History of Art is available in the Sixth Form, and follows the Pearson A Level course.
Pupils learn about human history and the artistic expression of civilisations through the study of painting, sculpture and architecture. They look at the Renaissance in Italy and Modernism in Europe, alongside thematic studies including nature and identity. Object-based education is an essential element of the course. Sixth Form art historians travel to exhibitions and museums regularly, as well as abroad to Paris, Florence and Rome to study works first-hand.
The Minerva Society organises trips and talks as an integral part of the A Level course, as well as to extend the pupils’ appreciation of art more broadly. Recent speakers have included Nick Ross, Director of Art History Abroad, the jewellery dealer Bobby Leigh-Pemberton, and the opera singer Tristan Hambleton. The senior girls also run ArtSpark, a Junior Art History Society designed to introduce younger pupils to the discipline prior to A Level.
St Mary’s art historians enter the SPoKE international art history film-making competition ever year, in which they have achieved notable success, and been frequent prize-winners.
Every year, the Department organises a programme of guided cultural visits to London art collections for parents, and a guided weekend trip to a European city. In recent years we have visited the National Gallery, Tate Britain, the Foundling Museum, Dulwich Picture Gallery and the V&A. Weekend trips have visited Majorca, Syracuse, Bologna, Nice, Naples, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Rome, Florence, Palermo, Madrid, Tuscany and Veneto. As well as being great fun, these trips have also raised money for charities.