Introduction to the subject:

Art allows students the opportunity to acquire a high level of skill in a range of techniques including, drawing, painting, mixed media, relief and printmaking. Students will study a range of artists and practitioners and gain a considerable depth of understanding of the subject.

KS3 Overview (information about how many lessons a week, topics covered, trips, facilities, equipment etc)

Years 7 & 8

All students receive a one hour Art lesson per week in KS3.  Students will generally study one topic per half term.  Topics previously covered include ‘Insects’ in which students will develop painting skills and use mixed media, a ‘Ben Giles’ collage project and ‘Food’ which involves students doing Still Life illustrations, or paintings using watercolours.

KS4 Overview (information about how many lessons a week, topics covered, trips, facilities, equipment etc as well as GCSE exam board and course information

Students will study the AQA examination board for GCSE Art. The GCSE qualification consists of two components; a Coursework Portfolio and a final practical exam. GCSE students are allocated three hours of Art a week on their timetables.

Year 9

Students will build on their initial art skills, exploring a range of different techniques and processes. This induction period allows students the opportunity to study the skills in a considerable depth of understanding. They can then acquire a high level of skill in a range of drawing and painting media, relief construction and print making.

Year 10 & 11

Students will work on two major Portfolios of work. The theme for these projects is decided by the teacher and their specialist area. Each major project encompasses four areas of study, each worth 25% of the coursework mark.

• Development of Ideas
• Refining Ideas
• Recording Ideas
• Realising Intentions

After the Christmas break during Year 11, students will submit their coursework portfolio for assessment. This will be selected from the two major projects, depending on quality and marked results.

Year 11 exam

Students will receive their examination paper at the start of January. These will contain an externally set list of starting points for individual students to select from. Each student will produce a body of work, developed from their chosen option, following the same assessment objectives as for coursework. The final piece is produced during a 10 hour exam which is sat over a two day period around Easter time. 

KS5 Overview (information about how many lessons a week, topics covered, trips, facilities, equipment etc as well as GCSE exam board and course information

Students currently study the OCR exam board for A level Art. They are allocated five hours of Art on their timetable but are encouraged to spend some of their free periods/extra time on their work.

In sixth form, Art students are given the opportunity to develop their subject knowledge and experience by going on art-based trips. Recent day excursions include a trip to London to the National Gallery and a day at the Tate Modern Gallery.