Art and Design Subject Staff

Mrs Kamuteku Director of Creatives Faculty
Miss Tansey Teacher of Art
Mr Cottrell Teacher of Art

 


Subject Overview

In art, craft and design, our pupils explore visual, tactile and other sensory experiences to communicate ideas and meanings. They work with traditional and new media, developing confidence, competence, imagination and creativity. They learn to appreciate and value images and artefacts across times and cultures, and to understand the contexts in which they were made. In art, craft and design, pupils reflect critically on their own and other people’s work, judging quality, value and meaning. They learn to think and act as artists, craftspeople and designers, working creatively and intelligently. They develop an appreciation of art, craft and design, and its role in the creative and cultural industries that enrich their lives. 


Key Stage 3 

In year, 7& 8 students receive a broad and balanced curriculum over the 2 years with specialisms including Art, Craft and Design, 3D Art. We have developed a rich curriculum that fulfils the requirements of the National Curriculum and encompasses historical roots from cave drawings to modern contemporary artists. 

Year 7 is based on the fundamentals of a Foundation year, learning core skills and building on prior knowledge ensuring pupils develop confidence in their own abilities. Skills covered in year 7 are Formal elements of drawing, colour theory and 3D design through abstract sculpture with links to artists and architecture and the meaning of art.  Topics covered are, Natural forms and Architecture. 

The fundamentals of year 8 are based on an Experiment and Exploration of materials, enabling students to revisit prior knowledge and develop skills and builds on the meaning of art works and cultural links. Topics covered this year are Aboriginal Art, Abstract expressionism, Observational drawing. 


Year 9 - Optional Year

The fundamentals of year 9 are based on an Establishing year, ensuring pupils have the prior knowledge and understanding to explore ideas more in-depth and with an independent flair. During year 9 we look at Graphic Illustration, Typography, Portraiture. 


Key Stage 4

60% - Component 1 - Coursework 

40% - Component 2 - NEA Final examination (10 hours) 

AQA GCSE Fine Art & GCSE Graphic Communication will be topic-based. 

Graphics student will develop 2 brief based projects for their coursework. The first brief is to develop branding and merchandise for the Africa Oye festival in Liverpool. Pupils build a strong understanding of cultural references in Design. The second brief, the darker side of Fairy tales further explores materials & techniques, graphic illustration and appropriate typography. 

Fine Art Students will begin with a cultures project that is guided by the teacher. The second project is a self-directed project that pupils will decide on from the following starting points; Portraiture, Landscapes, Surface decoration, Architecture, Animals, Close ups. 

During the final year, pupils will reflect, refine and adapt coursework projects. Constant critique and development will ensure sound admissions for coursework. In January, pupils will begin the final exam, and they will respond to one exam question from the choice on the AQA paper. Pupils will follow an independent course of study in preparation for a 10-hour timed exam. The exam is entirely practical and pupils will produce Art work in response to the question during this timed session.


Key Stage 5

60% - Component 1- Personal Investigation 

40% - Component 2 -NEA Final examination (15 hours) 

AQA A Level Fine Art & GCSE Graphic Communication will be topic-based. 

Students work on a self-directed coursework project deciding on a theme. Students are guided and supported by the teacher and AQA assessment objectives. Students are supported to become independent enquirers, creative thinkers, self-managers, effective practitioners and reflective learners.  

In February, pupils will begin the final exam, and they will respond to one exam question from the choice on the AQA paper. Pupils will follow an independent course of study in preparation for a 15-hour timed exam. The exam is entirely practical and pupils will produce Art work in response to the question during this timed session.