Partnerships

Now you've finished Year 13, what are you planning to do next?  I am planning to do a gap year where I have applied to get involved with Uppingham school for a creative student placement. I have also applied for work experience with Christie’s. For now I am volunteering with local galleries as well as Leicester Museum and Gallery for training, helping run workshops, volunteering and selling artwork at markets as well as open calls. The degree I plan on doing is Fine art with Art History at Leeds University or at Manchester Metropolitan. Now you've been through the process of applying for UCAS, what did you find most helpful? Was there a particular session or piece of advice which stood out for you? The advice I got from my teachers there was very useful as the themes and ideas explored within lessons helped to push me into the right direction for contextual knowledge for my personal statement. The interview preparation I found most useful (especially how we had 2 practice ones) as they allowed me to reflect on aspects I could improve, making me feel better prepared in what I should say within them. What advice would you give someone in Year 12 who is thinking of applying to university next year? Definitely attend summer school as it gives you the knowledge and preparation needed for applications and interviews for uni. If you are unable to, there is plenty information online as well. If you are applying to creative courses I would suggest getting involved within your local arts community like we did with the Sainsbury’s centre within the course as you will gain experience as well as relationships with artists and people who are passionate about their practice. Opportunities within the future for collaboration may be possible through this too and is always useful for exhibitions in your later career. Get involved with the courtauld gallery (they offer EPQ and A-Level qualifications) as well as the Association for Art History as they offer vital information via workshops for careers within the creative sector. Is there anything else you'd like to share with us about your experience of the Summer School and/or applying for university? An amazing opportunity where I gained information about the history of the art surrounding the area as well as studies currently underway at the Sainsbury’s Centre. The experience made things for me seem more possible as summer school s within my city are not available. I loved learning about the themes explored within the lessons and still use the information noted today for essays. Everyone was very helpful and open to sharing their experiences as well as advice. Thank you!

TOPSTITCH is a group of local textile artists . The exhibition represents a years work exploring the theme of Horizons using textile stitch and mixed media. Themes include climate change and the local landscapes as well as personal journeys. Members of the group will be available each day at the gallery. Work will be for sale as well as cards and small items You can find out more about TOPstitch at www.topstitchnorwich.wordpress.com Our guest exhibitor is Debbie Lyddon Debbie is an artist based in North Norfolk whose inspiration comes from being out in the natural world – from walking, noticing, collecting, being curious and learning. She makes mixed media cloths, sculptures, installations and drawings which originate from thoughts and memories that are a consequence of experiencing place and paying attention. 4 — 15 August 2026 — Open Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm (Closed Sundays)