Art

Curriculum

In years 7, 8 & 9 we follow the National Curriculum. A lot of emphasis is put on the use of critical and contextual studies; (relating the work of artists or art movements to the work we are doing). Over the three years we try to incorporate a variety of skills and media, so that pupils increasingly gain confidence. Each project is developed through critical studies, preparation / exploration and finally into a piece of 2D or 3D work.I.C.T. is used for specific work when relevant.

In years 10 & 11 we have Art G.C.S.E. and Ceramics G.C.S.E. which have proved popular options. Work is project based and again a strong emphasis is placed on critical / contextual studies. The exam board we use is EDEXCEL (London board) which we find very flexible and easily adapts to our way of working. We run after school sessions once a week for pupils to further develop their G.C.S.E.

Resources

The department has two well equipped rooms with facilities to work in a variety of media including painting, sculpture, drawing, ceramics and printmaking. We have a P.C. which we use with various art programmes and other windows packages, plus colour printer and scanner. We have a well stocked selection of books covering all aspects of art, different periods, different cultures and as many books on women artists that are available. We also have art videos and slides.

Exam Results

In the 1999 Summer Examinations we achieved 83% A* - C grades, including 7.5% A*. There is always an exhibition of G.C.S.E. work in the Summer term.

Inset

Artists in Residence

We were very fortunate two years ago to receive money from the Arts Council/Lottery as part of the Arts for Everyone Scheme. We were able to use 3 artists for one week each.

The artists were Conan Wilson Ceramics
Penny Florence Textiles
Ros Cuthbert Painting

The residency was very successful and the pupils developed some excellent responses to the artists. An exhibition followed of the pupils and artists work.

We try to use artists where finances allow and currently have applied for funding tp participate in some carving with Zimbabwean stone carvers.

Visits

In year 10, G.C.S.E. pupils have the opportunity to visit the Tate Gallery in London. This includes studying specific works and making a response to them.

In Year 11 we usually visit a major exhibition. Last autumn we saw the Picasso ceramics exhibition and others we have visited include Sensations, Lucien Freud, Henry Moore, Giacometti and Arts from Ancient Mexico. We also visit the Victoria and Albert Museum, British Museum and the Imperial War Museum.and the British Museum.

Initiatives