Art
Key Stage Three
Key Stage 3 Art is taught across two years with pupils receiving a one hour lesson every week. The aim of Key Stage Three Art is to familiarise pupils with a range of art materials and techniques as well as exploring some of the diverse range of work from Art history and contemporary artists.
In Year 7 the focus is on the formal elements of Art with short modules exploring line, tone, colour, texture and form. Each module makes reference to the work of an artist and how they apply that formal element to create their work.
In Year 8 pupils reflect on the skills explored in Year 7 to develop more personal responses to projects based on the Mexican Days of the Dead festival, the human figure, and abstract portraits. More emphasis is placed on developing personal ideas and using the style of work from other artists and cultures to influence their own artwork.
Key Stage Four
GCSE Art and Design is taught as a three year course with pupils receiving five hours of teaching per fortnight. We currently follow the AQA Art and Design course.
In Year 9 pupils explore a diverse range of art techniques and influences to respond to the themes of 'The Natural World' and Surrealism. Ideas and responses are recorded in a sketchbook which will act as a reference for work in Years 10 and 11.
In Year 10 pupils begin their portfolio of work which will represent 60% of their final GCSE grade. This is started through a series of artist studies on the theme of mixed media portraits. These studies are then used to develop a collection of artworks based on the human face. Pupils are encouraged to personalise their work through individual research and their own photography.
In Year 11 pupils complete their portfolio of work through a mock examination project on the theme of ‘Messages’. This project culminates in December with a five hour session under examination conditions.
From January until the start of May pupils work on their Externally Set Assignment from AQA. This project represents 40% of the final grade and culminates in 10 hours of controlled assessment time under exam conditions.
Pupils are required to work at least one hour a week as homework on their portfolio work. This can be completed by attending a weekly support session.
