Inspiring creative minds

Pocklington's campaign for new art and design technology centre receives planning permission and design input from pupils

Posted by Stephanie Broad | February 24, 2016 | Facilities & buildings

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• #art-and-design-technology
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Pocklington School’s campaign to build a new Art and Design Technology Centre has received a significant boost with the granting of planning permission for the proposed £2.5 million structure.

As part of the next phase of the school’s strategic development plan, the new centre will replace the existing building which houses the two departments and is designed to inspire the pursuit of traditional arts and crafts, as well as providing cutting-edge facilities for digital imaging, editing, animation and computer-aided design and manufacturing technology.

Mark Ronan, Headmaster at Pocklington School, said: “The new Art and Design Technology Centre is an ambitious project, but one we believe will prove invaluable for generations to come. The fact we’ve been granted planning permission brings it a step closer, which is hugely exciting. 

“Art and Design Technology are no longer the niche subjects they once were, but part of the mainstream curriculum, highly regarded by employers from a wide range of industry sectors, who want bright, motivated employees who are able to think creatively, problem solve and innovate. The centre's facilities will place emphasis on developing these skills in our pupils, continuing our tradition of providing an inspirational environment from which they can pursue their own ambitions in the future.” 

The school’s fundraising campaign has also involved a team of upper sixth form art and photography students, who have designed a set of striking graphics to use on promotional material for the Campaign. Sofia Risso-Gill, Dan Brown and Georgie Fenny have used a mix of art, design and photography techniques to create the designs, to bring to life the Campaign’s theme of ‘inspiring creative minds’. 

Sofia said: “We are really happy to be playing a part in helping promote the Campaign for a much needed new Art and Design Technology Centre and we look forward to coming back to visit in the future.” Sofia is planning to study Graphic Communications at university in September, and both Dan and Georgie plan to take Art Foundation courses.

The new centre, which will be built on the school’s 65-acre campus, will continue the Art and Design Technology departments’ long tradition of innovation and inspiration, fostering cross-fertilisation between the different disciplines, while maintaining a watchful eye for new ideas and technology. It also incorporates the space to display pupils’ creations, to provoke debate and inspire others.

www.pocklingtonschool.com