Art

Art is a subject of much debate about whether it is vital to learning, but Art allows pupils opportunities not available across many of the academic subjects. It gives pupils the opportunity to communicate their ideas, opinions and inspirations. We provide pupils the potential to explore abilities and skills, become problem solvers, manage their timings, materials and ideas. They learn to present their work to show off their outcomes along with giving pupils vital life skills including- independent thinking skills, teamwork skills, organisation skills and the chance to experiment, innovate and collaborate. In Art we hope to enable pupils to perceive themselves and the world around them in individually unique ways. Pupils will get to deepen their knowledge and build on previous skills as well as enhancing their imagination and developing their senses. With all this, pupils get the chance to increase their critical thinking skills, ability to discover and transfer these skills to other areas of life. The ability to see clearly, to draw, paint, model and handle many different technical processes and equipment is essential in student’s Art education and in a world that increasingly relies and thrives on visual communication. For more details on the art and photography curriculum, please see the curriculum intent document below.

Art Department Curriculum Intent

Art provides a good starting block for a number of career options, this subject is not just limited to pupils wanting a career in the Arts, e.g. Fine Art, Graphics, Textiles, Fashion Design, Photography and 3D Design but also provides a good bases for careers such as Engineering, Architecture, Advertising, Marketing, Product Design, Interior and Landscape Design, Theatre, TV and Film Industry, Media, Journalism and many more. Even if pupils choose not to follow a career in art, art allows pupils to realise the fulfilment and enjoyment of creative ability and appreciation.

KS3 Art

During a pupil’s time in Key Stage 3, pupils will gain the opportunity to be inspired by the work of artists, art movements and different cultures. As well as having the opportunity to explore different ideas and formal elements of art that will influence their work. We will also work with several different materials and resources across KS3, from this, pupils will gain skills and abilities in different techniques and processes used within art.

Year 7

In Year 7 pupils will do a total of 5 different projects, these will cover basic drawing skills to start to allow pupils to gain equal drawing understanding. Pupils will then break down several different formal elements such as colour, pattern, and line. Pupils will then finish the year with the summer term being focused on pulling all these together with a focus on the theme Glorious Insects.

Year 8

In Year 8 pupils will be given 3 projects where they will be allowed to develop their creativity and problem solving skills. As well as working on their painting and 3D skills. Pupils will get the opportunity to study Mexican Day of the Dead masks which will allow them to make a colour mask. In the Spring pupils get the opportunity to build on observational drawing skills and will look at natural forms and natural form artists, producing a very creative and personal response to the theme. In their final term of the year pupils will be able to explore the portraiture, where pupils will continue to build on their painting skills but also get to explore several different media through a final piece based on self-portrait.

Year 9

In Year 9 we work towards bridging the gap between KS3 and KS4, introducing pupils to elements of what they would be expected to create in KS4, such as refining ideas, creating artist study pages etc. This is achieved with pupils studying Portraiture in Term 1 and 2, where pupils will focus on Close-Ups, creating several pieces including photography based on the theme and learn how to present there work outside of a sketchbook. Pupils will then continue on their learning with 2 smaller topics of “In the style of” a Print based project that focuses on Assessment Objective 1 at GCSE, again allowing pupils to build on their skills, pupils will then finish off their time in KS3 art by looking at the work of Stefano Ronchi, a Punk Surrealist. This will allow pupils to develop their own skills, areas of interest but also prepare them for the potential on continuing into KS4.

Equipment you will need:

·         Sketchbooks with good quality paper, these will be provided by the school at cost value

·         2B and 4B pencils

·         An eraser

·         A sharpener

·         Blendable coloured pencils

·         Glue stick

·         Small scissors

 

GCSE- FINE ART

The GCSE Fine Art course see pupils will have experienced some elements of the course in their time in Year 9 allowing them to understand some of the essentials that are required in GCSE. Within the GCSE course, pupils will explore a very practical and involved subject which will included drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture with the possibility to include textiles and digital. Pupils will get to explore a theme in this time on the course before they prepare and sit their exam. Pupils will also get to take at least one trip/ visit to an Art Gallery/ Museum or area of interest to help inspire them and provide primary resources and observational drawings. The course comprises of 60% coursework and 40% exam to which these are broken down into four different assessment objectives.

·         AO1- DEVELOP - Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.

·         AO2- REFINE - Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, techniques and processes.

·         AO3- RECORD - Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.

·         AO4- PRESENT - Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.

To do GCSE art, some ability to draw is useful but having enthusiasm, commitment, organisation and a willingness to try is more important. Pupils are set work regularly and afterschool options are open to the pupils to allow them to continue to have access to the specialist facilities and staff.

We usually ask pupils to buy a folder for their work to sketchbooks to be carried in. Pupils will also be expected to have several pieces of equipment including a range of pencils, blendable coloured pencils, watercolours and paintbrushes. Packs will be made available to purchase from the school at cost price. We do ask pupils to help contribute to more expensive materials such as clay, textiles, and canvases. Pupils who take art then have the option to continue their learning at A Level at the college, or at a different institute. Pupils can then also progress onto colleges, universities, apprenticeships or into a work placement.

GCSE- PHOTOGRAPHY

Very much the same running as GCSE Art, where pupils’ grades are split 60% coursework and 40% exam with the same assessment objectives and same marking there are several differences with GCSE Photography. Pupils will be introduced to GCSE Photography with a selection of smaller works in advance of the course that will allow them to explore the formal elements, the camera as well as techniques building on their skills and abilities as quickly as possible to allow them to implement these newfound skills and knowledge into their main coursework. Before moving on to the exam preparations and exam.

Within Photography there is still an element of drawing required but you do not have to be skilled in drawing. If you choose to do GCSE Photography you would benefit from being keen, enthusiastic, willing to try new and crazy ideas, trusting, organised and open to ideas. You will produce all your portfolios digitally, there is several different times when word processing is needed.

There will be times when access to a camera outside of the school, this can be achieved with most mobile phones if access to a camera is not available. But the school has several photography equipment available and you will have opportunities to access these after the school. Pupils will get the opportunity to visit an area of interest as well as on occasions work outside the classroom when the need is called for.

Enrichment activities

Visits
Overseas or to a major British City
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Walker Art Gallery
Liverpool Tate

Exhibitions
An exhibition will happen at the end of the school year to celebrate the work of all our pupils.

Additional opportunities
Workshops with local artists/ photographers/ craft persons
Enter competitions

C.I.D sessions at lunchtimes (Complete, Improve, Develop).
Potential after school sessions

A very challenging and rewarding course developing students creative practical skills and understanding of art elements and art principals. Art can challenge students to become independent thinkers, problem solvers and to look at the world with fresh eyes and thought. Practical coursework follows the Fine Art syllabus, consisting of drawing, painting, sculpture, digital photography and other mixed media. Art history is linked with coursework.

Please see the following link for the syllabus: 

Pearson Edexcel A level Art and Design


Entry Requirements
5 GCSE grades at 5 or above
Grade 6 or above in GCSE Art

 

Fine Art

In Year 12, students will be introduced to A Level art with several workshops in the first half term to explore techniques, increase creativity and gain more problem-solving skills. Pupils will be introduced to the main coursework section of their course; pupils will be expected to build on observational, practical skills as well as developing understanding of materials through exploration. Also investigate the importance of referring to the work of others and reach several unique outcomes. Pupils will also start their critical work (essay) that links to their own investigations. Pupils will also sit a mock exam.

In Year 13, students will continue to develop and investigate their coursework theme. Pupils will get to explore with intend and extend personal investigation leading to a final outcome. Pupils will continue to work on their critical investigation of up to 3000 words. Pupils will then be introduced to the exam section of their work and sit an 15hrs. Pupils will get the opportunity to visit museums and galleries.

Assessment:
Component 1- 60%
Portfolio of practical work and critical study

Component 2- 40%
Externally Set Examination

What students say:
Just like science, maths or English, the world around us is the way it is because of Art. Whether it be in a painting in a gallery, the design of a building, or even the logo om your favourite T-shirt, art is all around us, enriching our lived, which is why it is such an important subject to explore. Taking art at an exam level not only changes the way you see the world, but also hones practical skills such as hand-eye coordination, making creative solutions and problem solving, all of which are vital in the world of work, regardless of the field. With so many academic subjects following similar routines and stresses, art gives you an outlet for all your thoughts, ideas and opinions in whatever form you choose. More than anything, art really helps you transition from being a student in school to being independent in your work and drive ready for your next steps after sixth form.
Tilly Holt- Year 13

Progression
Entry onto a Foundation course is the usual next step for those intending a career in the Art and Design field.  Art is also recognised as a valid qualification for the purposes of College and University courses.

A variety of employment in the creative industries of Art and Design.  See a selection below:

Fine Art: Painter, Sculptor, Printer, Architectural  Illustrator, Graphic Illustration, Tattoo Artist,  Special Effects, Curator, Gallery Director, Teacher/Lecturer, Art Therapist, Television and Film Production.
Photography: Fashion Photographer,  Photo Journalist, Advertising Photographer, and many jobs in the film industry.
Writing Analysis: Art Historian, Art Critic, Arts and Cultural Planner, Graphic Novel Designer,  Art Administrator.
Fashion/Textiles: Accessory Designer, Fashion Designer, Fashion Consultant, Costume Designer, Fibre Artist.
Graphic Designer: Advertising Designer or Director, Magazine Layout, Packaging Designer, Logo/Branding designer.
Spatial Design: Architect, Landscape Architect, Set Designer, Interior Designer, Urban Planner, Expo Designer.
Digital/Multi Media: Digital 3D Modeller, Animator, digital Illustrator, Web Designer, Film Editor, Special Effects.
3D Designer: Jewellery Designer, Industrial Designer (Bridges, Cars, Trainers etc.) Prop Designer, Ceramic Designer.

 

Photography

Photography is a very challenging and exciting subject that allows pupils to explore and push the limits of Photography. Turning images from being flat to 3D and even digital. Pupils can gain problem solving skills, computer editing techniques, independent work skills as well as be able to develop a personal response to a theme.

In Year 12, students will be introduced to A Level Photography with several workshops in the first half term to explore techniques, increase creativity and gain more problem-solving skills. Pupils will be introduced to the main coursework section of their course; pupils will be expected to build on practical skills as well as developing understanding of materials through exploration. Also investigate the importance of referring to the work of others and reach several unique outcomes. Pupils will also start their critical work (essay) that links to their own investigations. Pupils will also sit a mock exam.  There is an element of drawing that is required.

In Year 13, students will continue to develop and investigate their coursework theme. Pupils will get to explore with intend and extend personal investigation leading to a final outcome. Pupils will continue to work on their critical investigation of up to 3000 words. Pupils will then be introduced to the exam section of their work and sit an 15hrs. Pupils will get the opportunity to visit museums and galleries.

Assessment:
Component 1- 60%
Portfolio of practical work and critical study

Component 2- 40%
Externally Set Examination

Progression:
With the increase of Photography being used within different outlets Photography is a good subject to take if you want to go into any number of different further education.

You can go on to study Media, Fine Art, Television and Film Industrial courses, Graphic Design, Advertisement, PR, Business, Education in both schools, colleges and Universities and many more.

Pupils who have previous been taught A Level Photography have gone on to study at universities in Graphic Design at Huddersfield, Public relations and Media at Birmingham and Fine Art in Aberystwyth.

 

Please Note:
Students taking the course will be required to make a financial contribution to art gallery visits.  They will also need to build up specialist materials and equipment which they can use at home.
 

 

Staff Roles

Mrs N. Hawkins - Teacher of Art