Art

ArtArt forms an integral part of the cultural life of the School. We work at developing aesthetic and cultural awareness and the intellectual rigour to equip students to cope successfully and to flourish individually in the artistic environment.

The department is attractively situated in a specialist building within the School campus. It has three studios, a photography studio and a print workshop for the production of relief, intaglio, screen and block printing. The curriculum is very broad, allowing students to experiment with all the major disciplines based around a fine art approach. All work is linked to that of contemporary artists, through research projects and links with workshops and visiting artists.

The department is open in the evenings and weekends allowing students to actively develop practical elements of the subject, as well as forming more independent responses to the needs of the curriculum.


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Year 9

In Year 9 the curriculum is based largely on project work and students will learn techniques, processes and media that will help them to flourish at GCSE if they choose to take the subject further. Assignments are closely linked to practising artists and written work is on critical analysis where subject-specific terms are encouraged. The emphasis at this stage is on exploring and development of techniques. To further expression and inspiration, visiting artists are a key part of the programme, along with an Art Club hosted by the department for pupils to try new techniques or to catch up with set work.

In the Summer Term, pupils will be gin elements of project work that will form part of their GCSE course, should they choose to continue the subject at this level.

GCSE - Years 10 and 11

Fine Art

Students are given every opportunity to learn about processes such as mould making, mixed media work, intaglio printing, screen printing, painting, photography, casting, textiles, ceramics and lots of drawing. This is a demanding yet extremely rewarding course, which is in no way exclusively intended for those with a natural fair and ability towards the subject, but is made available to any student who shows enthusiasm and interest for it.

How is the course structured and assessed?

The course involves two parts; a portfolio and externally set assignment (ESA), which will involve two and three-dimensional work, with mixed media and photography as well. At the end of the course, students are expected to present a portfolio of project work, which accounts for 60% of their final mark. The remaining 40% is for the ESA project and a final piece.

Photography

Students are given every opportunity to learn about numerous technical processes such as 35mm film, digital image-making, Photoshop, Illustrator, black and white darkroom development, pinholes, solargraphy, cyanotypes, cellphones, moving image and lomography. The department aims to provide a course available to any student who demonstrates enthusiasm and interest in the subject. Our specialist departments are equipped with quality resources, understandably for this particular course each student will be strongly recommended to provide their own digital and film camera and a digital storage device.

How is the course structured and assessed?

The course involves two parts; a portfolio and externally set assignment (ESA), which will involve two and three-dimensional work, with mixed media and photography as well. The portfolio is completed by the end of the Michaelmas Term in Year 11, including a broad and exciting range of visual experimentations produced during the course. The ESA usually takes place in the following May with early exam points given to students at the beginning of January.

A Level - Years 12 and 13

Students all work on individual projects, ‘creating visual meaning through Art by an expressive response to a personal context or social issue’. They will explore techniques as diverse as drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, sculpture, and mixed media and photography. Sketchbooks form an integral part of the development of the work and life-drawing classes are also part of the course.

How is the course assessed?

Work is assessed internally throughout the year, with weekly or twice weekly assignments. Final work is marked internally, then moderated by an external examiner in June of Year 13. There will be a termly charge for extra materials with this course. 

What degree courses and careers will this course be useful for? Students go on to the top courses in the country – Central St Martins, Kingston, Goldsmiths, CCW, AA, LCF, Falmouth, Bournemouth and Plymouth. Local art colleges are also well attended. Most students will attend Foundation courses, although some prefer to apply straight to degree level, in fine art, graphics, interior design, fashion, architecture and illustration.


Senior Art

Flickr album: Senior Art | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin

 


More subjects like this

Design  Photography  Textiles


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