Art
Head of Department: Miss L Hamilton
Context
The art department consists currently of three teachers of art. We have two fully equipped art rooms. In art we strive holistically to develop student’s creativity and academic success.
Curriculum
We currently deliver the AQA GCSE Art & Design specification which is assessed using the 1-9 number descriptors.
Students have the opportunity to complete each unit of the GCSE course each year but the stimuli, artists and technical skills increase in challenge.
The art curriculum develops students Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural development and allows students to explore reflective thinking skills as well as their personal response to the world around them.
Students are assessed each half-term throughout Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) by a practical assessment.
At GCSE students are assessed at the end of each component of work. They are frequently formatively assessed and receive written feedback at the end of each component of work using the 1-9 grading. However, verbal feedback is given every lesson to progress further.
For curriculum guides for art, please visit our Curriculum by Year Group pages.
Learning Journey
Homework
In Years 7-9 students must complete their masters of knowledge homework. In art, students are set optional homework and are encouraged to complete this to further develop their skills.
GCSE students are encouraged to complete a minimum of four hours of homework a week on their portfolio. This is usually gathering information about artists they wish to study, tonal drawings, media studies or completion of a piece of artwork in their sketch book. Students are encouraged to arrive to lesson with all printed resources ready.
Afterschool Sessions
There are portfolio sessions after school for GCSE students with the class teacher. These take place every day of the week, but Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will be independent study with very little teacher support on these days.
Enrichment Opportunities
The art department is passionate about enrichment opportunities. This includes the Young Artist elective for Year 7 and Year 8 and break and lunch times for GCSE students to work on their portfolios.
There is also an opportunity for students to get involved with the making of the Drama school production backdrop where they will design and paint this linking to the production theme. In previous years this has included The 80s Showcase, The 90s Showcase and The Matilda Junior Production.
There are several opportunities for enrichment trips and visits throughout the year.
