Art and Design

In art and design pupils explore visual, tactile and other sensory experiences to communicate ideas and meanings. They work with traditional and new media, developing confidence, competence, imagination and creativity. They learn to appreciate and value images and artifacts across times and cultures, and to understand the contexts in which they were made. In art and design, pupils reflect critically on their own and other people’s work, judging quality, value and meaning. They learn to think and act as artists and designers, working creatively and intelligently. They develop an appreciation of art and design, and its role in the creative and cultural industries that enrich their lives.

At KS3 pupils develop their artist skills and knowledge through exploring different themes producing portfolios of work. Themes include surfaces, pattern & decoration; natural structures; Africa & Australia; the visual elements; natural structures; the human form; ourselves & the environment; learning to see; flora & forna; pop, op & contemporary art, craft & design; the visual elements; aboriginal art and the Far East.

In Year 9 pupils are encouraged to work, with guidance, in a GCSE Art manner. Preparing those who may choose to take it for GCSE but also giving students freedom to explore their own interests and further develop their individual strengths within the subject.

At GCSE and A level we teach Art & Design and Photography. Our approach is to continue to give our students the same varied experiences they had at KS3 but with a focus on raising standards, expectations and aspirations by encouraging students to work as an artist and designer would.  We open the world of Art & Design to our students and demonstrate the possibilities showing them that they can produce artwork they see in books and in galleries through gaining knowledge and understanding, the skills required and through exposing them to the materials and scale of working practicing artists are familiar with.

AS & A Level Photography 

Photography covers a broad area and is frequently used to document and record ideas and images for use in fine art as well as the graphic disciplines. Work in photography forms a means of personal enquiry and expression involving the selection and manipulation of images. Students explore different themes whilst developing their skills and knowledge in the subject. They become familiar with both traditional and digital photography exploring dark room techniques and Photoshop. Students learn how to develop a film, make a contact print and how to produce an actual print all in the dark room. Through Photoshop they gain the skills required to manipulate and strengthen images before printing to a professional quality. Students learn not just the basics of a professional camera such as shutter speed and aperture but how to capture a strong image by learning about light and composition. Students employ creative approaches which go beyond mere observation and recording. They also get to explore old techniques such as pin-hole photography involving taking a photo using an everyday cardboard box. Pupils have the option to explore areas such as Fashion, documentary, landscape, advertising, and much more.