Art & Design

Head of Department: Mrs T Weikert-Picker

Introduction of the Art & Design Curriculum

In Art, we aim to inspire creativity and self-expression by encouraging pupils to explore their own ideas and experiences. Pupils work with a wide range of media, materials and techniques, including drawing, painting, photography, ceramics and 3D design.

Throughout their learning, pupils are encouraged to develop their skills, experiment with different artistic processes and take creative risks. They are taught to critically evaluate and reflect on both their own work and the work of others, helping them to develop confidence and a deeper understanding of the creative process.

Pupils also study the work of influential artists, craftspeople and designers from a variety of cultures and periods. Through this, they gain an appreciation of how art has shaped and reflected historical, social and cultural developments around the world. Through the study of diverse artistic traditions, pupils develop cultural awareness and a greater understanding of the impact of art, craft and design on society.

Year 7: Foundations in Art and Design

In Year 7, pupils build confidence in their creative skills through a range of exciting projects that introduce key artistic techniques and processes. Pupils develop drawing, observational and design skills while exploring the work of artists from different cultures and traditions.

Projects include:

Drawing the Animal Kingdom – developing observational drawing skills and exploring texture, form and proportion.
Symbols and Stories: The Totem Pole Project – investigating symbolism, culture and three-dimensional design.
Nature's Patterns: Bugs and African Art – investigating pattern, colour and cultural influences through a variety of media.

Throughout the year, pupils experiment with a range of materials and begin to reflect on and evaluate their creative work.

Skills Developed

Observational drawing
Colour theory
Painting techniques
Pattern making
Printing
3D Design
Artist research and analysis
Evaluating and refining work

Year 8: Developing Creative Skills

In Year 8, pupils strengthen their technical skills and increase their understanding of how artists communicate ideas and meaning. They are encouraged to take greater creative risks and become more independent in their approach to artmaking.

Projects include:

Still Life: Objects Tell a Story – developing observational drawing and painting while exploring symbolism and narrative
Looking Up: Architecture and Perspective – investigating architectural forms and learning perspective drawing techniques.
Our Environment, Our Future – responding creatively to environmental themes through a range of media.

Pupils continue to work across a variety of media, including drawing, painting, photography, and 3D processes.

Skills Developed

Perspective drawing
Observational drawing
Photography and image composition
Environmental and social themes
Drawing from photographic sources
Multimedia
Symbolism and storytelling
Critical analysis of artists' work

Year 9: Exploring Personal Responses

In Year 9, pupils refine their artistic skills and begin to develop more personal and meaningful responses to themes and issues. Greater emphasis is placed on independent thinking, experimentation and critical analysis.

Projects include:

Bringing Monsters to Life – designing imaginative creatures using drawing, sculpture and mixed-media techniques.
Portraits with Purpose – exploring identity, emotion and expression through portraiture.
Balloon Dogs: From Photography to Paint – using photography as a starting point for painting and exploring colour, tone and composition.

By the end of Year 9, pupils have developed a broad portfolio of work that prepares them for GCSE study.

Skills Developed

Painting from Photographic sources.
Mixed media experimentation
Environmental and social themes
Observational drawing and painting
Ceramic and sculpture
3D Creation
Personal investigation
Visual communication

Year 10: GCSE Art, Craft and Design / 3D Design / Photography

Pupils begin their GCSE journey by developing a strong coursework portfolio. They build on the skills gained at Key Stage 3 while exploring themes in greater depth and producing increasingly independent work.

Art, Craft and Design and 3D Design

Coursework Portfolio 1: Natural Forms project.
Exploration of drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media and artist research.
Coursework Portfolio 2: Given Theme.
Development of skills and techniques towards a final outcome.

Photography

Coursework Portfolio 1: Architecture project.
Introduction to photographic techniques, image manipulation and visual communication.
Coursework Portfolio 2: Given Theme.
Development of skills and techniques towards a final outcome.

Pupils learn to investigate artists, experiment with materials and processes, record ideas and present informed personal outcomes.

Year 11: GCSE Art, Craft and Design / 3D Design / Photography

In Year 11, pupils refine their practical and analytical skills as they complete their GCSE coursework and prepare for the externally set assignment.

Art, Craft and Design and 3D Design

Completion of Coursework Portfolio 2: Given Theme.
Mock Examination of Final Outcome.
Exam Portfolio: Given Theme (January)
Portfolio of observational drawings and development work created.
Exam: 10-hour Final Outcome.

Photography

Completion of Coursework Portfolio 2: Given Theme.
Mock Examination of Final Outcome.
Exam Portfolio: Given Theme (January)
Portfolio of observational drawings and development work created.
Exam: 10-hour Final Outcome.

Throughout the year, pupils demonstrate their ability to develop ideas, investigate artists and designers, experiment with techniques and create highly personalised final outcomes.

Assessment at GCSE

The Edexcel GCSE Art and Design qualification is assessed through two components:

Component 1: Personal Portfolio (60%)

A portfolio of work developed throughout Years 10 and 11 that demonstrates the creative journey from initial research to final outcomes.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40%)

Pupils respond to a theme set by Edexcel and produce a final outcome during a supervised 10-hour examination period.

All GCSE work is assessed against four Assessment Objectives:

AO1 – Develop Ideas

Research and investigate artists, designers and other sources.
Develop ideas through informed and meaningful connections.

AO2 – Refine Work

Experiment with media, materials, techniques and processes.
Refine ideas through purposeful exploration.

AO3 – Record Observations

Record ideas, observations and experiences through drawing, photography, annotation and other methods.

AO4 – Present a Personal Response

Create a thoughtful and personal final outcome that realises intentions and demonstrates links to research and development.

Each Assessment Objective is equally weighted and contributes 25% of the overall GCSE mark.

Learning

Art & Design

Introduction of the Art & Design Curriculum

Assessment at GCSE

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