The Art Department
Head of Art: Mrs C Jack
Teacher of Art and Textiles : Mrs R Evans
Aims
The Art, Craft and Design Department aims to nurture a lifelong passion for Art as an activity helping us to understand and give meaning to the world we live in. This aim will develop an art appreciation enabling students to communicate in a visually creative way. Students are encouraged to think and act as artists, craftspeople and designers, working creatively and intelligently, learning essential skills and processes within the diverse subject area.
Curriculum
All projects are planned to enable freedom of choice regarding materials and techniques and we encourage students to pursue personal interests as a source of inspiration. Schemes of work for all key stages offer a range of starting points including observation, the work of others and thematic enquiry. This combines a realistic challenge for those who are initially less able and the opportunity to excel for those who are more confident. We place great emphasis on the process of making and planning art and provide regular opportunities for groups to discuss their work and share ideas both in class and in weekly extra support sessions.
Key Stage 3 - The National Curriculum
The course encourages students to respond to the world around them and to their own experiences, helping them to express their ideas, thoughts and feelings in some visual or tactile way. It sets out to offer flexibility in approach and encourage confidence, enthusiasm and a sense of achievement. There is a balance between investigating and making Art, Craft and Design and developing an understanding of the work of other artists and artistic traditions.
Key Stage 4 - GCSE Art & Design (fine Art)
– Single Award
Students will work in one or more areas of Fine Art and may explore overlapping areas or combination of areas. Areas could include drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, photography and sculpture. The GCSE is made up of 60% coursework and 40% controlled test. Each project includes a balanced combination of:
- Observation and recording of ideas on sheets and in sketchbooks
- Experimenting with a range of materials and techniques
- A series of studies showing progression from a starting point to a personal, original and creative response
- Exploration and understanding of the work of other artists through second hand and first hand contact
The exam is practical, not written and will take place in the summer term of year 11 over a 2 day period. We encourage all students to aim for the highest possible grade and will support them to attain the grade they deserve.
BTEC in Art and Design
- First Certificate or First Diploma
– Double Award
The course is 100% coursework and students will develop the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to prepare themselves for employment and/or further education. The course consists of two core units plus one specialist unit. The first core unit is 2D and 3D Visual Communication and on completion of this unit a learner should:
- Be able to use mark-making and making skills
- Understand how ideas can be communicated using mark-making and making skills
- Be able to use formal elements, materials and techniques
The second core unit is Contextual References in Art and Design and on completion of this unit a learner should:
- Know the influences of historical and contemporary art and design developments
- Understand historical and contemporary references to support their research and development of their own response
- Be able to present information about the work studied in an appropriate format
The possible specialist unit will be discussed with students upon starting the course to ensure that all prior experience and interests is taken into account.
Key Stage 5 - AS and A2 level Art
- Craft and Design
Students are required to work in at least two of the following areas of Art and Design.
- Fine Art
- Textile Design
- Three-dimensional design
Students may explore overlapping areas and combinations of these areas. The course is examined through four modules taken over two years. Although students may, if they wish, just study the one year AS course by taking the first two modules.
Details of the units are as follows:
AS Assessment Units
Unit 1 Coursework No time limit
50% of the total AS marks 80 marks
Coursework Portfolio 25% of the total A Level marks
+
Unit 2 Supervised time 5 hours
50% of the total AS marks 80 marks
AS Externally-Set Assignment 25% of the total A Level marks
A2 Assessment Units
Unit 3 Coursework No time limit
25% of the total A Level marks 80 marks
Personal Investigation
+
Unit 4 Supervised time 15 hours
25 % of the total A Level marks 80 marks
A2 Externally-Set Assignment
The possible specialist unit will be discussed with students upon starting the course to ensure that all prior experience and interests is taken into account.
Extra Curricular
As part of any art course you will be encouraged to visit galleries, museums and explore the work of other artists. Students will have the opportunity to participate in gallery visits locally and nationally over the course of their studies.
Links
Revision Guide
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/art/
Galleries and Museums
www.tate.org.uk
www.nationalgallery.org.uk/
www.britishmuseum.org/
www.vam.ac.uk
www.bmag.org.uk
