Year 7: Students are introduced to a range of different media, materials and techniques and develop their observational drawing and painting skills. The syllabus includes a project with starting points from nature to architecture and is underpinned by looking at a range of historical and contemporary artists including a gallery visit. Students produce work in two and three dimensions and apply their ideas and artwork in a design context.
Year 8: Students extend their range of work developing analytical still life drawings into mixed media outcomes through collage and printing. As well as taking inspiration from industry, different cultures and ‘junk art’ students are able to work individually and collaboratively, use design briefs, ICT and develop ideas in sketchbooks.
Year 9: Project themes include ‘Myself and Others’, Public Art and Carnival, and provide a broad range of opportunities for experimentation, including using a variety of three dimensional materials. Students learn to develop confidence in researching, discussing and presenting work about different artists and make links to their own work.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
Students studying GCSE Art develop work from given starting points which include Distortion and Decay. Architectural Elements and the Study of Heads. Two dimensional work is developed from initial drawings through painting, mixed media, collage and print and produced on a range of scales and surfaces including using a sketchbook. Three dimensional outcomes are integrated into all projects where students learn to use a range of materials and processes, including clay, mod-roc and wire, card and paper mache. Independent work is encouraged and students are expected to make connections with the work of other artists, designers and craftspeople. During the course students have the opportunity to visit the Tate Modern Gallery and work with a contemporary Artist in Residence.
Post 16 opportunities and progression routes for further study
Opportunities for further study exist at local colleges where pupils can extend their experience through vocational art and design courses and AS/A2 Level of study in both endorsed and unendorsed options. If offered, students can choose specialist courses in Three Dimensional Design, Graphics, Photography, Ceramics, Textiles and Fashion or complete a general broad based course which covers aspects of a range of art and design disciplines.
