Art

The Art Department offers a wide variety of practical experiences to students from Year 7 upwards.

Basic painting, drawing and printmaking techniques are fostered in the early years together with a chance to use specialist ceramics facilities.

Generous provision is made within the timetable for a wide range of skills to be taught in both two and three dimensional studies. Whilst conventional skills are considered an important basis for Art education, we encourage a creative, spirited and thoughtful approach.

Throughout their first three years, students are taught Drawing, Painting and Ceramics by specialist teachers, leaving them well placed to consider Art and/or Ceramics as a GCSE option. These courses give the students the opportunity to explore and use a variety of two and three dimensional media and relate their own ideas to the work of artists, designers and craftspeople.

Both Art and Ceramics are offered at GCSE, AS and at A Level: separate qualifications in Ceramics and Fine Art may be pursued.

The specialist Art room occupies airy, light, purpose-built accommodation on the first floor of the Technology Building. There is a separate Sixth Form Art Studio here too, in which A Level students may work in their own individual space.

The separate, spacious Ceramics Room offers a kiln and 2 potters wheels, as well as ample workbenches for students.

There is an extensive programme of outings and visits each year in this subject and examination successes are numerous each year.

Displays of students’ art work figure largely around the school.

Many students show the commitment to study Art at A Level and to follow it in a variety of Higher Educational courses. The main purpose of the course is to develop the student’s ability to appreciate the visual world and to respond in a personal and creative way.

Examples of Key Stage 3 Art Work

Year 8

Year 9

GCSE ART (Years 10 & 11)

Course Structure:

• Coursework Unit 1
• Coursework Unit 2
• Externally Set Assignment

Assessment Objectives:

AO1 - Record observations and ideas appropriate to intentions           25%

AO2 - Analyse and evaluate images, objects and artefacts showing an understanding of context                                                                                25%

AO3 - Develop and explore ideas using media, processes and resources, reviewing and refining work as it progresses                                                                25%

AO4 - Present a personal response, realising intentions and making informed connections to the work of others                                                                 25%

NEW AS & A LEVEL ART & DESIGN SPECIFICATION
FROM SEPTEMBER 2006