Art

Learning art from a young age helps a child's creativity and imagination, and by the time they reach GCSE stage they will be gaining a working knowledge of the materials they use along with the practices and technology.

By A-level stage, students will generally have chosen a preferred material and be knowledgeable and understanding of art and design in history and in contemporary society.

Years 7 to 9

All pupils study Art and Design during Years 7,8 and 9. As well as using traditional Art media and techniques, the department makes good use of creative software, which supports and develops more traditional approaches to image making. Pupils have access to digital cameras, scanner and colour printers.

Years 10 and 11 - GCSE

The examination taken is AQA. GCSE Art (Endorsed: Fine Art). A full range of techniques and processes can potentially be explored within painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, ICT and three-dimensional approaches.

The course of study is project (unit) based and pupils have to complete between two and four projects to satisfy GCSE requirements for coursework. On the course pupils will be taught how:

- To develop ideas and visual research using a variety of media and techniques
- To gain an understanding of the work of other artists and cultures in order to develop    their own art pieces
- To communicate their ideas in personal and imaginative ways
- To sustain the exploration of a theme from initial thoughts and ideas to final resolved outcomes.

Pupils will be shown how to use sketchbooks to gather and collect visual information, experiment with media and communicate the development of their work in each unit.

There will be a gallery and museum trip during the course to develop pupilss critical awareness and inspire ideas and approaches for theme work.

It is hoped that pupils following the course will develop the confidence to use a wide range of techniques and media and increasingly be able to pursue their own personal, creative ideas within a supportive framework.

Homework is an integral element of the course and a minimum of three-hours per week is expected in order to successfully develop the themes for each unit and refine technical ability.
 
6th Form

The aims identify the educational purposes of AS and A Level Art and Design. They are the same for both AS and A Level.

A course based on this specification should encourage candidates to develop:

- Intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive powers
- Investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills, aesthetic understanding and critical judgement
- An understanding of the interrelationships between art, craft and design and an awareness of the contexts in which they operate
- Knowledge and understanding of art, craft and design in contemporary society and in other times and critical judgement.

Candidates will be expected to demonstrate a response to all of the assessment objectives in each unit of assessment of the examination. The assessment objectives for AS and A Level are the same, and candidates should be able to:

- Record observations, experiences, ideas, information and insights in visual and other forms, appropriate to intentions
- Analyse and evaluate critically sources such as images, objects, artifacts and texts, showing understanding of purposes, meanings and contexts
- Develop ideas through sustained investigations and exploration, selecting and using materials, processes and resources, identifying and interpreting relationships and analysing methods and outcomes
- Present a personal, coherent and informed response, realising intentions, and articulating and explaining connections with the work of others.

All work done constitutes coursework and therefore contributes to the final assessment mark. It is, therefore, essential that students are prepared to produce quality work at home on a very regular basis.

Anyone wishing to complete the course successfully must feel confident of their ability to tackle media adequately, have a good level of technical skill and be sure of their capability in producing theoretical work in the form of essays and criticism.

Visits to galleries and museums are an integral and necessary part of the course therefore some expense will be incurred, but this will be kept to a minimum.

The department also provides posters, ticket designs, programme covers and assistance to school dramatic productions, as well as other activities related to the School.