THE TEAM AND FACILITIES:

The Art and Design team consists of two full-time and one part-time Art specialists.  The Art studio consists of 2 classrooms and a dedicated computer suite which is used for the creation of digital artwork and research purposes.  We also have a sixth form studio which has ceramic facilities, including a kiln and potter's wheel.  We are situated in the Creative Arts block, which is located centrally in the school.

KEY STAGE 3:

Students are taught in form groups and follow schemes of work which introduce them to a variety of artistic styles and techniques. Students are encouraged to take creative risks through experimentation with different media, techniques and processes.  Students are given the opportunity to work 3-Dimensionally using clay and traditional glazing and firing methods.  Art club for KS3 students is run once a week, where students are able to further their understanding and application of artistic techniques.

KEY STAGE 4:

At KS4, Art and Design and Photography are option subjects which run over 2 years.  We follow the AQA Art, Craft and Design specification in which students will work in at least two different areas of Art and Design.  The specialist areas covered are painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture and digital media.

For Photography, we follow the AQA Art and Design – Photography specification.  Students are taught how to use DSLR cameras, analyse and respond to the work of photographers and use professional software such as Photoshop to manipulate their images.

Students are taught in mixed ability groups and are encouraged to develop their creative thinking skills and express their thoughts and ideas practically in order to realise their artistic intentions.

Throughout each course, students are given opportunities to participate in trips to museums and galleries and to be involved in extracurricular clubs and activities.

KEY STAGE 5:

At A Level, we offer both Art and Photography.  Those choosing to study A Level Art will develop, extend and specialise in some of the skills learnt in GCSE, as well as conduct relevant contextual research to support their personal investigation unit. Students will be expected to specialise in at least two areas of Art and Design, which could include Photography, 3-Dimensional art, printmaking, textiles, painting, drawing or digital media.  In Photography, students will develop their technical understanding of photographic processes, styles and techniques.  For both Art and Photography, students will pursue a topic, theme or issue of their choice for their personal investigation and produce a body of work which will enable them to develop their skills and realise intentions.

Studying at A Level could be the first step towards a highly rewarding career in graphic design, illustration, fashion design, animation, set or stage design, advertising, interior design, photography, film directing and even Art teaching! 

Please see links below for the Art Curriculum Intent and easy read curriculum map, which explains what your child is learning and when throughout the year.