Art
Overview
Art can be many things but it is always a language – a means of communicating ideas, concepts, observations and feelings. Learning through looking and drawing develops an understanding of the way things are, or work, it has relevance far beyond the confines of the art room.
Key Stage 3
The art department follows the national curriculum. We ensure all students receive their entitlement by using a planning matrix so we can see clearly that all years have art, craft and design work as well as 2D and 3D coverage.
The department has a strong belief that the work of other artists can develop fundamental skills in our students, this is an integral part of the schemes of work and where possible we use contemporary artists to influence the pupils’ work.
During each year the pupils cover a variety of drawing and painting methods these will recur and be reinforced, with increasing demands upon discrimination and the development of manipulative skills.The curriculum allows the pupils to research, form opinions, express themselves, develop ideas, make and evaluate. Students are given a sketchbook for working in at both the Academy and home.
Key Stage 4
Students can opt for one of two GCSE’s: Art & Design or Photography. The department look to deliver broad courses where students experience a range of disciplines and techniques within the area. Each course is composed of two research projects (forming 60% of the whole GCSE) and an exam project (forming 40% of the whole GCSE).
The department has achieved excellent GCSE results year after year and pride ourselves on our students’ subject knowledge, practical skills and original and thought-provoking artwork. We feel that our students challenge challenging issues and discuss visually the world around them.
Post 16
The department offer two AS Levels: Art, Craft and Design and Fine art and A Levels according to students own area of expertise.
Our aim is to get our students to where they want to be! 100% of our students have obtained the university course of their choice. Our students are attending universities all over the country including London Central St Martin’s, Kingston, Northumbria, Liverpool John Moore, Leeds Met, Manchester Met and many more.
Previous students are currently enjoying careers in fashion design, advertising, computer game design, architecture, make- up and costume for television and film, textile design and many more.
