A Level Art & Photography Exhibition 2025

Venue: Stocky Art Department

Date: 23 June

By: Mr J. Martin - Head of Art & Photography

This year’s Sixth Form Art and Photography Exhibition Private View was a resounding success, offering a rich, exciting showcase of creative talent from both Year 12 and Year 13 students. The event drew a large and supportive crowd — including staff, parents, friends, governors, and younger students — all of whom left amazed by the depth, variety, and quality of work on display.

A New Benchmark of Quality

Many visitors commented on how noticeably high the standard of work was this year. From finely crafted digital paintings and serene nature photography to bold, large-scale graffiti pieces and conceptual installations, the range of media and approaches was as diverse as it was ambitious. The overall standard was significant, raising the bar not just for future cohorts, but also for students currently working their way through the course.

Nurturing Individual Voices

What made this exhibition so distinctive is the personal nature of the work. The Art and Photography courses clearly take a student-led approach, encouraging learners to explore their own interests, strengths, and identities. The result is a body of work that feels authentic, expressive, and deeply individual. Whether it was a quiet exploration of abandoned buildings or a politically charged street art statement, each student’s voice was heard and respected.

Spotlight on Year 12

Importantly, the exhibition also highlighted the exciting potential of the Year 12 students. While still early in their A Level journey, their work showed strong technical promise, creative confidence, and a willingness to experiment. For them, this exhibition served as a valuable test run — an opportunity to see their work in a professional gallery-style setting, and to reflect on how they might develop further. It will be fascinating to watch this group grow as they move into Year 13. There is already much to celebrate.

A Subject in Rude Health

The positive energy surrounding the exhibition reflects the thriving state of the subject. This exhibition was twice the size of previous years. With high levels of engagement, increased ambition, and a strong sense of identity within the department, Art and Photography are clearly flourishing. The event also inspired many younger students who visited, helping to raise aspirations and generate excitement for the creative possibilities that lie ahead.

Final Thoughts

This Private View was more than just a display of artwork — it was a celebration of individuality, progress, and potential. Congratulations to all the students who took part, and to the dedicated art team who guide and support them. The future of art and photography at Stocky looks very bright indeed.