Art and Design
Why study Art and Design?
Art engages pupils with their own culture as well as with the wider world. Pupils explore how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. The study of Art and Design supports the development of fine motor skills, hand eye coordination, language skills, social skills, decision-making, risk-taking, lateral thinking, complex analysis, problem solving, and inventiveness.
How will I study Art and Design?
Our Art & Design curriculum provides pupils with the opportunity to demonstrate imagination and creative flair. Pupils are able to develop and refine their drawing and observational skills through sketching a range of everyday objects and primary images and making their work personal. Pupils have the opportunity to experiment with and select methods and approaches, synthesise observations, ideas and feelings to create compositions for paintings, collages, textiles and other creative responses. They are encouraged to explore their artistic styles by studying a range of artists and their ‘drawing and making’ styles.
What will I study at Key Stage 3?
In Key Stage 3 pupils study the formal elements of Art and Design. The year 7 curriculum covers an introduction to drawing through still life and the study of colour through abstract art. Observation skills are developed through photography and deep observation skills through portraiture. In Year 8 pupils study visual design development through surreal illustration. This surreal response is then transferred to clay sculpture. Pupils study synaesthesia and the application of colour through Pop Art. In Year 9 pupils explore 3D modelling, cartoon drawing and hand lettering as Art. Digital art and macro photography help pupils to create art through mixed media and the use of technology.
What will I study at Key Stage 4?
GCSE Art and Design – Fine Art
In Key Stage 4 Fine Art pupils explore a personal response to a brief. This involves investigating the work of artists learning from their creativity, ideas and techniques. Pupils explore the genre, theme, emotion, social issue of their personal response through the development of mood boards. As they refine their composition, use of materials and techniques they create use different media in observational work to define important visual elements. Pupils study photography experimenting with depth of field and lighting effects investigating the changing relationship between the elements and the frame. Pupils explore an alternative canvas to paper and how form, colour, texture respond to the canvas. Pupils also explore the application and control of colour.
GCSE Art and Design – Photography
In Key Stage 4 Photography pupils study the use of photographic techniques and processes. This includes lighting, viewpoint, aperture and depth of field. Pupils experiment with shutter speed and movement, use of enlarger, chemical and/or digital processes, and the use media and materials. Throughout the course pupils study the way sources inspire the development of ideas, relevant to photography. In their personal response. they explore the ways in which meanings, ideas and intentions relevant to photography can be communicated. This work includes imaginative interpretation, image manipulation, and figurative and non-figurative forms. Throughout the course pupils develop the ability to use visual and tactile elements such as composition, scale and sequence.
Assessment at Key Stage 4?
GCSE Art and Design – Fine Art and Photography
| Component 1: Portfolio | Component 2: Externally set assignment |
|---|---|
| What’s assessed A portfolio that in total shows explicit coverage of the four assessment objectives. It must include a sustained project evidencing the journey from initial engagement to the realisation of intentions and a selection of further work undertaken during the student’s course of study. |
What’s assessed Students respond to their chosen starting point from an externally set assignment paper relating to their subject title, evidencing coverage of all four assessment objectives. |
| How it’s assessed • No time limit • 96 marks • 60% of GCSE |
How it’s assessed • Preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time • 96 marks • 40% of GCSE |
| Non-exam assessment (NEA) set and marked by the school/college and moderated by AQA during a visit. Moderation will normally take place in June. |
Non-exam assessment (NEA) set by AQA; marked by the school/college and moderated by AQA during a visit. Moderation will normally take place in June |
Enrichment Offer
The department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and organises a range of educational visits throughout the year. Pupils are able to take part in school-wide competitions, as well as representing the school in local and national competitions designed to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge. We offer a vibrant Art Club and are active producing art in the community from live briefs. Pupils’ wok is displayed across the local area.
Careers
The study of Art can lead to future careers ranging from illustrator, graphic designer and jewellery artist to architect, digital content creator, fashion designer and photographer. Famous creative graduates who studied Art include Pat McGrath (Make up Artist), Ed Welburn (iconic car designer), Ann Lowe (fashion and couture designer).
Useful Resources and Revision Support
AQA Art specification
Student Art Guide
Bitesize Art & Design
Arts Council