For an overview of the pathways through the curriculum, please see our information page here.
Welcome to the
Art Department
Our Vision
In art, craft, design and technology pupils explore visual, tactile and other sensory experiences to communicate ideas and meanings. They work with traditional and new media, developing confidence, competence, imagination and creativity.
They learn to appreciate and value images and artefacts across times and cultures, and to understand the contexts in which they were made. In art and design pupils reflect critically on their own and other people’s work, judging quality, value and meaning. They learn to think and act as artists, craftspeople and designers, working creatively and intelligently. They develop an appreciation of art and design, and its role in the creative and cultural industries that enrich their lives.
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Curriculum
Design is taught for 4 lesson over two weeks in year 7. During this time students study Art, Textiles, food and Product Design for 1 rotation each within the ‘Design Curriculum’.
In Year 8 students study Art, Textiles, food, Graphics and Product Design for 1 rotation each within the ‘Design Curriculum’.
At the end of year 8 students have the option to continue studying any of the 5 design subjects further for year 9,10 and 11.
In Year 9 is a skills year where students continue to study the option of their choice. This year is a skills year to develop students practical skills to ensure they can be successful when they start the GCSE controlled assessment in year 10 and 11.
Years 7 & 8 (KS3)
Years 9 – 11 (KS4)
Exam Board
For GCSE Art, we use Edexcel as the exam board. Links to the exam board’s specifications can be found below:
Assessment
KS3
KS3 are assessed on skills that are developed throughout the Design rotations and are based on 3 criteria;
- Researching and Developing
- Making
- Evaluating and Adapting
In each rotation students will be provided with the ‘Key point indicators’ that they must reach to be ‘On’ or ‘Above’ target.
KS4
At GCSE students will be assessed on the grade criteria from the exam board.
Controlled Assessment – 60%
During the two year course in years 10 and 11 students will learn techniques and processes based on a theme and/or artists. They will have guided starting points but independent work and research is encouraged for students to develop a personal style.
Exam – 40%
The exam at the end of the course is a practical exam that consists of 20 hours of preparatory time and 10 hours (over two days) in the art room to produce the final outcome.
| AO1
Develop 25% |
Develop
Develop your ideas from artists/ designers, cultures and other sources. To be able to analysis the art and complete work that shows your understanding. |
| AO2
Refine 25% |
Refine
To be able to experiment with ideas and materials and be able to select the images and materials that suit your purpose. To show your control and skill with materials. |
| AO3
Record 25% |
Record
Record ideas, observations and insights visually and in other forms using primary and secondary sources. To show your control and skill when recording. |
| AO4
Present 25% |
Present
Present a personal, informed and meaningful final piece. To complete work that realises your intentions and that makes connections to your research. |
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Quality Teaching and Learning Entitlement
All students have the right to express and explore their creativity and are entitled to:
- A positive, safe, learning environment that encourages the development of Design skills and the sharing of work within a culture of mutual respect and shared responsibility.
- Be actively engaged in their own learning whilst being challenged and motivated to take responsibility for their own development and take risks.
- Experience well planned lessons which challenge them, provide clear assessment and regular Design opportunities whilst reflecting upon their own learning and development.
- A personalised and independent creative journey in which they are able to learn from their mistakes and challenge ideas.
- To experience a range of materials, techniques and Design practises to create ‘real’ outcomes.
Design enables pupils to:
- Explore and develop confidence and self-esteem.
- Investigate ideas and record from reality.
- Develop higher thinking skills.
- Critique evaluate and adapt.
- Learn from the work of others to be able to explore and develop own ideas.
- Communicate through many different forms.
- Encourage creativity through tangible outcomes.
- Link into the world and community.
- Take responsibility for their own work, be able to take risks and be able to fail in a safe environment.
- Be involved in a creative process.
- Have a spectrum of experiences across all Design fields.
- To be able to develop literacy and numeracy within Design lessons in a practical environment.
- To experience a range of materials, techniques and Design practises to create ‘real’ outcomes.