Key Stage 3 Art

During the Key Stage 3 Art and Design course, you will learn more about some of the following techniques:

• drawing
• painting
• printing
• pottery
• 3-dimensional construction
• collage
• modelling
• designing

Throughout the course we are aiming to develop in you:

• an ability to work independently
• an ability to observe accurately and record what you see
• an imaginative and creative approach to ideas and themes
• an understanding of techniques and skills in a variety of Art media
• an ability to evaluate and discuss your work
• an awareness of the work of artists, designers, craftsmen and craftswomen of various cultures, past and present
• a commitment to sustained, organised, creative work
• an ability to keep and maintain a sketch book

A nominal charge may be made for clay work if you want to take your work home.

Key Stage 4 Art

In Key Stage 4 Art GCSE is taught for 3 periods per week. It involves students experiencing a variety of media to produce a range of creative outcomes. students are encouraged to experiment with ideas and techniques based on ‘themes’, working in 2D and 3D.

Examples of the themes that have been set in the past include:

• Illusions
• Structures
• Wraps
• I, Me, Myself
• Journeys
• Surfaces

Students use sketchbooks for recording ideas and to provide evidence of thinking and decision making and to produce research and experimentation.  Students then fanalise ideas which are then realised (made) into a final piece.

Students are encouraged to look at / refer to other artists, desiners and craftpeople - (from both art history as well as more contemporary people), and the way in which they work and produce their outcomes.

Projects may involve:

• Drawing
• Painting
• Printmaking
• Photography
• Photo-montage
• Assemblage
• Mixed media
• Sculpting and Modelling
• Ceramics
• Collage and Graphics

Work is produced as a series of projects.  This is called coursework portfolio.

There is an end of course 10 hour timed test / externally set assignment, for which students have an extended period of time.  They then poduce a final piece in the 10 hour timed test, over 2 days.

The coursework portfolio is 60% of the final mark and the timed test is 40% of the final mark. work is marked by the Art department staff and then moderated by a visiting moderator.

The work is mounted as an exhibition and over the past few years the Art department has had very pleasing results, achieving 76% A*-C in 2008 and 83% A*-C in 2007.

Students who choose Art often go on to study Arts at 'AS' and 'A' level, or BTec course.