About Us


Aims and Philosophy
The Art Department is dedicated to the creation and appreciation of art as a formative and central educational experience.  We aim to provide pupils with the skills and inspiration which will allow them to explore and develop their ideas with confidence.
 
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3, pupils will follow a wide and varied course exploring a range of themes and gaining knowledge of the work of related artists.  Skills are developed using a variety of materials and techniques and analysing and evaluating bith their own and other artists’ work.
 
Key Stage 4/ GCSE Art and Design
This Fine Art course incorporates all elements of Art and Design including, drawing, painting, textiles, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, stencilling, mixed media and multimedia. Art is predominantly a practical subject but some written work and research is required.

The course is divided into four units.

Year 10 begins with ‘Figures in Interior’ (unit 1) and ends with ‘Masters of Deception’ (Unit 2).

Year 11 consists of the Mock Examination project based on everyday life (Unit 3) and then the Official Externally set exam paper in which students choose from a selection of questions. (Unit 4).

Students are given a series of workshops and guided lessons which involve learning new techniques and processes using a variety of materials. Each unit requires a sketchbook to support the project, which is mostly completed independently at home; therefore self-motivation is essential for this course.

All work, including homework; completed across two years (ten and eleven) is submitted as part of their art portfolio and is presented to the examiner at the end of year eleven.

Key Stage 5/ Art and Design Post 16
This course is for the truly committed artist. Art at Advanced level is an intense course which explores a more mature approach to art. This subject relies on students working independently to explore other artists work and use their finding to develop their own personal response.  Students will have the opportunity to experiment with many different materials including, painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture and multi- media. Students will be encouraged to work towards their strengths using their strongest discipline, therefore experimenting with all medias is essential. The course is divided up into 4 units which are as follows:
 
Year 12 (AS Level):
  • Unit 1: Close Up’s(Coursework unit)
  • Unit 2: Externally Set Examination (students select a question from the exam paper.)
Both units are worth 50% of the overall grade each.

Year 13 (A2)
  • Unit 3: Personal Study (essay) plus issues based project. (Coursework)
  • Unit 4: Externally Set Examination (students select a question from the exam paper.)
Both units are worth 50% of the overall grade each.

Resources:
  • 3 art studios with one dedicated Post 16 studio.
  • Interactive Whiteboards.
  • Computers with access to the internet and a colour printer.
  • Digital SLR cameras.
  • Fully functioning Kiln room and 3 electric potter’s wheels.
  • Printing press.
  • Screen printing equipment.
  • Darkroom equipment.
  • Batik and textiles equipment.