Art
We believe in introducing our students to contemporary Art practice and to this end have run workshops by well-known visiting artists. In the past we invited Su Blackwell and Ella Doran to give lectures to our students to inspire them and give them a greater understanding and appreciation of Art in a wider context.
We have in the past visited galleries and museums in London, Harrogate, York, Oxford and Birmingham.
In the Art department we have specialist Art teachers, and we work from purpose-built, specialist Art studios, including our own ICT suite.
This year's GCSE cohort achieved an 85% pass rate at Level 4 or above. At A level 100% achieved grade C or higher, and 25% achieved an A*.
Years 7 - 9
Curriculum Overview
Line
- How to use a variety of materials and techniques and develop a range of skills related to the work of artists.
- Observational skills when using appropriate media for their aim.
- How to compare and comment on different methods used by artists.
- To adapt & refine their work to produce a final piece.
Tone
- How to use a variety of materials and techniques to create a specific effect.
- Understand tonal value of colour.
- Apply skills to complete a set task.
- Evaluate, adapt and improve.
Pattern/Colour, Shape/Texture
- How to compare and comment on different methods used by artists.
- Observational skills when using appropriate media for their aim.
- How to use a variety of materials and techniques and develop a range of skills related to the work of artists.
- To adapt & refine their work to produce a final piece.
Students show progression from Years 7-9 the ends of Key Stage 3 by using sketchbooks to plan their work and complete final pieces, which is a main focus in Year 7 & 8.
In Year 7 we focus on observational drawing, picture making and the development of painting skills. In Year 8 our focus is still-life, perspective, tone, colour work and other topics. In Year 9 they explore ideas based around their world and working more independently.
All courses supported by Art History knowledge and understanding especially related to contemporary artists.
Years 10 - 11
GCSE Courses:
Year 10
AQA Fine Art and Art, Craft & Design courses offered.
- Producing a portfolio of coursework based on given themes.
Assessment Objectives for Art
- Ao1: Develop your ideas through investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and cultural understanding.
- Ao2: experiments with media – Refine your ideas through experimenting and selecting appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes.
- Ao3: Ideas, observational drawings & explanations – Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to your intentions in visual and/or other forms.
- Ao4: Final piece, links with artists/Cultural Studies – Present a personal, informed and meaningful response demonstrating analytical and critical understanding, realising intentions and making connections between visual or other elements.
Year 11
- Producing an individual portfolio of coursework.
- Taking the GCSE examination in the Spring of Year 11.
- Questions set by the examination board AQA.
Resources
- Art history knowledge (to aid progression) that relate to projects.
- Painting, pencil, batik, collage, ICT, textiles, printmaking.
Extra Curricular
- London visits
- Visiting artists lectures and workshops
- Art workshop days in the Easter holidays
Post 16
Please visit the V6 Sixth Form pages for information about studying Fine Art A-Level.
