Director: Ms Claire Pennington (teaching Art & Textiles) Contact details: cpen8383@johnmason.oxon.sch.uk
Teachers in this Faculty:
- Mrs Tina Herringshaw-Dodd (Deputy Director; in charge of KS3-4 Design subjects, teaching Textiles & Art)
- Ms Sara Othen (Assistant Director; in charge of KS3 Art & KS4 Food & Nutrition, teaching Art & Food & Nutrition)
- Ms Amy Prior (teacher of 3D Design & Graphics)
- Ms Julia Pritchard (teacher of 3D Design & Graphics)
- Ms Lisa Brooks (teacher of Food & Nutrition & DT technical support)
- Ms Liz Neville (teacher of Graphics)
- Ms Sarah Neyland (teacher of Art)
- Ms Samantha Ponting (teacher of Graphics and Art technical support)
- Mr Richard Hoyle (3D design technical support)
- Ms Sonia Byron (Food & Textiles technical support)
At John Mason School Visual Arts consist of:
- Art and Design (KS3-5)
- Graphic Design (KS3-5)
- Textile Design (KS3-5)
- 3D Design (KS3-4)
- Food & Nutrition (KS3-4)
The Visual Arts Faculty prides itself on providing our students with a wide range of opportunities within and beyond the curriculum in a creative and inspiring environment. The study of visual arts subjects encourages creative thinking, problem solving, perseverance and an understanding of various processes, techniques and materials to create a range of innovative and exciting outcomes in a variety of disciplines.
At John Mason we embed key skills in art, craft and design from Year 7 onwards, building students who are able to question, think, record, analyse and plan and create. Our Faculty has an inclusive approach to learning with Creativity and Independent Learning at the heart of all we do. A strong emphasis is placed on equipping students with independent study skills to succeed in our subject areas at high standards and life beyond school, including research, investigation and presentation skills and managing their time, resources and workload.
Our own 06 Gallery is a professional space to exhibit art and design work and showcases our students’ accomplishments as well as occasionally offering exhibition space for local artists and groups and ex-JMS Art and Design post graduates. We offer a range of extra-curricular opportunities and community projects to enrich students’ experience, enjoyment and development in all Visual Arts disciplines.
In short, the ethos of the Visual Arts Faculty is:
- To inspire engaging visual learning, creative thinking and independent practice
- To teach practical & organisational skills, problem solving and resilience
- To provide an enriched curriculum promoting value to Art & Design subjects, inspiring confidence, artistic vision and drive.