Inspiring Creativity and Excellence: The Arts and Design at Somerset College

Written by Helen Coombes, Assistant Head of Department - Design

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, the Arts and Design disciplines are more vital than ever. They foster critical thinking, innovation, and emotional intelligence - skills essential for success in the 21st century. At Somerset College, these subjects are not only celebrated but are integral to our mission of developing engaged global citizens who aspire to excellence, demonstrate integrity and value difference (Somerset College, n.d.).

Somerset College’s commitment to the Arts and Design is evident in both philosophy and practice. Our purpose-built Design Centre and Visual Arts facilities reflect a strategic investment in nurturing creativity and innovation (Somerset College, n.d.). These spaces are more than just classrooms - they are incubators of imagination, where students explore Visual Arts, Design and Media Arts in a supportive and dynamic environment.

The College’s educational philosophy - anchored in the values of personal success and global outlook - recognises that the Arts are not peripheral, but central to a holistic education (Somerset College, n.d.). Through a curriculum that balances technical skill development with conceptual exploration, students are encouraged to think deeply, express authentically, and engage critically with the world around them.

In Visual Art and Design, students explore traditional and contemporary practices, using media ranging from charcoal to digital illustration. They learn to communicate complex ideas visually, preparing them for careers in architecture, animation, fashion and beyond. In Media Arts, students develop confidence, collaboration and storytelling skills - attributes that transcend the screen and enrich all areas of life.

What sets Somerset apart is our unwavering belief in the transformative power of the Arts. Our educators are not only subject specialists but passionate mentors who inspire students to push boundaries and embrace creative risk-taking. The College’s co-curricular offerings, including exhibitions, performances and competitions, further enrich the student experience, providing platforms for real-world application and community engagement.

Recent studies support the importance of arts education. Makridis and Parassidis (2021) highlight the empirical benefits of arts education, showing that it significantly contributes to both cognitive and noncognitive development in children. Li et al. (2019) emphasise that design thinking is a critical 21st-century skill, advocating for integrating design across disciplines to cultivate innovation and problem-solving abilities. Hetland et al. (2007) identify eight “studio habits of mind” cultivated through arts education, such as persistence, reflection, and envisioning, which are vital for holistic student development.

As we look to the future, Somerset College remains steadfast in its vision: to shape a learning environment where tradition meets innovation, and where every student is empowered to thrive. In the Arts and Design, this vision comes to life - through every brushstroke, every edit, and every idea brought to life.

References

Hetland, L., Winner, E., Veenema, S., & Sheridan, K. M. (2007). Studio thinking: The real benefits of visual arts education. Teachers College Press.

Li, Y., Schoenfeld, A. H., & DiSessa, A. A. (2019). Design and design thinking in STEM education. Journal for STEM Education Research, 2(1), 1-13.

Makridis, C., & Parassidis, T. (2021). The empirical benefits of arts education: A study on cognitive and noncognitive development. Journal of Educational Psychology, 113(4), 763-778.

Somerset College. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved from Somerset College - About Us

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