fine Art, Ceramics, Computer Aided Design, Photography, Woodworking and Textiles are all part of the curriculum for younger pupils, with GCSE and A Level courses in Fine Art, Textiles and 3D Design available. Every year the examination students exhibit their work for parents and invited guests, and there is a fashion show featuring work from all ages.

The Department also provides creative clubs for all ages, and there is the opportunity for pupils to undertake creative commissions. Scholars are called upon for specialist workshops, commissions and yearly exhibitions. Alongside time in school, pupils attend trips to local and national galleries which inspire, diversify and enrich their creative practice.

Pupils have gone on to study art foundation or degree courses at UWE, Camberwell, Brighton, Chelsea, Central St Martins, University of the Arts and Falmouth. Fashion and textile graduates are now working at Vivian Westwood, Selfridges, Tom Ford, Elizabeth Arden and Sleek Magazine.

Fine Art

Fine Art students can study: sculpture, installation art, lens-based media, printmaking, painting, drawing and digital manipulation. A Level students attend life drawing classes.

Fashion and Textiles

Fashion and Textile students can study: painting and drawing, textile Art, interior design, print and surface embellishment, garment construction, digital manipulation, studio and fashion photography.

3D Design

3D Design students can study: architectural design, sculpture, product design, jewellery and body adornment, exhibition design, 3D digital design, designs for theatre, film and TV, environmental, landscape and garden design.

Photography

Photography students can study: portraiture, landscape photography, still-life, documentary photography, experimental imagery, editorial photography, photographic installation, animation. Pupils explore both digital and traditional methods.

Ceramics

Ceramics is available as part of the curriculum in Years 7 to 9 and can be incorporated into GCSE and A Level courses. The Art and Design Centre has a dedicated ceramics room where pupils can create, fire and decorate their own work.

Prep School

Art and Design are taught from Reception to Prep 6. From Prep 4 pupils have weekly lessons with a subject specialist. Pupils are taught drawing from life, working three dimensionally and new techniques like print making.

The Norfolk Art and Design Centre

Leweston has a dedicated Art and Design Centre which houses studios that cater for Fine Art, Textiles, Photography and 3D Design, as well as dedicated studios for Sixth Form. The facilities include:

3D Printing and laser cutting facilities
Ceramics studio
Creative graphics suite
Photographic dark room
Sewing studio
Resistant materials workshop
Fine Art studios

These diverse spaces, combined with dedicated specialist teachers, give the pupils the resources they require for their talents to develop.

Pathway + Scholarship Opportunities

Leweston’s Art and Design Pathway offers a rich and inspiring environment for pupils with creative flair to develop their talents through specialist support, studio access, and exposure to professional practice. From Year 7 onwards, pupils may be invited to join the Pathway based on their portfolio work, classroom engagement, or extracurricular involvement. Pathway members benefit from masterclasses with visiting artists, independent creative projects, and trips to galleries and studios, all designed to deepen their understanding of visual culture and artistic technique. For those aspiring to further study or careers in the creative industries, the pathway includes portfolio preparation and career-focused mentoring.

In parallel, Leweston’s Art and Design Scholarship Programme recognises exceptional creative ability and commitment. Scholarships are awarded at Year 7, Year 9, and Sixth Form entry, offering an annual fee remission and access to exclusive opportunities such as enhanced studio time, scholars’ clubs, and leadership roles within the department. Assessment includes a portfolio review, a hands-on creative task, and an interview with the Head of Art and Design. Scholars are expected to actively contribute to the artistic life of the school, mentor younger pupils, and showcase their work in exhibitions and events.

Together, the Pathway and Scholarship programmes provide a dynamic platform for artistic growth, leadership, and lifelong creative confidence.