From 15^th-17^th November 2021, 32 Year 11 Art and Design students travelled to London for a few days of creative experiences to enhance their coursework portfolio.  On day 1 students independently viewed the V&A museum for primary photographs of exhibitions, objects and artefacts to relate to their coursework themes in the morning, then enjoyed some festive retail at the Westfield shopping centre in the evening. After checking in to the hotel and having dinner, staff ran an experimental light painting workshop and short night walk to Kings Cross Station.

After a morning breakfast at the hotel the group were taken to the striking ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ exhibition at the Natural History Museum. Students had the opportunity to review the event, vote for the ‘People’s Choice Award’ and have personal viewing time around the museum areas, which covered many wonders of the world and art practice outcomes.

In the afternoon on day 2, the group went to the ‘Selfie Factory at Tinky Town’ in the 02 Arena to capture playful selfies and photography group compositions from pre-made sets and backdrops.

On the final day of the residential students visited a number of exhibitions at The Photographers’ Gallery such as mixed media works by Julie Cockburn and street photography by Helen Levitt.

In the afternoon, students had a short walk around the Tate Modern to view contemporary and sculptural artworks in the awe-inspiring Turbine Hall and gallery spaces before walking to The Vaults to photograph the urban colourful graffiti from local London artists.