Art

Art is a subject area that not only develops practical and imaginative skills, but informs our understanding of the world we live in. It provides the opportunity for everyone to focus on developing creativity and imagination through a Visual Language.

Key Stage 3 (Year 7-9)

The curriculum delivered focuses on introducing pupils in Year 7 to the formal elements of Art and build upon these through Years 8 and 9. They are encouraged to develop their two-dimensional and three-dimensional skills by responding to artists, ideas and themes.

In the projects covered, all pupils will:

  • Develop their drawing and observing skills.
  • Their ability to research and analyse artists and their techniques.
  • Learn about the qualities and constraints of a variety of media through experimentation.
  • Create outcomes that reflect the skills, knowledge and understanding developed throughout the projects.
  • Students will experience experimental drawing, sculpture, painting techniques, printmaking and artists analysis.

Curriculum Content

At KS3 students are expected:

  • To use a range of techniques to record their observations in sketchbooks and other media as a basis for exploring their ideas.
  • To use a range of techniques and media, including painting.
  • To increase their ability to handle different materials.
  • To analyse and evaluate their own work, and that of others.
  • To study the history of art, craft, design and architecture, including periods, styles and major movements from ancient times up to the present day.

Key Stage 4 and 5

Assessment Format:

Key Stage 4 = OCR GCSE Fine Art which is split between coursework and an examined practical component.

Curriculum Content

At Key stage 4 students:

  • Develop ideas that are informed by investigative, contextual and cultural studies of historical and contemporary art, craft and design and other sources relevant to their selected areas of study in their own and other societies.
  • Explore a wide variety of work produced by artists, craftspeople and designers and the differences in their methods, approaches, purposes and intentions.
  • Refine and reflect upon work as it progresses by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes. Exercise skilful and safe application of these to maximise creative potential and produce quality outcomes.
  • Explore a stimulating and rich variety of resources to initiate and develop innovative ideas. Pay due regard to line, tone, colour, shape, texture and other visual elements and, where appropriate, use drawing to explore and communicate ideas.
  • Gather, select, organise and communicate information that is relevant to their personal interests as a consequence of careful research and analysis of a rich variety of resources.
  • Record ideas, first-hand observations, insights and judgments by any suitable means, especially drawing, including for example, line, colour, tonal and textural studies, photographs and annotation in sketchbooks, study sheets and/or on tablets or other means, to support personal intentions.

Key Stage 5

Eduqas A Level Year 1. This first year of A Level study is practical, coursework-based learning.

Eduqas A Level Year 2. The second year of the course comprises two units: practical coursework integrated with a written personal investigation, and an examined practical component (15 hour examination, plus preparation time during lessons over three months).

Attraction of the Subject:

  • Plenty of opportunities to get hands on experience.
  • Encourages personal creativity and allows great freedom to explore ideas.
  • Teaches lateral thinking, problem solving and observational skills.
  • Helps you to communicate better and express your ideas more easily.
  • Widens your cultural horizons.
  • Opens up a variety of career opportunities.
  • Develops understanding of contemporary and historical movements in Art and Design.

Special Requirements:

  • Well organised and self motivated.
  • Good drawing, observational and creative skills.
  • Willingness to experiment with materials and have a hands on approach.
  • Determination and commitment.

Further information can be found at:

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/art-and-design-j170-j176-from-2016/

https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/art-and-design/index.html