Year 7 Art trip to the Margaret Island

On Wednesday, September 21st, the BISB Year 7 students attended the highly anticipated annual art trip to Margaret Island (Margitsziget) for a full day of creative exploration led by the art department. On the island, the students spent the day reflecting on the elements and principles of art to create an array of different artworks in their sketchbooks that they will later refine in their art lessons. The groups rotated around four stations set up on the island by Ms. Evans and Ms. Ferguson so they could experience each material and task adventure.

Station 1 developed their tonal work. They were all asked to sketch a leaf they could find before each group made a collaborative 'land art' sculpture in the style of Andy Goldsworthy, which Ms. Evans later judged as part of a friendly collaborative competition. In station 2, the pupils needed to observe the beautiful nature on the island to create an oil pastel landscape in the style of Claude Monet, with an emphasis on their use of impressionistic marks and contrasting colours. Finally, in stations 3 and 4, the students used their creative writing skills to write a Japanese haiku in the style of poet Matsuo Bashō, which needed to reflect what they could see in the Japanese Garden. They embellished their poems with drawings using watercolour pencils.

These tasks developed their practical skills and allowed the students to build each BISB attribute, ensuring that creativity, confidence, and collaboration were the focus of each opportunity. We were lucky to have such beautiful weather for the day, and the pupils were thrilled with their creations. Group 1 was delighted to be chosen as the winners of the 'land art' competition after they successfully delegated leaf collecting duties and beautiful ombre leaves surrounded a large tree on the island. Each pupil highlighted the day's success, and the staff thoroughly enjoyed it. I have gathered some comments from pupils regarding the day and their thoughts.

Nóra Lakatos said that she “loved the art trip because of the natural beauty on the island.” Benedek Ko added that he “liked the art trip because we had fun stations and a lot of free time to draw.” In addition, Antonio Azzara said that he “really liked the trip because we had so many good objects to draw.”

This was another very successful art trip with fantastic creative outcomes. Stay updated on our social media for a video to follow and keep drawing!

Ellen Evans

Art Teacher