In the Pre-Preps, children are introduced to Art through playful exploration of colour, pattern, and texture. They experiment with a wide range of materials to create work in different shapes and forms, developing their confidence and enjoyment in making. At this stage, pupils begin to look at artists and their artworks, responding visually and creatively in ways that are accessible to their age. The focus is on nurturing curiosity, imagination, and a love of Art from the very beginning of their learning journey. 

Building on their early experiences, Prep students begin to explore Art in a more focused way. They develop confidence in expressing their ideas through drawing, colour, 3D work and mixed media. At this stage, the emphasis is on building strong foundation skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, and craft-based processes that nurture creativity and imagination. Pupils are introduced to a variety of materials and techniques, encouraging curiosity and experimentation. They also begin to explore how artists from different cultures and times have expressed ideas, making connections to their own work in age-appropriate ways. 

Senior Art students are supported in building confidence in their core skills, including drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, photography, and printmaking. They learn how to present creative research and outcomes in their sketchbooks, recording their journey, experimenting with materials, and reflecting on ideas. Students also explore the elements of Art (colour, shape, form, line, and texture) and begin to analyse artistic outcomes, considering their sociological and historical contexts. Alongside the study of modern and contemporary artists, pupils are introduced to digital creativity, such as animation. The focus at this stage is on nurturing imagination, encouraging experimentation, and supporting students as they take progressive steps towards independent creative thinking, leading to a series of personal outcomes in response to a theme or project. 

At GCSE, students follow the AQA Art, Craft & Design course, which reflects the department’s multi-disciplinary ethos. The specification allows each pupil to shape a personal pathway, choosing from a wide range of creative processes, such as drawing, painting, mixed media, digital and analogue photography (including darkroom practice), experimental photography, 3D printing, traditional sculpture, 3D design, printmaking, textiles, costume design, product design, zine-making, and poster design. 

Students are encouraged to explore the areas of Art they are most passionate about. Our approach is deliberately student-centred, recognising that creativity is deeply personal and should be nurtured differently for each individual. Just as no two flowers bloom in the same way, every student’s artistic journey is unique, and we aim to provide the right conditions for each one to flourish. 

Our results reflect the strength of this student-centred approach. In 2025, 47% of students achieved grades 9–8, which is more than double the national average, placing us among the strongest departments in London. 

Sketchbooks are used throughout the course to document creative research, experimentation, and reflection. Outcomes are developed in response to themes or briefs but are always guided by the student’s personal interests and developing voice. 

One of the key strengths of the AQA specification is its built-in flexibility. Under Art, Craft & Design, students must explore at least two areas of study (for example, Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Textile Design, 3D Design, Photography) and may blend or switch between them. This flexibility enables us to support and stretch students in the directions they are most passionate about, ensuring the course adapts to the individual rather than forcing them into a fixed path. 

Moreover, the specification emphasises that it is the context of practice, not simply the number of media used, that defines whether work is art-based, craft-based, or design-based. This reinforces our belief that what matters most is meaningful creative inquiry, not breadth for its own sake. 

This combination of structure and flexibility enables students to build strong technical skills and mature creative thinking, while keeping room for exploration and personal expression, preparing them confidently for A-Level and beyond. 

In A-Level, students may specialise in one or two of the following AQA subjects: Fine Art, Photography, Graphic Communication, and Art, Craft & Design (or study two subjects e.g. Fine Art + Photography). 

• Art, Craft & Design: this pathway is well suited to students who enjoy working across more than one discipline. It often attracts those with ambitions in fashion, textiles, 3D design, or architecture, but also students who wish to follow a Fine Art direction while incorporating textile or 3D techniques into their practice. Students develop skills in stitching, 2D textiles, costume design, structure, and spatial forms, with the flexibility to combine and experiment across different media. 
   

• Fine Art: students in this pathway focus on drawing and painting, developing a passion for expressive mark-making and creative exploration. They are taught to master oil painting techniques, learning to work in a realistic style, before being encouraged to develop a more personal and contemporary artistic voice influenced by the artists they most admire. This balance of technical mastery and individual exploration helps them grow into confident and original practitioners. 
   

• Graphic Communication: this route is particularly suited to students who enjoy working with digital media and design. It provides the opportunity to explore branding, advertising, logo design, poster-making, typography, product design, and animation, while also engaging with the creative possibilities of new technologies. Students learn how to harness digital tools to communicate their ideas effectively and to design innovative products that respond to real-world visual challenges. 
   

• Photography: students develop expertise in both analogue and digital photography, mastering darkroom practice alongside digital editing. They also learn to produce short films and multimedia works, progressing to editing with Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. We are one of the few schools in Ealing offering this breadth, which is especially valuable for students aspiring to careers in television, film, or media industries. 
   

Across all pathways, students undertake sustained investigations, contextual research, and ambitious practical outcomes. They refine their visual thinking through analysis of art history, contemporary practice, and critical theory, building both creative and intellectual confidence. 

We are proud of both our consistently high results and excellent student destinations. In 2025, we achieved 100% A* in Fine Art and Graphic Communication, placing us among the top-performing departments nationally. Graduates have progressed to outstanding courses, including UAL Central Saint Martins (Fashion Womenswear, the most competitive course of its kind in the world), Kingston University (Creative BA), and BA Architecture at Leeds. 

Our alumni often speak of how much they valued their A-Level experience with us, and several have returned to the department while studying at university to offer technical support and mentorship to current pupils. This enduring connection speaks volumes about what it means to be a true Augustinian, a community that nurtures creativity, excellence, and a lifelong commitment to the Arts. 

Art is one of the most popular subjects at St Augustine’s Priory, and we are proud to offer a vibrant programme of co-curricular and enrichment opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. 

Students can join a variety of clubs, tailored to different interests and stages: a Junior Art Club for KS2 pupils nurtures early creativity and builds confidence in core skills; a Photography Club for KS3 students helps them develop their use of DSLR cameras; a Sculpture and Mixed Media Club introduces pupils to new skills in 3D construction and experimentation; and an Art AGT Club challenges our most able and promising artists to push their creativity further. 

Our enrichment programme includes annual trips to the Tate Modern and the National Gallery for GCSE and A-Level students, providing first-hand engagement with world-class artworks. We also run international Art trips, giving students the chance to experience global art and culture — recent destinations have included Paris, Amsterdam, and Lille. 

We regularly welcome visiting artists to lead workshops and masterclasses. Some undertake short-term residencies within the school, offering students the unique opportunity to learn directly from practicing professionals and gain insights into contemporary artistic practice. 

Collaboration is also central to our ethos. We work closely with the Drama Department, supporting set design for school productions, and with the Religious Education Department, where joint projects include work on the Lampedusa Cross. When the cross is displayed in school, our students have the special opportunity to create observational drawings of this historic symbol, deepening both their artistic and cultural understanding. 

Together, these opportunities foster creativity, broaden cultural horizons, and inspire students to see themselves as part of a wider artistic community.