A LEVEL ART & DESIGN EXHIBITION SUMMER 2026

We are very proud of all the work that our Year 13 students have produced and showcased in their end of year Art and Design Exhibition. We are sure you will agree that the quality is outstanding. Scroll down to meet some of the students, see a selection of their pieces and learn more about their work and inspiration.

Click on an image to enlarge it, or use the arrows to browse through each student’s work.

Martyna Tur – Fine Art – Controlled Assessment – Chosen Theme: Portals

For my exam project based on the theme ‘Portals’ I focused the idea of entering new realities through portraiture with sculptural elements. I explored the literal concept of portals by creating portraits emerging through torn canvases and frames, with 3D hands reading out towards the viewer. This project allowed me to experiment with compositions, emotional states and illusions, creating work that feels surreal by portraying a transition between reality and another world.

In my final piece that was created during the 15 hours exam, the torn canvas acts as a physical portal as a girl is seen reaching out from within, while the sunset in the sky represents a metaphorical portal of the girl’s thoughts and inner soul. Her eyes are downturned as she is peeking through the gap in the canvas, her expression looks as if she is observing or thinking deeply. Sunsets are associated with peace and beauty, while the cloud represent fleeting thoughts and memories. The message behind my final piece has been influenced by my own experiences – the feelings of hope and serenity that come during difficult times.

This summer I am going in a gap year to Norderney, an island in Germany, where I am going to continue creating art and I am very excited to see how living in a new environment surrounded by a different culture is going to influence me as an artist.

Coursework – Chosen Theme: Nature

Inspired by the beauty of the natural world, I explored the theme of Nature through three distinct pathways: Micro nature, Sea Life and Human Connections with Nature. In my first pathway [Micro Nature] I explored the intricate details and textures found within natural forms that can only be seen up close – I focused specifically on fruit and created a series of three paintings highlighting their unique structures and often unnoticed beauty. For my second pathway [Sea Life] I used bright, saturated colours to capture the energy and diversity of life under the sea, focusing on different types of fish and the detailed textures and ethereal beauty of coral reeds. Finally my third pathway [Human Connections with Nature] explores the relationship between human beings and the natural world that surrounds us by portraying a girl peacefully submerged in a body of water surrounded by colourful flowers to create a sense of harmony and serenity.

Amalie Long – Fine Art – Controlled Assessment – Chosen Theme: Disorder

For my exam work, I chose to focus on disorder, exploring the emotions and meanings behind disorderly situations rather than simply the visual chaos that may be seen at first glance. Throughout the project, I developed ideas surrounding social disorder, investigating how colour, texture and style can communicate emotion and atmosphere. I began by exploring expressive and abstract approaches inspired by Cecily Brown, whose energetic brushstrokes create a sense of chaos and movement. I then looked at Rod Kitson, who explores disorder through detailed paintings with fragmented and chaotic compositions. As my project developed, I became interested in how food and social gatherings can create disorder while also representing excitement, anticipation and community. I explored the preparation behind social events through vibrant colours and rich textures before focusing on shared meals, inspired by Amelia Jayne’s use of expressive brushwork and colour to capture lively, emotional and relatable scenes. Overall, exploring disorder allowed me to investigate the deeper emotions behind everyday situations and develop my understanding of how colour, texture, style and composition can work together to communicate meaning and create an emotional connection with the viewer.

Coursework – Chosen Theme: Water

My personal investigation focused on the theme of water, which I explored through three pathways: man-made bodies of water, natural bodies of water and beneath the surface. In my first pathway, I explored movement and light reflections on the water’s surface, experimenting with techniques to capture splashes, reflections and changing textures. In my second pathway, I investigated natural bodies of water, focusing on how colour, technique and style can create different moods and atmospheres, inspired by artists such as J. M. W. Turner, Viktoria Lapteva and Karen Adams. In my third pathway, I explored concepts beneath the surface, investigating distortion, texture and mixed-media techniques inspired by Giles Ward. Overall, my investigation allowed me to explore water in experimental ways with movements remaining a key theme throughout as it creates reflection, distortion and dynamic compositions.

Heather Buxton – Fine Art – Controlled Assessment – Chosen Theme: Disorder

For my exam component, I chose to explore the theme of Disorder as I felt that this theme would suit my preferred medium of collage. I explored a variety of interpretations of the word Disorder from the concept of mess and chaos in everyday life such as domestic mess, to the disorder in politics and society, which I focused on the punk movement and protest artwork to explore this side of the theme. Eventually, I narrowed down my concept to investigate disorder within my own life, specifically my social life, choosing to create work based around myself and my 3 closest friends. The work I have chosen to exhibit for this project are the digital collages I produced, combining aspects of myself and my 3 other models to create disordered, chaotic portraits. This work is the most personal work I have created over the course of my A Level as it directly reflects my own life and the lives of those around me, focusing on self-expression, relationships, and the reality of the imperfections in all of us, highlighted through the disproportionate, skewed placement of the face and body across these pieces. Additionally, through my selection of models with very different identities, self-expression, and lives, I have maintained a sense of chaos through the differences in all of my models as they are also very separate people whose only link is through me. Studying art has helped me to develop my personal creative vision which I will bring forth into university when I plan to study theatre in hopes of working as an actor, writer, and director in the future, implementing my artistic vision and interpretation into my work as I move forward.

Coursework – Chosen Theme: Death

My work for my personal investigation explored the theme of Death across 3 different pathways: Decay, Symbolism and Life After Death. I was drawn to explore death as I felt that this was a taboo and controversial topic which interested me as I wanted to highlight the beauty in the morbid aspects of my theme. For my first pathway, I chose to focus on collage work, creating a layered portrait of the human skeleton which used unconventional mediums such as dirt and fire to highlight the theme of decay in both the imagery and textures of the piece. As I moved into my second pathway, I found myself heavily inspired by the music of Hayden Anhedönia (known professionally as Ethel Cain) whose work chronicles the life of a girl in the Deep South in America whose traumatic upbringing eventually led to her death at the hands of her lover. My final piece for this section of my project was heavily inspired by her son ‘Ptolomaea’ which explores the drug induced psychosis the character of Ethel Cain is in before her untimely death. During this pathway, I found my love for working digitally, using photoshop toc create a layered digital college based around the imagery evoked in this song. Finally, in my project based around Life After Death, I produced an instalment piece in the shape of a cross, depicting the descent through the nine circles of hell in Dante Alighieri’s Inferno. This final instalment of my coursework project combined the imagery and techniques I had used previously to create a dark and swampy outcome which acts as a memento mori, reminding the viewer of the inevitability of death and installing fear of what may come after. After exploring a variety of mediums and imagery in my coursework, I felt that my work fusing digital and physical collage techniques was my strongest, something that I took further into my exam work.

Gracie-Mai Cator-Hewitt – Fine Art – Controlled Assessment – Chosen Theme: Focus

For my exam work, I explored the theme of Focus. I was particularly interested in this theme because it offered a wide range of possible interpretations and creative directions, including portraiture, cameras and lenses, and facial expressions associated with concentration and attention. This allowed me to develop my ideas in both conceptual and visual ways throughout the project.

I was especially drawn to the opportunity to experiment with formal elements such as shape, colour and tone in order to communicate meaning and create visual impact. I found the process of creating my exam pieces highly rewarding, as it allowed me significant freedom to develop my creativity and express my ideas independently. I really enjoyed developing my images and paintings and I have made significant progress in my ability to experiment with different techniques, develop compositions, and create more confident and expressive outcomes.

Coursework – Chosen Theme: Beauty

For my personal investigation, I chose to explore the concept of beauty, inspired by the diverse ways in which it can be perceived and interpreted. Throughout the project, I investigated three distinct pathways: the beauty found in human features, the beauty present within nature, and the beauty embedded in everyday surroundings. By exploring these themes, I produced three contrasting outcomes that reflect the varied and subjective nature of beauty.

This investigation allowed me to examine how beauty can evoke different emotional and visual responses depending on context and perspective. Ultimately, I believe beauty is closely connected to individuality and uniqueness, as each person experiences and defines it differently.

I found the process of creating my coursework pieces both challenging and highly rewarding, as it allowed me significant freedom to develop my creativity and express my ideas independently.

Looking ahead, I intend to study Psychology at university, where I hope to further develop my analytical and critical thinking skills.

Hannah Russell – Fine Art – Controlled Assessment – Chosen Theme: Sanctuary

For my exam component, I decided to explore the theme of Sanctuary as I wanted to expand my skill set to explore inanimate objects and landscapes, having previously specialised in portraiture. I had various ideas of how I could explore this title. Initially, I chose to study the idea of Bed Sheets, deriving from the concept of exploring personal forms of Sanctuary. I did this through experimenting with various mediums like oil pant, charcoal, and fabric. I also experimented with combining the theme of Bed Sheets and the Night Sky to create pieces that represented finding comfort in rest. After a change in direction, I chose to explore the idea of sanctuary in nature; this theme was inspired by exploring shared ideas of sanctuaries. Experimenting with various mediums, I used beaches as my primary inspiration and was influenced by the work of Gemma Pitman – whose use of vibrant colour schemes I found to be complementary with my work I would like to continue expanding the skill set I have developed as I study Illustration with Animation at university.

Coursework – Chosen Theme: Human Form

For my Personal Investigation, I chose to explore the theme of Human Form through three pathways: Expression, Flesh, and Movement. In my first pathway (Expression) I worked primarily with textiles, using colour and texture as a way to exaggerate different emotions alongside expressive portraits. In my second pathway, I pivoted towards more traditional techniques, exploring the topic of Flesh primarily through painting. I studied the effect of injury and light on flesh which I found interesting to portray; I enjoyed this pathway the most because it was a topic I have never focused on before. For my third pathway (Movement) I experimented with the use of polyptychs as a way to exaggerate movement, focusing particularly on the movement of hands. I found my personal investigation to be useful in expanding my understanding of the human form – skills which will be beneficial as I continue my studies in higher education.

Molly Freestone – Fine Art – Controlled Assessment – Chosen Theme: Portals

For my exam work, I explored the theme of portals, as I found this concept the most engaging and felt it offered significant potential for deeper investigation and development. I was particularly inspired by the imagery of eyes and cathedral windows, as these symbols allowed me to merge ideas of perception, spirituality, and transition. By combining these elements, I aimed to create work that explored the idea of portals as both physical and emotional gateways, encouraging the viewer to consider themes of identity, reflection, and connection between different spaces or states of mind. I found the process of creating my exam pieces both a challenge but extremely rewarding as I could develop and refine my skills in new ways.

Coursework – Chosen Theme: Movement

For my personal investigation, I chose to focus on movement within dance, nature, and time, and how different artists use these themes to explore and interpret emotion. Throughout this course, I have developed not only my artistic skills but also a deeper understanding of myself as both an artist and an individual. Dance has been a significant part of my life from a young age, strongly influencing my creative practice and personal identity. This investigation has allowed me to connect my passion for movement with visual expression, inspiring the direction of my work. In the future, I hope to continue developing these interests through higher-level study at university.

Hannah Russell – Graphic Communication – Controlled Assessment – Chosen Theme: Erosion and Growth

For my exam component, I chose to explore the theme of Erosion and Growth as I had various initial ideas of how to express this theme through design. I decided to create interpretive signage as I observed it to be a common and visually intriguing way of portraying the theme. Initially, I chose to create signage on the topic of Thetford Forest – specifically the damage caused by over-tourism and the regeneration projects in St. Mary’s Picnic Site. I did this through experimenting with various mediums, including dark room photography and painting. I also experimented with compositions and how to balance visual and written elements in a sign. Changing direction, I decided to create interpretive signage for an aquarium instead. This proved to be more successful as I worked in improving my compositions for a wider demographic and experimented with combining physical and digital techniques. I created my final piece from the idea of having the context of my signage and the signage itself side by side. I would like to continue expanding the skills I have developed in design as I study at university.

Coursework – Chosen Theme: Graphic Novel Illustration

For my Personal Investigation, I chose to explore the theme of Graphic Novel Illustration through three pathways: Conceptual Illustration, Storyboarding, and Front Cover Illustration. In my first pathway – Conceptual Illustration – I experimented heavily with different illustrative styles and mediums, curating my own style and showcasing my two created characters in a painting of a possible scene for my comic. In my second pathway I focused on Storyboarding to develop a fictional storyline, drawing inspiration from real life. I also used digital techniques to illustrate the scenes of my storyline for my final comic. For my third pathway – Front Cover Illustration – I developed a suitable design for my comic front cover which reflected the story and appealed to my intended demographic. I also designed a back cover and had my comic professionally printed – my final outcome being a fully illustrated fictional story in the form of a short comic book. The skill set I have developed throughout this project will be valuable as I continue my studies in Illustration with Animation at university.

Amalie Long – Graphic Communication – Controlled Assessment – Chosen Theme: Portals

For my exam project, I explored the theme of portals, initially focusing on books as both physical and mental gateways into imagination. I was interested in how stories allow people to escape reality and experience new worlds, ideas and perspectives. Throughout the project, I explored a range of concepts and media, developing my skills in illustration, watercolour and mixed media. Artists such as Isobelle Ouzman inspired my exploration of 3D design using books as portals, while Vanessa Morales influenced my use of colour and illustration, as well as beginning my initial character development. As my ideas developed, I explored portals through time, religion and nature, including paintings of church doors as symbolic gateways into places of faith and reflection. Eventually, I combined these ideas through the concept of storytelling and children’s imagination, leading to my final outcome: an illustrated children’s storyboard. The story follows a young girl who enters a museum and discovers a portal into an imaginative world where prehistoric creatures come to life. This outcome brought together many of the themes explored throughout the project, including imagination, storytelling, time and adventure. Inspired by illustrators Satomi Ichikawa and Hannah Rounding, I created playful characters and vibrant illustrators that engage a younger audience while leaving the viewer questioning whether the girl’s journey was real or imagined. Overall, this project allowed me to explore the power of storytelling as a portal in itself, while developing my illustration skills and strengthening my interest in studying illustration at university.

Coursework – Chosen Theme: Developing a Brand Identity: Binx & Boo Natural

For my personal investigation, I focused on developing the branding and overall identity for my client’s business, Binx & Book Natural. In my first pathway, I created the initial brand identity through logo design. After researching branding, colour psychology, typography and competitor logos, I developed a mascot-based logo inspired by my own pets, Binx and Boo. The mascots were designed to create an emotional connection with customers while communicating the business’s commitment to natural, high-quality pet food and treats. I then extended this branding into a fully functioning-website, ensuring the design remained cohesive and clearly communicated the purpose and values of the business. In my second pathway, I focused on product design, creating a series of pet food can designs inspired by character-led packaging. Using my own photographs and digital illustrations, I developed a range of themed characters to represent different life stages and personalities of pets. Through colour, character design and visual storytelling, I aimed to create packaging that customers could relate to, helping to build a stronger emotional connection between the brand and pet owners. I then continued to develop the brand identity by designing packaging for natural pet treats. Inspired by designers such as Francesco Franchi, I created label designs that reflected the existing logo, mascots and visual style of the brand. By combining illustration, typography and consistent branding elements, I developed packaging that was both distinctive and recognisable while maintaining a strong connection to the overall identity of Binx & Boo Natural. Overall, developing the identity of this online business helped me understand the importance of creating a strong and consistent brand image. Throughout the project, I focused on building connections with customers through relatable design, memorable characters and cohesive branding, helping Binx & Boo Natural stand out while promoting the health and happiness of pets through natural food and treats.

Alyssa Kasidas-Neale – Photography – Controlled Assessment – Chosen Theme: Intersections

For this topic I wanted to explore a wide range of different types of intersections. This included physical and non-physical themes such as culture or architecture. The topic of intersections interested me as it allowed me to experiment with portraying intangible themes in a physical photographical context. This included concepts such as the crossover of different emotions, which I used colour and double exposure to help portray them. The physical intersections allowed me to use architecture and other structures to portray the theme in different ways. I explored using different elements like nature, colour, architecture and stone.

Coursework – Chosen Theme: The Effect of Light and Colour

The aim of this topic was to explore how light and colour tones could affect the outcome of the images. I also wanted to play around with how different tones could create different perceptions of the same image due to connotations of tones. I was really excited to explore the different elements of the colour wheel and the different combinations of complementary colours. The different lighting techniques also fascinated me as light can create lots of different patterns, create more depth of field and highlight parts of the image to create focus. The explorations of these two compositional rules allowed me to explore the medium of photography in a more in-depth way.

Molly Green – Photography – Controlled Assessment – Chosen Theme: Disorder

For my exam work, I chose the theme of Disorder as I wanted to look into both mental and physical representations of personal disorder. I began by creating double exposed portrait outcomes and moved in to scanography. This work led me to capturing the mess which is in people’s personal bags as a representation of physical disorder. I really loved the concept of capturing a moment of chaos in a frame which led me on to producing a “Time Capsule Of Controlled Chaos” for my final piece. I wanted it to portray the beauty within disorder and mess. I really love the concept of my piece and look forward to improving my creative skills when studying media production next year.

Coursework – Chosen Theme: The Power Of Music

My topic of investigation was centred around the connections between people and music. Music has always been a big part of my life and I wanted to explore how immersing ourselves into music can shape us as people. I am heavily interested in live music and capturing the energy of a live space within a photograph. I have also looked into how photography is used to promote music and advertise events through album artwork and posters. One of my favourite elements of this project was researching into content creation and producing my own mixed-media short form videos as promotional material, utilising skills from my Media Studies A-Level. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to document an area which I am passionate about, particularly as a musician myself, I will be able to use these skills in the future when promoting my own band and music.

Isabella Constable – Art, Craft and Design – Controlled Assessment – Chosen Theme: Focus

My chosen exam project was ‘Focus’. I initially explored the theme through a variety of lenses then honed my investigation into people and their vision. I specifically zoomed into eyes and used this as an opportunity to create eye-wear advertising. This led me to create my own brand with promotional features like a poster. If I was to describe this project in one word it would be “lifestyle”. All of my experiments were possible designs for poster advertisements and were centred around vision and eye wear. I loved this concept as there were many different routes to take and I believe I captured the idea of focus really well. I believe my final lifestyle advertising is fund, bod and eye-catching.

Coursework – Chosen Theme: Our World

For my personal investigation I chose Our World to be my inspiration. With this I used photographic and graphic art skills to enhance or completely alter my observations, sketches and photos I have taken. I enjoyed working with the contrast between the natural and man-made world. If I was to describe my personal investigation in one word, it would be “Colour”. I really enjoyed this project as I had the opportunity within Art, Craft and Design to show off my skills with any medium, physical or digital.

After sixth form I will be going into a tattoo apprenticeship. I came to this decision after many career choices and liked the idea as I keep all my creative aspects and would love to show off my abilities by giving people their dream tattoos. I would not have considered this career had it not been for the opportunities I have had within my Art, Craft and Design A-Level.

Niamh Drury – Photography – Controlled Assessment – Chosen Theme: Intersections

For my exam I chose the theme of intersections. I was immediately drawn to this idea because of how creative I could be. I started my project by looking at physical intersections, such as road crossings or contrasting man made and natural objects. Through research I discovered the idea of capturing the intersection between humans and animals. I really liked how this has a deeper meaning of two different worlds colliding. Within my photography I looked at the contrast of fur and skin, which represents the juxtaposition between the two different beings coming together. I liked how I have visually investigated different animals from chickens to cats, alongside their owners, to show how their relationships can vary and how this can present differently depending on the environment and person. As my project progressed I decided to focus solely on the intersection of relationships. My final piece was inspired by this, and my chosen artist Lizzy Dee, who creates silhouetted images of animals. For me this piece had a deep meaning of how animals can shape our lives and how we can make a different to theirs.

Coursework – Chosen Theme: Identity

For my personal investigation I decided to choose the theme of identity – to me identity has a very broad meaning. I was able to experiment with different themes of these ideas such as personal and social identity, looking at how people perceive themselves and how someone’s social environment can impact on their identity and how they grow up. One of my favourite parts of my project was creating a collage for pathway three, inspired by David Hockney. I wanted to focus on how different environments can shape personal identity. I looked deeper into including the subject within the landscape image and I distorted the pictures to show that identity is constantly changing. This summarises that although you can be in an environment at that particular time, your identity will always be moving and changing as you grow and explore elsewhere. Throughout this project I have realised my love for collage and by doing this consistently it helped me to hone these skills in my final piece. Throughout my 2 year A-Level Photography course, I have learnt how to be confident in my own abilities as well as taking creative risks. I have also developed my ability to focus on themes and ideas that I enjoy.

I am moving in to working in care, this has been a constant theme in my personal life and has been used as an idea within my identity project.

Talulla Wray – Photography – Controlled Assessment – Chosen Theme: Sanctuary

In my theme ‘Sanctuary’, I explored and demonstrated the range of ways this can be viewed from animals, through to activities to connect people with sanctuary. I explored different types of photography skills and techniques that allowed me to produce my final piece which was in cooperation with the physical side of sanctuary and the photographic side. I came to the decision that sanctuary was the best theme for myself as I have always found nature and flowers to be a sanctuary for myself and I wanted to present this in my work. I was focusing on viewing sanctuary from my own perspective as this was more of a natural way for me to capture my photographs and further development. I also consider photography as a sanctuary for myself as I am able to express my own creative views and thoughts through my photographs.

I am going to keep the views on sanctuary and what I have discovered from this course as this will be able to help me in my future paths regarding early years and want to help and support children.

Coursework – Chosen Theme: Beauty and Fashion

My personal investigation focused on beauty and fashion in society. As a young woman, I experienced pressures and unrealistic standards surrounding appearance, inspiring me to explore this theme. Throughout my project, I examined the different perceptions of beauty, particularly the influence of unrealistic beauty standards on young women. My inspiration was the Barbie film, as it presents a stereotype on images of beauty that I combined with my exploration of society’s expectations. It used bright colours to create engaging and visually appealing work while highlighting the negative impacts. Through photography, I explored fashion as a form of personal identity and self-expression. My aim was to show that beauty is unique to individuals, while highlighting how young women compare themselves to others.

This course helped me develop my creativity and artistic skills, supporting my future goal or working with children and encouraging them to express themselves through creativity and enjoyment.