Nurturing artistic excellence: Inside our Visual Arts programme
Our recent Whole College Art Exhibition showcased the incredible depth of talent at Dulwich Pudong. Join us on a journey through Visual Arts at the College, as we show how creativity and artistic excellence are nurtured at every age.
At Dulwich Pudong, the visual arts are more than just a subject – they are a powerful medium for self-expression, discovery, and global connection. Rooted in the rich artistic heritage of our founding school in London, Dulwich Pudong’s Visual Arts programme is an integral part of the College’s holistic educational approach, inspiring students of all ages to think creatively, critically, and collaboratively.
From kindergarten through to the IB Diploma, students are exposed to a wide array of disciplines including ceramics, painting, sculpture, digital imagery, photography, and film. More than simply learning techniques, students are encouraged to explore their own voices through art, often producing work that is both technically accomplished and deeply personal.
Artistic exploration from a young age
The journey begins in DUCKS in Early Years with simple mark marking, fostering children's understanding of the artistic process. As they experiment with shapes, they learn how to create pictures, nurturing creativity and expression. Moving into Years 1 and 2, this foundation expands into a broader exploration of diverse art and design techniques. Children delve into various artistic styles, celebrating renowned artists while reproducing their work. This progression not only enhances their technical skills but also deepens their appreciation for art, encouraging personal interpretation and innovation. Through this journey, young learners develop a lifelong connection to artistic expression and cultural understanding.
Our Year 2 students are continuously developing their independent creation skills in art. In Term 3, we celebrate significant artists, inspiring their creativity across subjects and preparing them for future learning!
In Junior School, students are immersed in their creative learning by exploring global themes that connect them with diverse cultures and inspiring artists. They build on their artistic skills and techniques by experimenting with different mediums and materials, such as 3D rendering, nature printing and wire sculpture. Each year level explores art through a range of concepts and themes - ranging from nature, festivals and ancient cultures in Year 3 to architecture, animation and iconic artists in Year 6 - encouraging students to see art as a way of making sense of the world around them.
The art curriculum nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression – essential skills that empower Junior School students to explore ideas, build confidence, and connect meaningfully with the world around them.
In Middle School, the emphasis expands to include both technique and critical analysis. Students work with sketching, painting, sculpture, and printmaking, while also studying the history of art. They are taught to reflect on their work and the work of others, building analytical skills that are essential for their future artistic development.
Advanced artistic study
At the IGCSE level, students deepen their engagement with both fine art and graphic communication. Their projects often involve mixed media, photography, and package design, with an emphasis on critique and hands-on creation. This structured yet exploratory approach lays a solid foundation for those who continue to the IB Visual Arts Programme.
The IB Diploma challenges students to engage with both personal and cultural narratives, producing portfolios and exhibition work that demonstrate not only technical skill but thoughtful interpretation. A recent highlight was the 2025 IB Visual Art Show in April, which showcased the work of Year 13 students Zoey M and Mila L (pictured above). Their exhibitions combined traditional techniques with digital innovation, celebrating individuality and the dynamic range of student creativity at Dulwich Pudong.
Studying Visual Arts in Senior School is about far more than just making art. It’s also where students build transferable skills they’ll use throughout their life. In every project, they learn to think critically, manage time, solve problems creatively, take constructive feedback, and express ideas with clarity and confidence. These are the same invaluable skills they’ll need at university, in the workplace, and in everyday life.
Learning from the professionals
Students benefit from frequent opportunities to learn from professional artists. In February, photographer and former Vogue contributor Damian Siqueiros led a three-day workshop with Year 10 and Year 12 students, focusing on using art for global impact. Under his guidance, students developed conceptually rich pieces that blended technical skill with powerful messaging.
And in April, internationally acclaimed artist Ian Murphy returned to Dulwich to run workshops focused on landscape painting and portfolio development. His expertise and passion left a lasting impression on students, offering both inspiration and professional insight.
A community that celebrates art
Dulwich Pudong’s commitment to visual arts is also reflected in its annual exhibitions. The Whole College Art Exhibition in May brought together students from across the Junior and Senior Schools, showcasing the depth and diversity of talent within the community.
Through immersive projects, expert mentorship, and an unwavering emphasis on creative growth, students develop the skills and confidence to express themselves meaningfully and make their positive difference in the world.
