Visual Arts
Students develop their understanding of visual language and the confidence to realise their creative ideas through a wide range of techniques. They explore and take inspiration from the work of artists from different times and places and the World around them as they work on increasingly independent projects.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
Students learn through a series of extended projects which promote the acquisition of skills and understanding across four strands: generating ideas, making, knowledge and evaluation. Inspiration is taken from the observation of the World around them and engagement with and understanding of art from different times and places. Practical skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, construction, photography and digital media are developed through key projects enabling students to improve their skills and confidence with their ideas through visual language in a wide range of media.
Main projects:
Year 7: Fish and biomorphic pots (drawing, watercolour, clay construction), Natural Form (pattern and painting), Still Life (photography and oil pastel)
Year 8: Futurism and transport, (perspective, watercolour), Portraits (drawing, lino prints)
Year 9: Surrealism, Architecture
Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11 GCSE)
Students study AQA GCSE Art & Design: Fine Art. The course starts with the theme of Natural Structures which enables students to develop a range of techniques and skills through a series of teacher-led projects. Students then develop individual themes under the titles ‘Structures’ which reflect their strengths and interests for their extended project. They develop their ideas through responses to the work of artists, technique development, recording of observations and ideas and realise their personal intentions. Students complete sketchbook work and outcomes for both their coursework portfolios and the externally set assignment.
The portfolio element is worth 60% of the exam marks
The board set an externally set assignment which is worth 40% of the marks
Key Stage 5 (Years 12-13 A Level)
Students are required to have gained at least a grade 6 in GCSE Art to take this course at A Level
Students follow the AQA A Level Art and Design: Fine Art which includes a personal study, sketchbook, coursework and an externally set assignment. The Personal Investigation is worth 60% of the A Level and the externally set assignment is worth 40% of the A Level. Both items are marked by the centre and moderated by AQA during a visit to the centre.
During the course, students will develop knowledge and understanding relevant to their chosen areas of Fine Art, including historical and contemporary developments and societal influences on art. Skills and techniques will be developed through the analysis of, and responses to, other artists’ work and processes, showing an understanding of a range of approaches and creative use of a variety of mediums. The course is structured to provide students with the opportunity to experiment, develop and refine their skills in a range of areas. Each discrete task will have a range of foci so students can customise their learning.
The course will also encourage high level learning management skills; students are encouraged to utilise independent and personal project management skills as the course develops, preparing them for a life beyond school and teacher instruction.
Co-curricular activities
- Photography Club
- Art Club
- House Art Competition
- Rotary Club Art Competition
- Arts Award
- Y8 visit to RAF Hendon
- Y10 residential visit to Liverpool
- Gallery Trips
- Discover Articulation trip to Windsor Castle or the Courtauld Institute
- Articulation Public Speaking competition
- Stage Set Painting