Areas Studied Key Stage 3

The major focus in KS3 is about learning to do the simple things well.  Drawing successfully plays a significant part in boosting student confidence and we concentrate on looking, drawing exactly what we see before moving on to individual interpretation using the imagination.  We explore various media and work on different scales showing that drawing is not just a two dimensional activity.

Year 7:
Sketchbook cover – montage of favourite things.
Folder – concentric shapes painted using tone.
‘Health & Safety’ information.
‘How to Use a Sketchbook’ information.
Line and tone.  Cross hatching and pointillism.
Colour blending using pencils.
Drawing with biro/water soluble felt tips.
Colour wheel and colour theory.
Self portrait.
Contextual studies – Stanley Spencer, Pablo Picasso.

Year 8:
Sketchbook cover – illustrated name using coloured pencils.
Folder – copy ‘The Flavour of Tears’ by Rene Magritte.
One and two point perspective.  Aerial perspective.
‘Surreal Landscape’.
‘Magic Garden’ – montage and collage.
Contextual studies – Rene Magritte, Salvador Dali.

Year 9:
Sketchbook cover – packaging in Pop Art style.
Folder – Warhol style repeat pattern.
Mural design/painting.
‘Fruit Project’ – mixed media.
‘Dreams and Nightmares’ – relief work.
Observational drawing using white objects.

Areas Studied Key Stage 4

Art and Design GCSE, Edexcel exam board.
AO1: develop ideas through investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and cultural understanding.  25%.
AO2: refine ideas through experimenting and selecting appropriate resource, media, materials, techniques and processes.  25%.
AO3:  record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions in visual and/or other forms.  25%.
AO4:  present a personal, informed and meaningful response demonstrating analytical and critical understanding, realizing intentions and, where appropriate, making connections between visual, oral or other elements.  25%.

Year 10:
Sketchbook cover – Aboriginal art.
Folder – Op Art design.
Self portrait.
Observational drawing from life.
Negative space.
Fauvism.
Controlled assessment throughout the year.
Exam prep. followed by the 10 hour exam.

Students begin to work independently, coming up with their own ideas based on themes.  Experimentation with new and unusual media on various scales and surfaces is encouraged as are photographic, sculptural and computer generated responses.  Contextual studies are varied as students select and explore movements/Artists that are relevant to their own work.

Year 11:
Year 11 work towards their two major exams – mock exam before Christmas and final exam in May.  Students focus on themed work and are allowed several weeks of preparation to address all four assessment objectives.

News and Events: 

We welcome a new member of staff to the Art department this year.  Miss Sarah Coulston has joined us after Miss Sarah Turner departed for Dubai.
As 2012 draws nearer we are preparing for the Olympic Games.  Year 10 have already produced a stunning piece of sculpture reflecting the ethos of the games and Key Stage 3 are entering the ‘Spirit of Fire’ competition to design an Olympic torch. 

Please click images to enlarge

Extracurricular Activities/Visits offered

The Art rooms are available to students at lunchtimes and for two after school clubs per week – Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3.15 to 4.00.
We run support sessions on a Saturday morning and during the holidays before the final exam.
KS4 students visit Art galleries and museums as part of their preparation for exams

Useful Websites and Learning Tools

www.tate.org.uk
www.nationalgallery.org.uk
www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk
www.horniman.ac.uk