Art
"Students demonstrate excellent creativity in their art lessons" ISIS Report 2009
The Art Department is a highly successful part of the school community. Examination results are consistently good, students graduate to top art colleges and many students choose to ‘live' there!
Staff and students collaborate in a welcoming and mutually supportive environment where all things visual are explored. Visitors to the department recognise its unique atmosphere and frequently want to stay.
The department is housed in large Victorian art studios which are supplemented by a digital art suite and a workshop for three-dimensional design. It is staffed by three experienced and dedicated art tutors: Matthew Bean (Head of Department), Kerry Nelson and Pam Ville. The Department is supported by a part-time art technician.
Student Destinations
The Art Department regularly sends a high proportion of its students to universities and art colleges for the next stage of their artistic career. We take very seriously the process of preparing students for portfolio reviews and interviews. Recently, students have been accepted onto foundation courses at Chelsea, Central St Martins, Wimbledon and a wide range of regional courses.
Courses
The department offers three courses that lead to an award:
- IB Diploma Visual Art at both standard and higher levels;
- A level Art, Craft and Design, and
- GCSE Art and Design.
Prior to opting for these courses, students undertake a general course in art, craft and design that sees them explore painting, drawing, printmaking, three-dimensional design and digital art. Incorporated into all work at all levels is the analysis of art, craft and design from across the globe. We think it is important that students of all ages work within a context that they are able to comfortably explore.
Key Stage Three
Courses in years 7, 8 and 9 are intended to develop the basic building blocks of art making. Students investigate visual elements such as line, tone, texture, pattern and form, and how these have been used in a range of art. They also explore the work of a wide range of artists and learn to appreciate how this relates to their own work. Projects focus on making art with painting, printmaking and three-dimensional processes.
Key Stage Four
GCSE: AQA 3201
Throughout the GCSE course in Art and Design, students continue to develop their manipulative and critical skills. They produce a number of coursework projects, which are extended pieces of research culminating in final art works. Projects may begin with recording observations, experiences or ideas; analysing and evaluating images; developing and exploring media, processes and resources, or through making connections with other artists. In this sense the assessment objectives are fully integrated. Students are encouraged to work with a wide range of processes, including painting, printmaking, sculpture and digital art and to begin to develop personal responses.
Key Stage Five
The Art Department offers two courses at Key Stage Five:
1. AQA A level Art, Craft and Design
2. IB Diploma Visual Arts (Standard Level and Higher Level)
Which course is chosen depends upon the chosen route through the sixth form.
Both courses take place in the art studios where students have access to specialist teaching in painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and digital arts. These courses are designed to allow students to develop a visual ideology based upon their skills, interests and career plans.
AQA A level Art, Craft and Design
This is a general, unendorsed, course with projects in:
Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Three Dimensional Design and Textiles
There are two units at AS:
1. Coursework Portfolio: a collection of projects and art works;
2. Controlled Assignment: a five hour project with four weeks preparatory time.
And two units at A2:
1. Personal Study: a themed project
2. Controlled Test: a fifteen hour project with four weeks preparatory time
IB Diploma Visual Arts
The initial projects are set by the department with a hope and expectation that students' personal interests and skills begin to drive students' work.
There are a number of internal deadlines enabling students to remain focused. The course culminates in March of the second year with an exhibition and an interview with the visiting examiner. The same areas of study as at A level are offered, with the probability that students develop their own preferred working methods and processes.
