Art That Moved Me

< Back to Academic Courses

Leader

Sara Wallis

Cohort

N/A

Timing

Wednesday 4.30pm

Course Overview

Art That Moved Me is a course for students interested in art, art history, architecture and visual culture. Spanning the ancient world to the present day, it explores not only what art is, but why it matters - examining the history, philosophy, and aesthetics that shape it. From works that inspire wonder to those that challenge and provoke, the course considers how art has the power to transform our understanding of the world.

Key Benefits

  • Visual analysis skills: develop the ability to examine and describe artworks using formal language.
  • Interpretive skills: explore how meaning is constructed and reflect on how and why artworks move us personally
  • Critical thinking: engage in broader discussions about authorship, meaning, interpretation, and audience.
  • Interdisciplinary connections: link ideas across art, history, philosophy, photography, fashion, and film, fostering a richer, more connected understanding of visual culture

Course Structure

Each session will begin with a short presentation by a teacher or Sixth Form student on an artwork of their choice. Because these responses are personal, students will encounter a wide range of works spanning different periods, societies and media, from photography, fashion and installation to painting, sculpture and architecture. Following the presentation, the teacher/Sixth Former will open up a broader discussion to encourage critical thinking, exploring questions about the nature of art: What is art? Does art require a purpose? Is meaning fixed or fluid? The final sessions of the course will focus on students conducting their own research, culminating in a presentation on an artwork that has moved them. Later on in the Summer term, there will also be an opportunity for students to enter the external Write on Art essay competition.

Indicative Session Outline

Session Outline 1 (8 weeks): Week 1–8 topics

Speakers: SPW, AEXC, EJXH, JPNR, SAXA, Students TBC

  1. Seminar 1: SPW
  2. Seminar 2: Teacher/Sixth Form presentation
  3. Seminar 3: Teacher/Sixth Form presentation
  4. Seminar 4: Teacher/Sixth Form presentation
  5. Seminar 5: Teacher/Sixth Form presentation
  6. Independent Research (Guided session)
  7. Skills Workshop: Presentation Skills
  8. Student Presentations

Session Outline 2 (8 weeks): Week 9–17 topics

  1. Introduction to Write on Art: Overview of the competition, expectations, and past examples.
  2. Choosing Your Category: Explore essay, creative writing, and critical response options; select your focus.
  3. Researching with Art UK: Learn how to use Art UK and begin selecting an artwork.
  4. Writing Skills & Planning: Develop key writing techniques and begin planning your response.
  5. Developing Your Plan: Refine ideas, structure, and argument in preparation for writing.
  6. First Draft Submission: Complete and submit a full draft for feedback.
  7. Editing, Refinement and Referencing: Review feedback and improve structure, clarity, and analysis.
  8. Final Submission: Complete and submit your final entry to the competition.