Art and Design has a high profile within the Academy. There is imagination and innovation running through all areas of the curriculum and a high level of involvement in extracurricular activities and clubs and exhibitions. We view this as an essential contribution to Academy life and a great benefit to the students and staff alike.
In the Creative Arts Curriculum area, we endeavour to foster students' sensitivity to and their understanding and enjoyment of Art and Design. We aim to provide students with skills, knowledge and confidence in each area and develop their enjoyment of Art and Design through an active practical involvement in the creative elements of each discipline.
We feel that Art and Design is an essential element in a balanced education, allowing personal expression, personal development, creative and real practical involvement in the subject. Students gain confidence and a real appreciation of each other's talent.
In the Curriculum Area we are aware that Art and Design is one of the few areas where students take part in the personal creation of their own personal items. This adds even more to the aesthetic value of the subject, giving the students a healthy channel for their creative talents.
The Curriculum Area aims:
At KS3 schemes of work cover the core criteria that we believe are vital. The students address four areas of enquiry: competency, creativity, cultural and critical. These are used to build the knowledge and skills required for artist appreciation and practice.
At KS4 we follow the GCSE (AQA) Art, Craft and Design course. This is a popular choice, allowing students to create artworks from a variety of disciplines. Assessment for GCSE is 60% Coursework Portfolio, 40% final examination.
All schemes of work are constantly amended, responding to new developments in Art and Design. We work to projects which offer students the opportunity to explore and experiment with varied and diverse media in order to produce outcomes. Students also look at the history of art and the artwork/design from other cultures in order to enhance their own studies and artwork. Students are encouraged to make creative choices and develop their own ideas in response to artist and designers work.
In Key Stages 3 and 4, we have a well-equipped studio and ceramic facilities. There are two kilns, allowing clay work to be fired on site.
A range of processes and materials are used in all Key Stages including 2D and 3D work. These include: drawing, painting, mixed media, collage, ceramics, card and wire sculpture.
At KS3 we follow QCA guidelines.
At KS4 the students follow the AQA GCSE Art, Craft and Design course. This offers a range of materials for students to increase skills and develop creativity.
The GCSE programme is intended to deepen and extend the students' own creative skills and their understanding of art practice developing from your KS3 studies. Students will have the opportunity to work in painting, drawing and mixed media, ceramics and sculpture where appropriate. Students will be encouraged to experiment and be adventurous in expressing thier own thoughts, observations and ideas. Observational drawing is fundamental to any art practice and will form the keystone for each project. Students should then develop their ideas into more experimental and creative outcomes.
Students will work to set themes and be expected to record and explore ideas; to use a variety of materials; to analyse and investigate the work of other artists, craft persons and designers; to develop personal final outcomes.
KS3 Topics
Year 7
During Year 7 students have the opportunity to develop a rang of skills through 2D and 3D work. Year 7 students will have two lessons of art and design a week, one dedicated to working through traditional art and design processes, the other dedicated to understanding techniques when creating sculpture.
Year 8
KS4 Topics
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
KS3/KS4
All students are encouraged to practice skills and supplement knowledge outside of class. KS3 students have the opportunity to participate in clubs and activities after school which focus on developing new skills and experimenting with techniques.
There are after-academy classes for coursework development offered to KS4 students. Those who need extra time and one to one support to complete work find this valuable.
Lunchtime clubs are available for all art students who wish to practise their skills in a supportive environment.
Further Education
After A Level
Apply to Colleges, Universities for Further Education and Degree courses.