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 3?
During Key Stage 3, pupils study the formal elements of Art and Design. The curriculum covers the principles of art, meaning of art, historical artists, how to compare and contrast art from different movements, how to create 2D and 3D art forms using different media and digital methods. Pupils learn how to apply elements of art to recreate the work of other artists, to refine their application of mediums through reflection and practice. As they progress through KS3 pupils explore the political, historical and economical influences on famous works of art. They invent original works of art using imagination and creativity, develop resilience and problem solving skills through an iterative design process. There are opportunities to present work on canvases, design sheets, textiles and through photographs.
What will I study at key stage 4?
GCSE Art and Design – Art, Craft and Design
During Key Stage 4, Art, Craft and Design pupils explore and create work associated with at least two areas from: fine art; graphic communication; textile design, three-dimensional design; photography. 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 and design.
Assessment at Key Stage 4
GCSE Art & Design (Art, Craft and Design) AQA 8201
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Component 1 – Portfolio 60% of GCSE |
A sustained project developed in response to a subject, theme, task or brief evidencing the journey from initial engagement with an idea(s) to the realisation of intentions. This will give students the opportunity to demonstrate, through an extended creative response, their ability to draw together different areas of knowledge, skills and/or understanding from across their course of study. A selection of further work resulting from activities such as trials and experiments; skills-based workshops; mini and/or foundation projects; responses to gallery, museum or site visits; work placements; independent study and evidence of the student’s specific role in any group work undertaken. |
| 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. |
Enrichment
We offer regular lunchtime 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.
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.