Art & Design
Welcome to Art & Design
Head of Department: Lynne Taylor
Each year is taught thematically, year 7 focusses on Art and the Natural World, year 8 looks at Art and Emotion. Initially students re inforce skills learnt at KS2, colour theory, tone, line, application of materials moving on to printmaking and three dimensional work. The students explore a range of artists from the global community to gain knowledge of different making processes and concepts. Finally in year 9 students focus on Issues and Identity, this allows students to look at a range of contemporary art and explore the self in their own art work. Thcontinued exploration during key stage 3 develops and improves skills of critical analysis, visual literacy and deconstruction and making and construction techniques.
The students are introduced to the Art and Design GCSE course by exploring a range of materials. Information is given on assessment objectives and exemplary course work is shared to help understanding of the coursework requirements. Initially the students follow a project that reinforces basic skills and allows development of observational drawing in two dimensional media. Painting using different techniques is at the centre of this introductory project along with learning how to research into artists and use this to make connections with their own work. Students will begin making a range of studies on a range of themes selecting other artists work to influence and make connections with their own work. Presentation of work is an important component of the course and the production of a high quality workbook/sketchbook to support their coursework is vital. The coursework is 60% of the final grade and the terminal exam taken in the Spring Term of year 11 makes up the other 40% of the grade.
OCR GCSE in Fine Art Students complete the coursework over four terms Mock Examination - December of year 11 GCSE Final Examination - paper handed out February year 11 Six weeks preparation then final exam (10 hours) Spring Term of Year 11
Students begin the course by working in a range of scales and materials to widen their understanding of the Arts. The students are set work which they interpret independently to develop their skills and understanding. They will be given individual tuition to support the development of their work and are expected to complete a significant amount of work out of curriculum time. The use of a sketchbook continues to be an important component of the course allowing exploration, note taking and research to take place demonstrating the student's skills of analysis. Students are expected to visit a range of art galleries and museum to make judgements and make connections with a range of artists both contemporary and historic from across the global community.
OCR GCE Fine Art AS/A2 Spring Year 10 Controlled Assignment - 5 hours Spring/Summer Year 11 Controlled Assignment - 15 hours
The department is open for upper school students to work at lunchtimes most days along with a structured after school session with supervision and support for an hour after school.