Art Overview

Our Vision

Our students will undertake a creative and expressive journey that will nurture their understanding and skills in the wide-ranging specialisms of Art & Design, teach them to look at the world from a visual perspective, question critically and respond independently. This in turn DEEPENS their experience of Art.

Curriculum Intent

Key Stage 3

To ensure that students meet the requirements of the National Curriculum at Key Stage 3, developing knowledge and skills from Key Stage 2 and embedding foundation knowledge and skills throughout each year at Key Stage to prepare them for GCSE. Students will ultimately develop their knowledge and skills through each year in Key Stage 3 with increasing proficiency under the four assessment objectives at GCSE (Develop, Refine, Record & Present) in the following ways:

DEVELOP
• They will understand how to research and analyse the works of artists, gaining an understanding of key ideas, concepts and style which they can apply to their own work
• They will be able to analyse work using the four headings which are used at GCSE – content, mood, form and process, to prepare them for Key Stage 4
• They will develop a foundation knowledge of art history, art movements and culture which they can apply to their own work at GCSE
REFINE
• They will experiment with a wide range of media, surfaces, techniques and processes in preparation for GCSE (drawing, painting, mixed media and sculpture)
• They will be able to select their chosen media, technique and process to apply to their outcomes
• They will develop their understanding of the visual elements which they can apply to their own work
• They will be able to reflect on the successes and areas for development in their own work
RECORD
• They will record from direct observation (life) and from secondary sources (photos/ printed images)
• They will record their ideas through writing when planning outcomes
• They will create diagrams, sketches and plans to record their ideas
• They will use photography to record ideas to work from
• They will develop their ability to record ideas using mind maps
PRESENT
• They will develop smaller personal outcomes in response to specific artists/ styles of work
• They will plan and present final outcomes which reflect on prior work and ideas and are developed into a larger, refined outcome
• They will evaluate their work reflecting and successes and areas for improvement

Key Stage 4

Students will utilise the skills and knowledge developed in Key Stage 3 and then build on these throughout their GCSE. They will strengthen skills and knowledge which are aligned with the four GCSE assessment objectives (outlined below), to assist them in meeting the requirements of the course. We will also ensure that students are provided with project themes which enable creative freedom and independence whilst nurturing a curiosity and resilience to experiment and explore areas within the project themes. They will be introduced to the work of artists from all backgrounds and cultures, both contemporary and traditional, to help provide inspiration, and learn how to view the world around them with an inquisitive eye. Students will also be encouraged to continually question, in order to gain a stronger understanding of visual dynamics. They will also develop their imagination throughout the course, along with their ability to explore new ideas to help them realise their intentions. Students will build confidence in their ideas and methods, as well as teaching them how to present a portfolio of work which demonstrates their enjoyment for their work and their abilities. By the end of the course they will be equipped to extend their Art education further into Key Stage 5.

Key Stage 5

Key Stage 5 will provide students with the opportunity to strengthen confidence in developing as artists. Students will discover and build on their areas of strength in terms of media and will have the independence and freedom to explore a topic of their choice in their Personal Investigation (coursework) component. This will allow for both enjoyment and personal interest which will in turn motivate and engage. The Assessment Objectives for the A-Level course mirror those at GCSE, but emphasize the importance in deepening both knowledge and skills (see below). Students will also develop confidence in using a sketchbook in order to document their ideas, whilst expressing their curiosity to work on different scales and surfaces outside their sketchbook. They will learn how to think critically about their work and the work of others, whilst researching around their topic to gain a wider understanding which can be applied to their practical and written work. The course will not only prepare students with the skills and knowledge required beyond Key Stage 5, but it will give them the courage and confidence to apply for a future career/ apprenticeship/ further education in any field of Art & Design.