The Art curriculum is crafted to build a strong foundation of academic knowledge and creative expression. In Art we aim to guide students to become inquisitive and imaginative thinkers within a supportive and nurturing learning environment. This way of working allows students to explore the world around them by giving students the space and freedom to develop and refine their practice. As well as becoming independent thinkers, designers and creators who can challenge and question the world, we want students to be confident in expressing their own identity and value the diverse culture we live in; whilst also developing students’ autonomy, time management, organisation, creativity and collaboration. These skills are not only needed to flourish in our subject but in the wider school curriculum and in all aspects of life, especially future employment. We feel it is vital that students explore a variety of media, and means of expression – both traditional and modern, and aim to introduce them to a wide range of materials and techniques with this in mind.
Students will be given the opportunity to hone their practical skills, knowledge and understanding through the visual exploration of historic and contemporary artists, from J Vincent Scarpace’s surrealist fish to Roy Lichtenstein’s Ben Day Dots. They will also explore issues from the wider world focusing on a variety of themes, for example, colour theory and tonal drawings in year 7 and portraiture and Cubism in year 8. Skills and techniques are introduced throughout Key Stage 3 for pupils to experiment with media and materials and learn how to successfully apply them. This prepares pupils to develop their personal projects at Key Stage 4, building on the skills they have previously learnt. Our regular Art competitions also foster participating students’ individual responses to cultural and historical contexts beyond the mainstream curriculum. Throughout their course, GCSE students can attend additional supported study sessions focusing on their individual progress.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE in Art and Design: Fine Art (1FA0)
- Portfolio (coursework): 60%
- Externally set task (exam): 40%
Students must present for assessment one finished coursework project (60%) and one examination project (40%), both of which will include a thorough body of preparation and research work. The Art teachers assess all student work, these grades are subsequently verified by a visiting moderator from the exam board. The school will retain the work for a specified period after which students may claim it.
Careers Links
Studying Art can provide important transferable skills that can be applied to a vast range of different career paths. Click here for examples of some of the employability skills Art can provide.
- MYPATH: How will Art & Design help me?
- Where can Art & Design take you?
- Careers using Art & Design
- Careers using Graphic Communication
- BBC Bitesize: Careers in Arts & Media
- How to become an art director: Laura’s story
- How to become a concept artist: Thomas’ story
- How to become an illustrator: Anh’s story
- MYPATH: JOB OF THE WEEK – EPISODE #035 – JEWELLERY DESIGNER
