Art
Key Stage 3
Art and Design aims to provide a thorough grounding in the practises and processes associated with a study of Art and Design. The curriculum is sequenced in such a way as to allow students to develop work that creatively engages them in an exploration of the formal elements of Art.
Each project seeks to build their confidence in the use of materials so that students can realise their ideas. Students are introduced to a wide range of techniques and approaches. Each project will also develop their understanding of wider issues in Art through an introduction to the work of other artists. The projects are thematic in nature and students are encouraged to develop their ideas.
Students are encouraged to reflect and evaluate their work at every stage. This is done through oral feedback from the teacher, self-assessment and written feedback from the teacher.
Students are taught in mixed ability groups and study Art for about an hour each week in Key Stage 3.
Key Stage 4
The Edexcel GCSE in Art and Design encourages an adventurous and enquiring approach to Art and Design. Successful students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of past and contemporary Art and Design practice and be able to produce a personal response that embraces a range of ideas.
Students will produce a portfolio worth 60% of the final grade, as well as an externally set assignment (Unit 2), which is worth 40% of the final grade. Submissions for each unit must contain a work journal. The coursework unit starts with the examination of ideas associated with a broad theme, which then provides the springboard for the students' own personal response. Coursework is carefully structured to ensure that students are supported in the development of their ideas.
Students will be given the opportunity to produce work in a range of art, craft and design processes in two or three dimensions including, where appropriate, information and communication technology.
The course is suitable for all students who have an enthusiasm and interest in Art, craft and design and if you have an aptitude for the subject – if you are creative, or ‘good at drawing’, you may have the basic skills to succeed.
Key Stage 5
The course aims to give you the technical skills and understanding needed to develop outstanding coursework. A six-to-eight-week introductory course gives you an insight into materials, artists, and ideas that could be the starting point for your Personal Investigation project.
After completing the work related to the introductory project, you will then select and develop ideas for your personal project. This theme is negotiated with your teacher and will be the basis of your coursework unit. This coursework unit will run until December of year 13 and will include an essay component of 3,000 words. In January of year 13, you will be given a copy of the exam theme set by the board. The rest of the course will be spent developing your response to the exam theme.