Art and Design

Key Stage 3

Students will be given the opportunity to:

• Produce work along the themes of urban and natural landscapes, portraiture, surrealism, still life, Pop culture, mechanical objects and human form

• Create and explore ideas in their sketchbooks and record their intentions as they develop final outcomes

• Explore other cultures, current and relevant topics in the news as well as historical events to influence and inspire their artwork

• Evaluate and analyse creative works from traditional and contemporary artists, designers and makers

Alongside the schemes of work, we aim to ensure students become proficient in drawing, painting, printing, ceramics, animation, photography and other forms of sculpture during these first 3 years.

Key Stage 4

At GCSE students will:

• Become confident in taking risks and learn from experience when exploring and experimenting with ideas, processes, media, materials and techniques

• Develop critical understanding through investigative, analytical understanding of artists, designers or craft people and through historical context and exploring other cultures

• Work from first hand observation outside the classroom and have exposure to gallery visits

• Develop and refine ideas, intentions and personal outcomes with increasing independence

• Have the opportunity to lead their own projects and create individual responses to their chosen ideas

Our coursework topics range from Natural Forms, Essence of the City, Ordinary and Extraordinary. These starting points ensure students can engage with the creative process and become effective independent learners with critical, reflective and enquiring minds.

Key Stage 5

Our aim is to ensure students are given the support and confidence required to conduct a personal investigation into a topic, theme, concept of their choice. This will involve creative ideas development, problem-solving, risk taking, perseverance, contextual interpretation, visual communication and self expression.

Fine Art allows students to develop an exciting and extensive range of creative and technical skills whilst gaining a strong understanding of historic and contemporary visual art practice, through supporting contextual studies. Students will explore; drawing, painting, mixed-media, collage, assemblage, sculpture, ceramics, installation, printmaking (relief, intaglio, screen processes and lithography), moving image and photography. Alongside the course structure students will gain invaluable experience through regular gallery visits to current exhibitions, outreach workshops, life drawing classes and residential trips.