At Fettes College Guangzhou, we not only offer IGCSE Art, A-Level Art and BTEC Art programmes, but also maintain a close working relationship with Cambridge School of Visual and Performing (CSVPA) in the UK.

Grade 10 Art & Design students Amy Zhong and Orchid Yan have been diligently investigating their chosen topics for their first IGCSE portfolio. Amy selected the topic of Birds in Tropical Rainforests and Orchid chose Emotions. Each student presented a range of studies, research, media-experimentation, first-hand photographs, planning and final outcomes to fully show their dedication to their learning.

Amy chose the topic of Birds in Tropical Rainforests as she was inspired by the colourful plants that surround the FCG campus and wanted to study more the colour, detail and texture of the foliage and some of the animals that live within. Her photographs came from a trip to the zoo and her compositions are from arranging different species of plants and birds together. Amy challenged herself to try the contrasting painting styles of Henri Rousseau and Carl Brenders, one known for highly realistic images, the other for abstract post-impressionism. Amy took inspiration from both artists by combining Rousseau’s bold use of colour while maintaining Brenders' highly detailed photorealistic approach. Her final works explore a range of compositions and mixed-media, and offer many hidden details for the viewer to explore when looking at her art.

Orchid began her research on Emotions by taking several self-portraits showing a range of facial expressions from frustrated, elated and everything in between. She drew on her drama and stage experience in which facial expressions are a key component in conveying a message to the audience. She described in her coursework that emotions are a human experience that connect us all and that the understanding these characteristics helps us to connect to one another in a deeper way. Orchid researched the artists Edvard Munch and Afarin Sajedi to make historical connections to style and metaphor within the topic of emotions. She carried into her own art Munch’s fluid movement and use of colour, and Sajedi’s metaphorical use of everyday objects and the highly detailed, penetrating stare of her subjects inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Orchid’s final work is a successful combination of her experimentation, research and studies and shows tremendous growth in her abilities and thinking.

During this semester, Grade 11 Art students have been acquiring a wealth of knowledge and skills in the fields of Fashion, Photography, and Pure Art. By studying and practicing these different specialisations, students not only broaden their artistic skill set but also gain valuable insights to help determine their future professional paths."

Sketchbooks play an integral role in the creative process of artists and designers. At FCG, we actively promote the practice of carrying a sketchbook or iPad among our art students. This enables them to promptly capture their ideas whenever inspiration strikes. As the proverb aptly states, "If you do not accumulate small steps, you will not be able to reach a thousand miles; if you do not accumulate small streams, you will not be able to form rivers and seas." The pursuit of art entails a continuous process of accumulation and exploration, wherein sketchbooks serve as a vital tool for students to amass their thoughts and ideas throughout their artistic and design education.

To expand the students' skill set, the teacher organised a knitting workshop for them this semester. The students began by gaining an understanding of wool and progressively acquired proficiency in operating knitting machines and employing specialised knitting techniques. They culminated the workshop by completing their own knitting projects, showcasing their creativity. Throughout this process, the students developed a strong interest in knitting techniques and expressed a desire to further explore them in depth. To foster and encourage the students' skill development, the school has invested in multiple knitting machines and intends to offer an extended course on knitting crafts in the upcoming term.

At FCG, we periodically organise school art exhibitions in the vicinity of our art classrooms to showcase the exceptional work of our students. This approach not only fosters active participation in the creative process but also offers students a platform to showcase their talents. Additionally, these exhibitions contribute to creating an artistic and invigorating campus environment.

During this semester, KK, a Grade 12 Art student, has demonstrated exceptional talent. He successfully accomplished two comprehensive interior design projects and developed a website to showcase his work. Currently, he is adding the final touches to his portfolio. Notably, KK has been granted a pre-admission offer from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, which holds the top rank among art and design universities in Asia.

We are immensely proud of our students' achievements to date and are confident that they will be able to utilise these skills to an even higher level of creativity. We will continue to provide a high quality arts education that aims to unlock and develop the unique artistic potential of each student.