The British School of Brussels (BSB) is a beacon for young artists, inviting every student to discover, develop, and express their creativity in a truly international context. From joyful scribbles in Early Years to the sophisticated portfolio work of graduating students, Art and Design at BSB is a vibrant, vital part of school life that amazes parents and inspires future artists.
BSB offers a comprehensive and dynamic Art and Design curriculum that begins with the youngest learners and extends all the way to graduation. Early Years students experience art through playful exploration of colours, shapes, and textures, developing fine motor skills and imaginative confidence – in classrooms specially designed to foster curiosity and self-expression. Lower and Upper Primary students examine art history, engage with cultural influences, and participate in workshops with professional artists. These hands-on activities introduce students to the joy of creative discovery within a nurturing environment.
In Years 7-9, Art and Design lessons become more structured, emphasizing experimentation with drawing, painting, sculpture, textiles, graphic design, and digital media. Students learn to analyse, critique, and thoughtfully develop sustained projects. Visits to local artists’ studios and prominent museums spark inspiration and broaden artistic horizons.
Years 10-11 see students specializing through options such as GCSE Art and Design: Fine Art or Graphic Communication, supported by school trips to museums in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent. At Post 16 (Years 12-13), students pursue A Level Art and Design or the IB Visual Arts pathway, blending increasing technical mastery with sophisticated artist analysis and career-focused portfolio development. Students also make use of the studios in their study periods to continue with their work independently. School journeys to international art events like the Venice Biennale further enrich opportunities for advanced students.
BSB transforms its campus into a gallery of imagination each year, hosting compelling exhibitions that showcase Art and Design from every age group. Students’ works are not only celebrated internally but regularly exhibited in renowned venues, such as the Africa Museum, as part of international competitions. Collaborative projects unite students across age groups for large-scale installations and performances, while art-led outreach initiatives use creativity as a tool for community engagement.
BSB provides facilities that rival professional studios, continually investing in innovations to inspire creative learning. The campus boasts cutting-edge Art and Design studios, digital labs, and spaces purpose-built for everything from printmaking, ceramics and sculpture to portfolio preparation. Recent renovations include updates supporting both traditional crafts and the latest digital techniques, ensuring students have access to the tools and environments needed to experiment and excel.
BSB artists follow their passion to world-leading universities and art schools. Graduates have accepted places at the University of the Arts London, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, Bath Spa University, Arts University Bournemouth, along with major UK universities such as Oxford, Edinburgh, Imperial College London, St Andrews, and top universities across Europe and North America such as University of Amsterdam, McGill, Toronto, University of British Columbia, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and Boston University. Many choose studies in Fine Art, Architecture, Fashion, Product Design, Spatial Design, Games Design Graphic Design, Film and Television, Music, Drama, and related fields, reflecting the strength of BSB’s Art, Design and Technology Faculty and the individual guidance provided for portfolio preparation and university applications.
From the earliest years, BSB’s art programme is about much more than technique – it is about nurturing individuality, global and cultural awareness, and confidence. The integration of art into STEAM projects, cross-cultural teaching, and a dazzling schedule of exhibitions and extracurricular clubs means every student, regardless of age or final destination, can blossom. Parents of artistic creative children will find in BSB a school that celebrates talent, fosters ambition, and guides creative spirits towards dreams as wide and varied as the students themselves.
BSB is more than an international school – it is a living canvas for every young artist and designers’ future.
Interested in joining the BSB community? Please contact our Admissions team for more details.