Art & Design

The visual arts stand at the heart of human civilisation. From the earliest times mankind made its mark, whether as simple decoration, visual record, self-expression or as a response to the spiritual.

Today we inherit thousands of years of visual culture from all parts of the globe. Every object we possess bears the mark of an artist, craft-worker or designer. The Arts are also at the heart of our intellectual and spiritual lives; along with literature and music, the visual arts enable us to respond to every aspect of our lives.

We are a thriving, enthusiastic departmernt who aim to: -

  • Provide a stimulating environment in which each student can reach their full potential
  • Develop each student's capacity to learn about and observe the world in which they live
  • Enhance students' ability to communicate ideas using visual language and a wide range of materials
  • Enable students to value the contribution made by artists, crafts-workers and designers and to respond imaginatively to ideas, images and objects
  • Above all, to enable the students to enjoy and appreciate Art and Design in all its forms.

Art and Design is taught in two well-equipped, light and airy studios.  Facilities are available for students to work in a wide range of techniques including painting, drawing, ceramics, textiles, printmaking, 3D work and photography.  Each room has its own bank of computers that allows students to utilise newer digital technologies within their work.

Key Stage 3

Students in Years 7-9 are taught a broadly based curriculum designed to create a foundation of skills, knowledge and understanding.  They experience a variety of techniques that can include painting, drawing, printmaking, textiles, ceramics and work in 3D.  The Key Stage 3 course aims to instil a love of the subject and provide a strong base upon which students can build at GCSE and A Level.

GCSE

The GCSE Art courses are exciting and challenging; students are introduced in greater depth to a wide range of media.  There are two endorsements to choose from:  Fine Art in which students work in painting, drawing, mixed media and sculpture, and Textiles in which students will focus on creating art using predominently textile materials.  These courses are taught in two discreet groups by specialists in the subject.

Both courses are run using the OCR syllabus; students complete three units of coursework, worth 60% of the final grade and undertake the final exam in Year 11 that involves six weeks' preparation time and a ten hour examination worth 40% of the final grade.

AS and A2

The AS and A2 Art courses are exciting and challenging; students are able to develop their creative potential whilst developing their technical skills in a wide range of media. The course followed is the AQA Art, Craft and Design endorsement and requires students to work in a minimum of two media; students will normally choose from:

Fine Art and Photography or

Art Textiles and Photography

These choices are usually informed by their previous GCSE qualification.

Photography has more recently been added as an element of the course and has proved to be very popular; it enables the students to develop their camera skills and their ability to work with photography as an art form. Within Fine Art students work in broad range of media including painting, drawing, mixed media and sculpture, and Textiles in which students will focus on creating art using predominantly textile materials. In both areas students are encouraged to stretch the boundaries of their art form.

Students can undertake the full A Level course (AS and A2) over two years or opt to study the AS for one year. Students regularly go on to study at a higher level on Art and Design foundation courses and degrees.