Art and Design
Art is an important way a society generates a visual culture. It can celebrate life and being part of a particular society. It can create a more visually stimulating world. Art at its best can produce something of beauty or visual richness. It is also a means to explore ideas and promote positive discussion around viewpoints. It can be a way to escape present reality and imagine a better world. The study of Art can be a powerful means to express ideas about oneself and the world. Through development of practical Art skills, it enhances fine motor skills in a student. Thorough the study of Art students develop skills in originality, flexible thinking, intellectual playfulness, imagination, precision, automaticity, and speed and accuracy.
At KS3 students develop their understanding of the formal elements of Art – line, tone, shape, colour, pattern, form and composition, through practical activities.
In Year 7, through the study of Cultures, close ups and nature students explore a wide range of materials and processes including: drawing, paint, wax resist, applique and mono printing. Confectionary and Pattern are explored in Year 8 through disciplines such as oil pastel, card relief, painting polyblock printing and sculpture.
Across the key stage students develop imagination, originality, curiosity, and playfulness in creating their own unique visual world. Communication of their own viewpoints, ideas, and concepts is actively encouraged through plenaries. We critically engage with others’ Art, from other times and cultures, and from artists in contemporary western society including artists such as Sarah Graham and Angie Lewin. Where possible students are exposed to visiting artists to discuss the use of Art within industry. Lessons are designed to ensure that students enjoy their studies and are passionate about aspects of Art and Design either through critical engagement and appreciation or through creating and making.
GCSE Art and Design provides the opportunity to develop an adventurous, creative and inquisitive approach to your learning. Through studying both historical and contemporary art practice students develop the skills to formulate and express their own understanding. This manifests itself in both written and practical Art work. The art work produced will be a range of personal responses which embrace a range of ideas devised from students inspiration and imagination. Due to the fast pace and nature of the subject skills and knowledge develop and therefore projects are varied and exciting. Students develop a working knowledge of the materials, practices and different techniques that are used within the creative industries. Students develop the skills to respond to set themes and briefs by investigating, analysing and experimenting using art, craft and design from vast and varied sources. Students develop their imaginative powers and the skills to express ideas, feelings and meanings.