Year 10 GCSE Art Students Embark on Inspiring Residential Trip

The journey began early, with students departing Braunton Academy at 8am en route to the world-renowned Eden Project. Surrounded by lush biomes and exotic plant life, students spent the day sketching and photographing a diverse range of flora, immersing themselves in the natural world and gathering visual material for their coursework.

That evening, the group arrived at the Cohort Educational Hostel in St Ives, where they enjoyed a hearty evening meal and settled in for the night. The highlight of the evening was a special presentation by a local St Ives artist, who introduced students to the work of several influential artists whose pieces they would encounter the following day. This session offered valuable insight into artistic interpretation and technique, setting the stage for a day of discovery.

Before lights out, students had the chance to explore the charming town of St Ives, soaking in its coastal beauty and vibrant creative atmosphere.

Day two began with a self-service breakfast at the hostel, followed by visits to two iconic art destinations: the Tate Gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum. These visits allowed students to engage directly with celebrated works of modern and contemporary art, further enriching their understanding of artistic expression and the theme of nature.

The group returned to Braunton Academy around 5pm, tired but inspired, carrying with them a wealth of ideas and experiences to fuel their upcoming projects.

This memorable trip not only broadened our students’ artistic horizons but also reinforced the importance of observation, exploration, and creative thinking—key ingredients in any successful art journey.