Curriculum

Art & Design

Art engages pupils with their own culture as well as with the wider world. Pupils explore how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. The study of Art and Design supports the development of fine motor skills, hand eye coordination, language skills, social skills, decision-making, risk-taking, lateral thinking, complex analysis, problem solving, and inventiveness. 
How will I study Art? 

Our Art & Design curriculum provides pupils with the opportunity to demonstrate imagination and creative flair. Pupils are able to develop and refine their drawing and observational skills through sketching a range of everyday objects and primary images and making their work personal. Pupils have the opportunity to experiment with and select methods and approaches, synthesise observations, ideas and feelings to create compositions for paintings, collages, textiles and other creative responses. They are encouraged to explore their artistic styles by studying a range of artists and their ‘drawing and making’ styles.

What will I study at Key Stage 3?

During Key Stage 3, pupils study the formal elements of Art and Design. The curriculum covers an introduction to Art through drawing, painting, mixed media and printmaking. As they progress through KS3, pupils are introduced to a wide range of both historical and contemporary artists helping them to form an opinion on the work of others and using this knowledge to inspire the development of their own work. Throughout the course skills will be developed and refined resulting in a range of 2d and 3d outcomes. 

What will I study at Key Stage 4? 

GCSE Art and Design

During Key Stage 4, GCSE Art pupils work under the theme Autobiographical allowing them to apply new skills and knowledge to develop their own artistic voice through the creation of personal outcomes.  This involves investigating the work of existing artists both historical and contemporary and exploring their use of materials, techniques and processes. Pupils will respond to the theme through a series of research and practical-based tasks. They will immerse themselves in the creation of art using a range of media and approaches. As they develop their skill and understanding, pupils will refine their ideas and gain confidence through experimentation and exploration. Pupils will gather inspiration from primary sources and first-hand experiences to help them develop personal and meaningful works of art. Pupils will create a portfolio of work which consists of sketchbooks and final pieces that cover the visual art disciplines of drawing, mixed media, printmaking and ceramics.

Assessment at Key Stage 4 

GCSE Art and Design (Edexcel)

Overview Focus
Unit1 – Coursework 
60% of GCSE 
Pupils develop responses to an initial starting point and realise intentions informed by research, the development and refinement of ideas and meaningful engagement with selected sources. Responses will include evidence of drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media and ceramics and needs written annotation to critically analyse the work of contextual sources and provide reflective commentary on their own artistic development. 

 

Overview Focus
Unit 2 – Externally Set Assignment 
40% of GCSE 
Pupils respond to a starting point provided by Edexcel. This response provides evidence of the pupil’s ability to work independently within specified time constraints, realise intentions that are personal and meaningful and explicitly address the requirements of all four assessment objectives. 
Enrichment Offer

We offer subject-specific enrichment opportunities giving pupils the experience of visiting and working with creative organisations such as Birmingham Conservatoire for the Twelve Tones Clock project and the Ikon Gallery for Hew Lock’s installation for the Commonwealth Games. We also hold an annual Art Exhibition to celebrate and showcase the hard work of GCSE pupils.

Careers 

Creativity, attention to detail, emotional intelligence, and many other skills that come with an art qualification are some of the most valuable skills you can have.  Engagement with Art can lead to future careers ranging from artist, architect, art curator, art director, web designer, interior designer, illustrator, graphic designer and jewellery artist to stylist, digital content creator, fashion designer, photographer and many more.