Curriculum
Art & design
Why study Art?
Art engages pupils with their own culture as well as with the wider world. Pupils explore how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. The study of Art and Design supports the development of fine motor skills, hand eye coordination, language skills, social skills, decision-making, risk-taking, lateral thinking, complex analysis, problem solving, and inventiveness.
How will I study Art?
Our Art & Design curriculum provides pupils with the opportunity to demonstrate imagination and creative flair. Pupils are able to develop and refine their drawing and observational skills through sketching a range of everyday objects and primary images and making their work personal. Pupils have the opportunity to experiment with and select methods and approaches, synthesise observations, ideas and feelings to create compositions for paintings, collages, textiles and other creative responses. They are encouraged to explore their artistic styles by studying a range of artists and their ‘drawing and making’ styles.
What will I study at Key Stage 4?
In Key Stage 3 pupils study all aspects of Art and Design. The year 7 curriculum covers an introduction to drawing and painting and the study of colour theory. Observation skills are developed through characterisation and some still life.
In Year 8 pupils study visual design development through architectural design and botanical art. Looking at 3D typography and then creating their own style of typograph.
In Year 9 pupils exploring mark marking through the development of drawn bugs. The design element of the course is drawn from Fashion designers both modern and historical. Looking at certain artist such as Alexandar Mcqueen. Then exploring different ways to design and manipulate fabric.
What will I study at Key Stage 4?
GCSE Art and Design – Fine Art
During Key Stage 4, Fine Art pupils work to a selection of themes including Natural Forms and Identity. This involves investigating the work of existing artists and exploring their use of materials, techniques and processes. Pupils will respond to the theme through a series of research and practical-based tasks. They will immerse themselves in the creation of art using a range of media and approaches. As they develop their skill and understanding, pupils will refine their ideas and gain confidence through experimentation and exploration. Pupils will gather inspiration from primary sources and first-hand experiences to help them develop personal and meaningful works of art. Pupils will create a portfolio which consists of sketchbooks, canvases and design boards.
Assessment at Key Stage 4 – Year 11
GCSE Art & Design (Fine Art) AQA 8202
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Component 1 – Portfolio 60% of GCSE |
Pupils develop responses to initial starting points, project briefs or specified tasks and realise intentions informed by research, the development and refinement of ideas and meaningful engagement with selected sources. Responses will include evidence of drawing for different purposes and needs and written annotation. |
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment 40% of GCSE |
Pupils respond to a starting point provided by AQA. This response provides evidence of the pupil’s ability to work independently within specified time constraints, realise intentions that are personal and meaningful and explicitly address the requirements of all four assessment objectives. |
Year 10 GCSE Art and Design – Photography
During Key Stage 4, Photography pupils work to a selection of themes including portraiture and location photography. This involves investigating the work of existing photographers and exploring their use of materials, media, techniques and processes. Pupils will respond to the theme through a series of research and practical-based tasks. They will immerse themselves in the creation of photographic art using a range of media and approaches. As they develop their skill and understanding, pupils will refine their ideas and gain confidence through experimentation and exploration. Pupils will gather inspiration from primary sources and first-hand experiences to help them develop personal and meaningful works of art. Pupils will create a portfolio which consists of their own images and digital methods of development and production to create static or moving images.
Assessment at Key Stage 4 – Year 10
GCSE Art & Design (Photography) AQA 8206
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Component 1 – Portfolio 60% of GCSE |
Pupils are given a set topic to explore. This must include artist research, exploring different photography techniques and ways of editing. Pupils will learn how to use photoshop and produce a digital portfolio or work which covers the four assessment objectives. All work will be marked and go towards the final grade. |
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment 40% of GCSE |
Pupils respond to a starting point provided by AQA. This response provides evidence of the pupil’s ability to work independently within specified time constraints, realise intentions that are personal and meaningful and explicitly address the requirements of all four assessment objectives. Pupils produce a digital portfolio of work, this includes an exam of ten hours which is assessed and included in the final mark |
Enrichment
We offer subject-specific enrichment clubs and organise a range of educational visits throughout the year. Pupils can take part in school-wide competitions, as well as representing the school in local and national competitions designed to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge. We offer regular after school clubs so that pupils can access the Art classroom and explore different medias without constraints. We hold an annual Art Exhibition to showcase the work of pupils throughout all year groups.
Careers
Engagement with Art can lead to future careers ranging from illustrator, graphic designer and jewellery artist to architect, digital content creator, fashion designer and photographer.