General Introduction
In Art and Design, students will work with traditional and new media to develop confidence, competence, imagination and creativity. The study of a broad range of artists and designers from across the world is strongly embedded in the curriculum and students will learn to appreciate and value images and artefacts across times and cultures and they will understand the contexts in which they were made. Students reflect critically on their own and other people’s work; they learn to think and act as artists, craftspeople and designers, working creatively and intelligently. Multi-stage projects, deadlines which cover several weeks of work at a time, and open ended outcomes all encourage students to act independently and take responsibility for their own progress – functional skills that are critical to successful adult life.
KS3 Overview
Students will study 3 projects throughout the year which will give them the opportunity to experience a range of disciplines which include drawing, painting (watercolour and acrylic), print-making, 3D work, etc… Studentswill receive a 15-minute lesson prep task every lesson. This is for them to practise what they’ve learnt or prepare them for their next lesson. Students will also receive 1 extended homework essay per project. Every lesson will have an artist/designer of the week that links to relevant artistic term, these are largely contemporary and relate to current artistic professions. Every lesson also starts with a creative drawing task to give pupils opportunities to explore their creativity.Students are assessed on their artist analysis essays (50%) and sketchbook with final outcome (50%). In Year 9 students can choose to either specialise in Fine Art or Graphic Communication.
KS4 Overview
Students can choose to either specialise in Fine Art or Graphic Communication. Both disciplines produce 2 coursework units over Year 10 and Year 11 (worth 60%), and 1 exam unit (worth 40%). They will be assessed on 4 areas, artist/designer analysis, experimentation, drawing and final outcomes, all with equal weighting. Once the title of their project is given, students are then encouraged to explore the topic in more depth and to build on their creative skills through learning and doing. It is important for students at this level to explore their own interests in ways that are both personally relevant and developmental in nature.
Stretching Students
It is our expectation that all students will continue their learning outside the classroom. There are several art clubs as well as plenty of exciting Art competitions throughout the year both in and outside of school.
