Art and Photography

Art encourages imagination and self-expression, alongside a greater understanding of design and culture that gives historical and societal context to the world around us. 

Art lessons provide skills that are in high demand - with many employers looking for people who are ideas-driven and creative. Mastering artistic skills demands patience, discipline and an investigative mind-set, qualities that are widely applicable to a range of other subjects and careers. 

Our expansive curriculum is varied and designed to engage learners with a range of interests and abilities. We cover a broad range of cultural movements and artists as well as an array of techniques and mediums. This inspires students to place their own creativity in a wider context. 

The learners are given personalised support to learn new skills, with formal drawing underpinning everything we do. We see a great sense of achievement when learners use these skills to create their own unique pieces. 

We have excellent partnerships in the local area which ensures that learners view art as something relevant to their own community. 

Our art lessons help students become more confident, analytical and creative. These skills are applicable to the modern world of design, fashion, art, tech and many other sectors.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 pupils embark on a series of focused month-long projects, which enable them to develop a critical understanding of a broad range of artists and designers, including ancient civilisations, renaissance masters, 20th century artists and contemporary practitioners. This allows students to see the scope of human creativity and make connections between themes and methods, as well as building a repertoire of practical skills and techniques.

What will students learn? 

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Term 1: Drawing and Mark making skills

 

Term 2: Painting and colour/ colour theory

 

Term 3: Painting and drawing looking at the theme of cakes and sweets

 

Term 1: Portraits and self portraits

 

Term 2: Abstract Portraits/ Art

Perspective and space

 

Term 3: Landscape and the environment

 

Term 1: Typography, Graffiti and Street Art

 

Term 2: Figures and Manga Art

 

Term 3: Fashion Design, illustration

Adornment

 

 

How will students be assessed?

At the end of each term, students will sit an assessment based on the skills they have been learning.  They will receive individual feedback with clear targets based on their age-related level.

Key Stage 4

GCSE Art and Photography follow the AQA specification: Coursework comprising of 2D projects (60%), and a practical examination (40%).

Building on the critical thinking and practical skills established at Key Stage 3, the GCSE course focuses on students’ ability to develop ideas through sustained investigations. Students refine and develop their work through experimentation and iteration; developing the skills to realise their creative intentions and produce personal and meaningful outcomes.

What will students learn?

Year 10         Art

Year 11      Art

Term 1: Natural Forms

 

Term 2: Natural forms and stencil portraits

 

Term 3: Portraits

 

Term 1: Landscape and Surfaces

 

Term 2: GCSE Art exam paper and preparation, approximately 12 weeks

 

Term 3: GCSE Art 10-hour exam

 

Year 10       Photography

Year 11      Photography

Term 1: Camera and Photoshop introduction

Portraits

 

Term 2: Portraits and Self Portraits

 

Term 3: Architecture

 

Term 1: Architecture and Landscapes

 

Term 2: GCSE Photography exam paper and preparation, approximately 12 weeks.

 

Term 3: GCSE Photography 10-hour exam

 

 

How is the course assessed?

Students are supported throughout their course on the development of their portfolios, with regular feedback given on areas for improvement.  Mock exams take place for KS4 students at the end of Year 10 and in Year 11 to practise completion of a final piece (AO4).

 

Final GCSE assessment for both Art and Photography:

Component 1(coursework)

What's assessed?

A portfolio that in total shows explicit coverage of the four assessment objectives. It must

include a sustained project evidencing the journey from initial engagement to the realisation of intentions and a selection of further work undertaken during the student’s course of study.

How it's assessed:

• No time limit

• 96 marks

• 60% of GCSE

 

Component 2 (exam)

What's assessed?

Students respond to their chosen starting point from an externally set assignment

paper relating to their subject title, evidencing coverage of all four assessment objectives.

How it's assessed:

• Preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time

• 96 marks

• 40% of GCSE

 

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