Every child is an artist
How often do we hear a child (or adult) say, ‘I’m not good at art’?
It’s a phrase that closes the door on creativity before it’s even had a chance to open.
Yet what’s often labelled as ‘talent’ is really the result of curiosity, perseverance and time. Every great artist started exactly where our pupils at Headington Rye Prep School do, with hesitant lines, bold experiments and plenty of practice and exploration. The only real difference is that they kept going.
As Picasso famously said, “Every child is an artist.” The challenge lies in helping children keep that belief alive as they grow. In our art lessons, we focus on effort and exploration rather than perfection. We encourage children to experiment, to embrace mistakes and to see each piece of work as part of their creative journey. When they do, something shifts, art becomes less about being ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ and more about expressing ideas, building confidence and discovering their own artistic voice.
Art holds a unique power within education, it develops imagination, empathy and the ability to see the world from new perspectives. Through creative processes, children learn to think critically, solve problems and take risks. Whether sketching a first idea or revising a design, they are learning persistence, patience and reflection, skills that go far beyond the art room. Art gives every child a voice, especially those who might find it harder to express themselves through words. It reminds them that their ideas matter.
The Royal Academy of Arts reminds us that: “Imagination is worth teaching”. In a world increasingly driven by results and measurement, nurturing creativity is an essential balance. The act of making, drawing, building, experimenting allows children to explore what they see and feel, to make sense of their experiences and to communicate something deeply personal. When we value imagination as much as information, we create classrooms where curiosity thrives and every child has the chance to shine.
Here at the Prep School, we’re launching an exciting new gallery space. This will be a place where we display not just the final piece, but the creative journey behind it. In this dedicated area we’re showcasing students’ sketchbooks, works in progress and completed outcomes. This new space celebrates the messy beginnings, the experiments and the sense of pride that comes from seeing improvement over time.
By opening up this process to the whole school community, children, staff and families, we’re giving pupils the chance to see their creativity valued and celebrated.
Research supports this. The Royal Shakespeare Company notes: “Research consistently shows that young people who experience an arts-rich education are likely to do better at school, be more employable and become more active, engaged citizens.” And Ofsted’s review of art education recognises that “the study of art enables pupils to understand, appreciate and contribute to a dimension of life that taps into and expresses human innovation, imagination and thought.”
Displaying sketchbooks and process work tells a clear story: learning and creativity are ongoing. Every smudge, draft and re-think has value. It transforms corridors into galleries and the everyday school environment into a space of shared inspiration.
This approach not only celebrates individuality but also creates an atmosphere where creativity feels alive, where students are proud of their progress and unafraid to take creative risks. As Sir Ken Robinson once said: “If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.”
Our new gallery space embodies that spirit. It reminds every child that their ideas matter, their voices belong and that their creativity is something to be seen, shared and celebrated by everyone.
Headington Rye Prep was presented with the Artsmark Gold Award by Arts Council England earlier this year. Read more
