THE capital city provided the backdrop for art students looking for inspiration ahead of their exam preparations.

Exploring the sights of London, Year 11 pupils from Harrow Way delved into several themes as they walked the South Bank to the Tate Modern and over the Millennium Bridge to St Paul’s Cathedral.

The students investigated the themes of dwellings, boxes, signs, mirrors, and birds.

Explaining why she chose London as the venue for the trip, head of department Chrissy Collins said: “The people, the buildings, the everyday in London is rich in inspiration for these young artists.

“This is a city famous for its architecture, its history, its fashion and vibrancy all of which provide an exciting dimension to the exam themes.

“I’m impressed at the creative interpretation, with students who explored the bird theme looking at the kinetic artwork such as Alexander Calder’s mobile for flight and movement and roller-skating angels in the street entertainment along the South Bank.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how these ideas and sketches translate themselves to the students’ final submissions.”

The students now have eight weeks to produce a project.

They will explore ideas in a range of media and they are currently experimenting with composition, colour and viewpoint in preparation for their final piece which they will have to create during a 10-hour exam, done over two days in March.

Ms Collins added: “It’s always wonderful to take our students somewhere new and encourage them to widen their horizons and be ambitious for their futures.”