Art

Year 7

Students focus on painting and drawing, making connections to the work of various artists linked to the theme of 'Fantastic Beasts'. They develop their drawing skills working in a wide range of materials, manipulating the grid method as a way of improving accuracy. Colour theory is included in the Year 7 project and students learn how to mix colours and paint application skills. Students have the opportunity to complete written analysis and annotation to develop literacy skills and students practise their 3D-making skills working in clay.

Year 8

'The World Around Us' is the theme for students in Year 8. Students research and learn about a range of artistic practices from around the world. They devise their own compositions, developing their drawing skills by practising a variety of techniques (such as perspective drawing) and manipulating a wide range of mark making to create texture. Students produce their own outcomes, inspired by notable artists, architects and craftspeople. They experiment with materials including print, colour materials and traditional drawing methods.

Year 9

Students focus on the theme of 'Identity', looking at portraiture, personal interests and relevant linked artists. They develop their drawing skills and are encouraged to use a wide range of techniques and materials including colour pencils, print making and collage, as a way of understanding the colour palettes and techniques used by artists. Students are also given the opportunity to research the topic independently and select personal themes in their work.

National curriculum

Year 10

From September 2023 Students in Year 10 will produce work based on the theme of ‘Natural Forms’. They research relevant artists and respond to them in different ways, manipulating a range of materials; drawing must be evident throughout sketchbooks. As work progresses, students focus on presentation skills; they also annotate, and analyse the work of artists and designers to strengthen the connection to their own work. When research is complete, students develop their ideas to produce possible designs for final outcomes based on the most successful parts of their developments – both as 2D outcomes as well as 3D ceramic pieces.

Year 11

For the 2023/24 coursework unit students expand on and develop the research gathered in Year 10 on the theme of ‘Natural Forms’. They realise their design ideas through development and planning and create 3D outcomes  in clay.

Assessment/examination

The exam paper is given out in the January of Year 11 and students usually have a period of about 12 weeks to complete any preparatory work; students can be supported in lessons by their teacher for this section of the exam period. The 10-hour exam itself will take place over two days and will be completed by the student unaided by their teacher.

• Course work 60%
• Exam 40%

Exam board: AQA

Course specification (focus on fine art and 3D ceramics)

Aims and outcomes

A Level Art and Design provides candidates with opportunities to develop personal responses to ideas, observations, experiences, environments and cultures in practical, critical and contextual forms. It allows students to develop recording abilities particularly in drawing, painting and photography, manipulating a range of techniques. 

A level Art is beneficial for students wishes to pursue further study or careers in any of the creative fields such as Architecture, Fashion, Illustration, Fine Art, Ceramics, Stage Set Design and Media Studies.

Year 12/13 curriculum

Students are taught various ways to respond to artists and these skills are developed throughout the two-year course. Research consists of direct observational drawings that relate to chosen artists and full annotation of thought processes and analysis of artist’s work. Students are encouraged to be as creative as possible and to produce work in both two and three dimensions. Initial research is developed by experimenting with composition, colour and imagery to produce an outcome that is conceptual and skilfully made.

In Year 12 the overall starting point theme is ‘People and Places’ – this is then developed in personal directions and from January of Year 12 students have the opportunity to select their own theme, to follow their own interests to produce in-depth and personal outcomes.

Students are given regular individual tutorials and assessment is continual. ESA question papers are given out in February of Year 13 and students have approximately a 12-week preparation period to gather research and development on the set theme. At the end of the preparation period, students sit the 15-hour, three-day practical timed task under full exam conditions during which they produce an unaided outcome.

• Course work 60%
• Exam 40%

Exam board: AQA

Course specification

The Department has a successful track record of students proceeding to study Art. Students embark on Art and Design Foundation Courses locally and others go directly onto Art and Design degree courses. Recently, students have embarked on courses in Fine Art, Architecture and Art Gallery Curating. We advise students on suitable Art and Design careers most appropriate for them and suggest suitable institutions at which to study.

The Department provides specific guidance to students applying for Art courses locally and further afield. Visiting lecturers from local colleges come into school to speak to students regarding entry qualifications, work expectations and show examples of work produced by passed students.