Art & Design

KEY STAGE 3

Art in KS3 is a distinct subject taught in rotation with the Technology subjects.

Students have nine weeks of study per year based on the following themes, covering a variety of activities in two and three dimensions. Students learn how to creatively use line, tone, colour, texture, shape and form pattern and composition (the formal elements of art) by experimenting with different media and techniques. They explore the work of different creative practitioners and cultures, responding to their work.

Y7

‘Introduction to Visual Language’ – students learn the foundation skills of drawing and painting, investigating and exploring materials and techniques and the formal elements.

Y8

‘Claylien’s – designing and making a clay alien character inspired by unusual and fantastic creatures of the earth. Drawing, painting, mixed media and ceramics.

Y9

‘Pop Art Heroes’ – creating mixed media pieces inspired by the Pop Art movement and contemporary collage artists. Drawing, painting, collage, digital media.

KEY STAGE 4

Students follow the AQA GCSE course in Fine Art. Throughout the course students develop understanding and experience in a range of processes, media, materials and techniques. Students study the work of creative practitioners from different periods, cultures and traditions and are able to express their own interests, styles and ideas as part of their creative work.

Y10

Students complete two coursework projects which vary in theme. Recent themes include Identity, Organic Forms, Fantastic and Strange, Our World, Layers.

Y11

Students complete their coursework and then begin the Externally Set Assignment project which is set as a range of themes by the examination board as is personalised to the students’ own strengths and interests.

CURRICULUM TIME

KS3: 18 hours per year (on a rota with Technology)

KS4: 2 hours per week (Y10), 3 hours per week (Y11)

ASSESSMENT

Key Stage 3: Students are assessed against age expected standards

Key Stage 4: Coursework: 60% (portfolio based), Examination: 40% (portfolio plus a 10 hour piece)

TEACHER IN CHARGE: Mrs. D Hepplestone

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: Mr. P Johnson