GENERAL INFORMATION
The fundamental philosophy of the Art Department is that “In order to understand the nature of Art and Design, students must actively experience the Art and Design environment.”

We are a well resourced, lively and successful department.
Staff work hard to provide a range of teaching, learning and assessment styles to motivate our pupils to do the best they can and to ensure that they receive as broad an Arts education as possible, with the qualifications and expertise to teach a wide range of working techniques and processes, such as Printmaking, Textiles, Batik, Ceramics, Painting and Drawing and 3D design.

We have a computer suite, where pupils have the opportunity to apply and develop their ICT capacity through accessing the internet for researching purposes and using programmes such as Photoshop elements.

KS3
In year 7 and 8, pupils receive two lessons per week and in year 9, this is reduced to 1.

Projects are carefully planned to enable pupils to work to improve their skills in painting and drawing, analysing artwork, experimenting a range of techniques and processes, developing individual ideas and creating a personal response to a theme.Pupils are also equipped with the skills to evaluate their work and the work of others and have the ability to review and modify their work, in the light of theirs and others' evaluations.

 

KS4
Our 2008 pupils achieved a 86.4% A-C.
We currently deliver the Applied Art and Design double award GCSE.
Throughout the course, pupils will create various pieces of evidence to show how they have applied and reflected upon knowledge, skills and understanding gained in the following units…

• 2D and 3D visual language

•  Materials, techniques and technology

• Working to project briefs

 

In order to fulfill our philosophy, we visit various museums, galleries and Artists studios.

The double award in Art and Design ceases in 2010.  In its place will be Single award Applied Art.

 

KS5
Our 2008 cohort achieved 100% A-C in the GCE Art and Design.
As a natural progression route from the applied, we deliver the GCE Single award Applied A’ Level in Art and Design. 
The course provides candidates with a broad and balanced experience in a vocational approach to art, craft and design, allowing them to progress to further or higher education, training or employment.
Skills, knowledge and understanding will be developed through experimentation in

• Unit 1: Investigation of 2D visual language, and in

• Unit 2: Investigation of 3D visual language.

 

• In Unit 3: Working to an externally set project brief, candidates are expected to work in a manner that reflects current professional practice; responding to the wishes of a client or audience, meeting their needs and working within their constraints.

 

The skills, knowledge and understanding gained at A/S Level will provide a basis for progression to A2.

The A2 units require candidates to study vocational art, craft and design to a greater depth, and they place an emphasis on practical skills and techniques.

• Unit 7: Application and development of 2D visual language and

• Unit 8: Application and development of 3D visual language.

 
The vocational process is continued in

• Unit 9: Working to a self-identified brief, where candidates will be required to produce a personal brief and a high standard, final finished design.

At A2 there is a significant emphasis on analytical and evaluative skills.
The fundamental philosophy of this specification is that, in order to understand the nature of Art and Design, candidates must actively experience the Art and Design environment. This can be achieved through a variety of approaches, including work experience, links with local employers, case studies and research.

 

ART DEPARTMENT STAFF
Miss M.Cole-Head of Dept
Mrs T.Pearson