At the school, about 240 students between ages of 15 and 19 are enrolled annually. The four-year courses comprise both theoretical and practical subjects.The four forms are subdivided into groups according to specialization.
The educational aim is to activate student imagination and creative ability and to produce school-leavers capable of operating without supervision.
At the beginning of the first year, the students choose their area of study: graphic design, photography, fashion design, toy design, sculpture, industrial design, ceramic design, painting, design of shoes and fashion accessories. In addition to the chosen option, they must also study the Czech language (four years), English language (four years), mathematics (two years), physics (two years), chemistry (one year), technology (four years), history of art (four years), physical education (four years), civics (three years).
They may attend evening courses in drawing and modelling.
In the first and second year the courses develop essential skills and knowledge for jobs and provide a basic art and design experience by means of preparatory programme which gives groundings in all chief disciplines relevant to technique, technology and handcraft. The aim is also to support the students creative abilities.
In the third and fourth year the students are trained to work without supervision and to cope with continually changing requirements caused by developments in technology and aesthetics.They are also given groundings in computer-aided design.
In the studios and workshops the students are supervised by the teaching staff of whom there are 35 and most of them practise professionally. There are also some technicians and administrative assistants.
Twice per session, students present their work before a board of teachers. After four years, the students are entered for the school leaving examination which comprises an essay in the Czech language and oral examinations in the Czech language, English language, history of art, and technology. They must also justify their practical projects.
During the four years´s study, the students acquire skills and qualifications for their future career as advertising and performing designers, industrial designers, and modellers.
Those school-leavers who qualify can proceed to further study at the Academy of Fine Art, the universties, or various colleges. Alternatively, they can seek employment in industry or to be self-employed. The school has developed close links with industry, where the students augment their knowledge of practical work. Their portfolios are often compiled in collaboration with industrial firms.
