Art

Art forms part of the Creative Studies group of subjects.  In Years 7, 8 and 9, students receive two Art lessons per fortnight. Art works closely with other subject areas, and there are opportunities for cross-curricular themes and projects to be explored and developed. Enrichment opportunities are made available in both KS3 and KS4. Students are able to take part in site visits for drawing, and also participate in trips and to specifically chosen art galleries, museums and heritage sites.

In Art, we aim to build up skills gradually throughout KS3.  We use a wide range of materials and, each year, students have the opportunity to experience working in both 2 and 3 dimensions, through a variety of media, including chalk, wire, paint, pens and oil pastels.

Through set projects, students learn about different cultures, techniques and processes, which will enable them to access the GCSE course. In addition, there will be opportunities for KS3 students to participate in Art clubs or events, as well as community projects.

Aims of the Subject:

  • To provide a stimulating and safe environment in which each student can develop their skills and understanding in Art
  • To provide students with a range of skills as a means of expressing and communicating their ideas and experiences
  • To encourage independence of thought and a critical and aesthetic awareness
  • For students to develop an appreciation of the art, craft and design of other people, times and places
  • For students to be aware of artistic and design-based opportunities in their own environment and community
  • To promote a positive attitude towards their own work, ideas and opinions, and a respect for the work and opinions of others

How are students assessed at KS3?

All of our students complete a baseline test at the start of the course, in order to assess their potential ability in Art. This test includes an observational drawing and a written response.

For all subsequent assessments, students are awarded grades for their observational drawing and developing ideas. They are also assessed by how well they can refine their ideas and present a final conclusion to their project outline.

ART – GCSE

Examination Board: EDUQAS

What will be studied:

This broad range Art & Design course encourages students to develop ideas through looking at the work of other artists, designers and craftspeople. Students have opportunities to experiment with a range of materials in 2-D and 3-D. Students will learn how to make and record observations using a range of methods, including drawing, painting, photography and ICT. Finally, students will develop methods for presenting personal and meaningful work, which reflects their research and experiments into a given topic or theme.  During the course, students will create work in a range of the following disciplines: drawing and painting, mixed media, 3-D, textiles and print making.

Students will develop a portfolio of work both in class and through regular homework tasks, which encourage independent skill development.

Written elements:

Whilst students’ practical and creative work is the key focus of the assessment, students’ written analysis and personal annotations are also assessed for subject specific content and use of specialist language.

Assessment

Students produce a Coursework Portfolio, which is assessed throughout the course, leading to a selection of best work and personal ideas.  The coursework is worth 60% of the final grade. The work is moderated by Art department staff.

Externally Set Assessment:

The examination paper is issued in January of Year 11. Students will develop personal ideas from an externally set starting point. This preparation period will continue through the Spring term of Year 11, leading to a 10 hour exam at Easter, in which a final piece is produced. All preparatory studies, artist research and final piece are marked by Art department staff and is worth 40% of the total mark.

Coursework and exam work is selected by the Exam Board and exhibited for assessment by a visiting exam board moderator.

Extension activities/Planned Trips:

We open up our Art rooms after school every day in order for our students to gain extra help and support with their coursework tasks. In addition to this, it is our hope that we will be able to organise a visit to specifically selected exhibitions and/or galleries relevant to the year’s theme.

Careers information/Next Steps:

The GCSE Art course is an ideal stepping stone onto A-level Art courses. Students could also choose to go into apprenticeships in art-related subjects, or move forward onto a degree-level course.

Possible careers for students working in Art include routes into teaching, working with young children, Arts administration, illustration, fashion, hair and beauty or design-based careers, such as architecture and car design, or working in the television and film industry.

Further information from Mrs W Wrafter & Miss H Antill