Visual Arts Trip to Oxford

Visual Arts learners at Solihull Sixth Form College visited museums and galleries in Oxford this term to begin their research and visual recording for their examination projects.

Students on the A level Fine Art, Graphics & 3D Design and Photography courses, as well as those learners studying BTEC Art & Design Practice were offered the opportunity to go on the field trip, which saw them visit the Pitt Rivers, Natural History and Ashmolean Museums, as well as the Modern Art Oxford Gallery.

The Pitt Rivers Museum displays archaeological and ethnographic objects from around the world, while the Natural History Museum's collection includes the world's first scientifically described dinosaur (Megalosaurus bucklandii) and the world-famous Oxford Dodo, the only soft tissue remains of the extinct Dodo. Meanwhile, the Ashmolean's world-famous collections range from Egyptian mummies and classical sculpture to Pre-Raphaelite paintings and contemporary art. The Modern Art Oxford Gallery not only houses modern art of note, but also hosts creative workshops.

Creative Arts Curriculum Leader Zoe Maksymiw commented:

"Getting out of the classroom and into museums and galleries provides first hand research opportunities and inspires our young people with their own artwork. This trip enabled us to cram a lot into one day, exposing learners to a wide variety of art genres. I am looking forward to seeing how they take what they saw and incorporate it into their own pieces."

Away from the fieldtrip, Year 12 Fine Art students met with Ian Dodds, professional illustrator and Course Leader of BA (Hons) Illustration course at Birmingham City University recently. Students discussed their handmade concertina books, based upon a piece of text, with Ian and received individual feedback. Ian will be returning after half-term to select winners and provide further feedback for learners' Live Brief project.

17 February 2026