Art & D.T.

Erica Platusich joined Wetherby teaching team in 2012, as a Teaching Assistant in Year 3. She completed Bachelors degrees with honours in Elementary Education, Special Education, and Sociology at Syracuse University.  Erica then went on to earn a Masters degree in Education from Columbia University. Before moving to London, she taught primary school in New York City for several years.

Erica is thrilled to have moved to this fantastic city.  She enjoys the theatre, exploring London, and traveling with her husband.

At Wetherby we encourage the boys to explore a wide range of ideas in art. They investigate and use a variety of materials and processes to communicate their ideas and meanings, and design and make images and artefacts. The boys are expected to comment on differences in others' work, and suggest ways of improving their own. The boys are given the opportunity to work in a relaxed and fun environment, where they can express their ideas and creativity.

Every boy in the school has 1 hour a week of Art/Design technology. The first half of the term we focus on art- drawing, painting, design and technique. The second half of the term, boys are given a Design Technology project to complete.

With the extensive range of art equipment, tools and resources the boys are given the opportunity to create art work of a high standard.

In Reception and Year 1 the boys are introduced to basic techniques and ideas. They are encouraged to explore their imaginations and new skills to help develop confidence in the art room.

In Year 2 the boys are taught the basic fundamental techniques for drawing, painting, line, form and texture. The boys learn about a few famous artists and artworks.

In Year 3 the boys build on these skills to develop work that is more complex and detailed. At this stage the boys are expected to work more independently, exploring their imaginations and creativity. They are also expected to apply ideas and tecniques they have learnt about famous and renowned artists in their own drawings and paintings. This gradual process from reception to year 3 makes the transition from Year 3 to Year 4 easier, as they are prepared for the more advanced and technical aspects of the art curriculum.

In Design Technology the boys are expected to work through project booklets based on their own research. We link up the ICT lessons to give the boys the opportunity to investigate and gain information on the web to assist them in the building of their own models.  With the use of basic building tools such as saws, wood and strong glues the boys are shown, under strict and controlled supervision, how to create 3D models and structures.

Every child has the opportunity to get chosen for two major in house exhibitions: the ‘WETHERBY TATE’ which happens once each term and ‘ PICTURE OF THE MONTH’.
We celebrate art in the school by dedicating one whole day of the year to art activities and projects. All the teachers and children get the chance to dress up and enjoy a day of creating and mess making. The result is a school decorated in amazing masterpieces and a group of very inspired young artists.