Art

Fine Art and Design develops the following skills:

• the ability to research and analyse
• objective drawing, painting and other media techniques
• hand-eye co-ordination
• ability to develop and manipulate ideas and to think laterally in the process of problem-solving
• the ability to express oneself creatively

Art and Design pupils will be expected to demonstrate skills and techniques in the context of their chosen areas of study within art, craft and design:

• making appropriate use of colour, line, tone, texture, shape and form.
• using different approaches to recording images, such as observation, analysis, expression and imagination.
• showing in their work an understanding of the conventions of representational and abstract/non-representational imagery and genres.
• investigating different ways of working, as appropriate to their chosen areas of study within art, craft and design.
• providing evidence of an understanding of spatial qualities, composition, rhythm, scale and structure.
• providing evidence of the use of safe working practices.

Pupils may progress to A Level. A Level pupils usually take a Foundation Course (Diploma in Foundation Studies) prior to university. Pupils progress from it onto university degree courses. Individuals going onto Higher Education and gaining degrees in Art and Design are well-equipped for the world of work.

Creative thinkers are highly employable and are much sought after in the world of design, television, media, film, galleries, museums and education. The creative industries are now one of the highest graduate employers in the UK.

Possible career choices include:  artist, product designer, TV set designer, exhibition designer, sculptor, architect, cartoonist, video games, print-maker, graphic designer, window dresser, fashion design, illustration, film work and the music industry.

The Department aims to develop the aesthetic and practical capability of each pupil irrespective of ability, sex, colour or creed, through a course that links both the critical and practical domains.  Pupils will progress from more teacher-based activities in the lower school to more individual project based work required for GCSE.

The pupils as a method of examining and understanding both their religious and secular environment and other issues that affect their lives should use Art and Design.

Pupils should learn both how to co-operate in working with others whilst independently pursuing their own work.

Pupils should learn through Critical Studies in Art and Design how the latter has affected and been affected by society and try to develop a context within which to place their own practical work.  This should also involve pupils in looking beyond our own Western society.

The environment in which the pupils work should foster good working practice matching the needs of numbers to available space, whilst taking care of aspects such as safety, visual stimulation and the availability of working equipment.  Also there must be the availability of space, equipment and advice for those pupils wishing to develop their work outside of lesson time.

The Art Department aims to foster links with other departments through Cross Curricular work, with other establishments through competitions and exhibitions and with the home through normal homework and the encouragement of pupils to continue major pieces of work both at home and in school.

All Key Stage 3 Year 7 groups will be introduced to a foundation course in Art and Design.

In Year 7 and 8 pupils will spend a half a year working in Fine Art and half a year working in Art and Design. In Year 9 pupils opt for a pathway subject and focus on either Art, Craft and Design or Fine Art.

Critical studies work to be undertaken at KS3 will cover a range of artists, designers, photographers, architects etc. The critical studies will normally be directly linked to practical activities.

Year 7 will continue to be a year in which many basics are taught from drawing and painting and 3D through to research and analysis.

Year 8 will broaden the theory learnt in Year 7 with the introduction of far more sight work and the introduction of thematic compositional studies as the basis for 2D and 3D work.

Year 9 pupils will research a variety of topics in relation to their critical studies. They will become more aware of their potential to develop set themes in a more individual way making more use of research material. They are expected to work at a GCSE level 5 or above. They will develop work in a way that prepares them for the project work encountered in Year 10.

In both EDEXCEL endorsements pupils create work that demonstrates knowledge, understanding and skills. All pupils will have to submit evidence of drawing to support the development process in both the Personal Portfolio and Externally Set Assignment (ESA). All pupils will have to use written annotation and appropriate specialist terminology to record their ideas, observations, insights and independent judgements.

Pupils undertaking Art, Craft and Design must create work associated with areas of study chosen from at least two of the endorsed titles Art, Craft and Design; Fine Art; Graphic Communication; Textile Design; Three-dimensional Design; Architecture; Photography. Pupils will be introduced to a variety of materials and techniques and will learn about artists’ work through research and gallery visits. Pupils are encouraged to be experimental, to work from observation and imagination, and to develop their ideas from the beginning to the end. Drawing is at the heart of art, craft and design – from initial sketches and detailed observations to mark-making and expressive lines – and forms a core element of the practice of artists, craftspeople and designers.

Fine Art may be defined as work developed primarily to communicate aesthetic, intellectual or purely conceptual ideas and meaning, rather than to serve a practical or commercial function. For example, work could be the outcome of personal experiences, thoughts and feelings, or simply to observe and record people, places and things in new and unique ways. Fine art work will demonstrate an understanding and application of formal elements and creative skills, including mark-making, painting, drawing and printmaking. Pupils will use visual communication sensitively and thoughtfully to document their artistic journey and fully support their intentions.

In KS3, all pupils are set an aspirational target level that is based on their KS2 average point score and other relevant data.  At KS4, pupils are set an aspirational target grade based on Fischer Family Trust and our own internal assessment data. Pupils are expected to achieve this grade and will be supported to do so.

Work is marked using levels at KS3 and GCSE grades at KS4. Past paper questions are marked according to exam board mark schemes.

Personal Portfolio is 60% of the GCSE qualification. Pupils create a personal portfolio of work comprising of supporting studies and personal response(s). Externally Set Assignment is 40% of the qualification. It draws together all the knowledge, understanding and skills developed over the coursework. Externally set broad-based thematic starting point released on 2 January. A centre-devised preparatory study period followed by a 10-hour sustained focus period in which pupils create personal response(s) and supporting studies.