Art & Design
Purpose
In Art and Design, students embark on a creative journey that engages, inspires, and challenges them. Students explore a range of materials and techniques and learn to appreciate and value the work of others and understand the context in which they were created. This equips them with the knowledge, language, and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft, and design. Students learn to think and act like artists, enabling them to flourish, using their creative skills in different environments and the wider community.
Curriculum features
KS3 (Key Stage 3): Students will complete a range of projects allowing them to experience, explore and engage with different areas of both art, craft design. Students will experiment with and explore how to work with varied materials, techniques and processes and learn about a range of different and diverse artists, designers and craftspeople who can inspire their work.
Year 7:
Project 1: ‘Our City.
Autumn1
Expressive Response. 2D media, mark-making, expressive use of media
Students will learn how artists over time have communicated ideas through the use of various expressive media, the project will introduce students to a range of both contemporary and historical artists. Inspiration will be taken from the local area. Students will record through the use of photography.
Autumn 2
Exploration of Local Architecture. Design based, working to a brief. Colour, surface pattern, print
Students will learn about the historical context of local architecture. They will learn about of key characteristics of local modern, and historical buildings and how architectural design has evolved. They will develop and refine their skills in observing, recording and sketching architectural details accurately, translating observations into surface pattern and design proposals for an interior space
Project 2: Habitats.
Spring 1
The changing face of Animal Habitats; Art to convey a message. Sculpture, creative use of materials
Students will research and create a piece of 3D artwork which conveys ideas about environmental issues relating to animal habitats. They will explore how artists communicate ideas through their work and analyse how artists use creativity to communicate ideas and convey a message.
Spring 2
Environmental Art: Cultivating an appreciation for nature and sustainability. Sculpture, creative use of materials.
Students will be inspired by the creative use of natural materials, they will explore their own artistic abilities whilst fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Students will study a range of environmental artists who communicate a message about humanity and the environment and also raise awareness about environmental issues and the importance of conservation. Students will design and create their own piece of environmental art.
Project 3: Installation Art
Summer 1 & 2
Site-specific art/ Exhibition. 2D, 3D across a range of disciplines
Students will explore how art is created for a specific place The term site-specific refers to a work of art designed specifically for a particular location and that has an interrelationship with the location. Students will identify a space within the school environment, research, develop and create work. The conclusion to this project will be a collaborative exhibition, serving as a platform to display their artistic endeavours while nurturing an appreciation for cultural diversity and creative expression.
Year 8
Project 1: ‘Playful, Purposeful & Absurd’
Autumn 1&2
Students will explore the concept of playfulness and purposefulness in creating artwork, delving into the realm of the absurd to challenge traditional norms and push the boundaries of artistic expression. Students will study artists, designers and craftspeople who have embraced playfulness in their work, using unconventional materials and techniques to ignite creativity and provoke thought.
Contextual links: ‘Fantastic Creatures’– Alebrije. Surrealism, The Bauhaus Triadic Ballet, Memphis design, Grayson Perry.
Project 2: Challenging Animal Stereotypes
Spring 1&2
This project encompasses the strategic aim for students to utilise textile art as a tool to challenge prevalent animal stereotypes. Through creative exploration and experimentation with a diverse range of materials, students will cultivate their artistic skills and critical thinking abilities. The ultimate objective is for students to transform their initial concepts into a sculptural response that effectively highlights and deconstructs negative stereotypes associated with animals.
Project 3: Site-specific art/ Exhibition. 2D, 3D across a range of disciplines
Summer 1&2
Emphasising the term ‘site-specific’, students will gain an understanding of artworks intricately crafted to interact with and complement their designated location. Through meticulous research, development, and artistic creation, students will generate pieces that echo the essence of the chosen location. These works will not only showcase the students’ creativity but also celebrate the diverse cultural tapestry within our school community. The conclusion to this project will be a collaborative exhibition, serving as a platform to display their artistic endeavours while nurturing an appreciation for cultural diversity and creative expression.
Assessment of progress.
Assessment for Learning; All lessons will include live and instant feedback
Assessment of Learning; Summative assessment. Six weekly assessment in line with whole school policy
Assessment as Learning: Students will be taught how to assess their own work and the work of their peers.
KS4: Art & Design, Graphics, Photography, 3D Design, Textiles
In Year 9 Students will begin the first year of their specialist discipline by exploring specific techniques, materials, and processes. Students will experience workshop-style lessons to develop their skills and explore their chosen discipline in more detail.  In this project, students will be tasked with developing a creative idea and bringing it to fruition through artistic expression. The project aims to foster creativity, originality and self-expression among pupils while also encouraging them to draw inspiration from a variety of sources.
Throughout the project, students will be encouraged to explore different art forms, styles, and techniques in order to expand their artistic repertoire. They will also be required to study the works of renowned artists, designers and craftspeople drawing inspiration from their unique styles and approaches.
In Year 10 Students will create two portfolios of work in response to a theme or starting point using the skills and knowledge they have learnt in KS3 and Year 9. There will be a focus upon students developing their independence, experimenting, learning from mistakes and thinking creatively in order to make unique and thought-provoking responses.
Year 11: Students will refine work and develop ideas leading to a completed coursework project; 60% of final grade, internally assessed and 40% of final grade, an externally set task
Assessment of progress:
Half-term reviews, written, verbal and live feedback.
KS5:Â A Level Fine Art, Textile Design, Photography, Graphics. BTEC Art and Design
Students study their chosen discipline in more depth to master their skills and knowledge within the subject. Students will complete a series of projects to investigated different areas of their discipline. Students will select their own starting point for their personal investigation (60% A Level) and complete an externally set task (40% A Level).
Assessment of progress:
Half-term reviews, written, verbal and live feedback.
Enrichment
Art Society
University visits
Collaboration with outside agencies/organisations
Arts ambassadors
Whole school art initiatives and exhibitions
Aspire to HE workshops.
Promotion and celebration of work via social media platforms
Visiting creatives