Year 7:
The course of study begins with an introduction to the study of Art and Design, pupils learn about the formal elements of Art and key skills in drawing and painting. During the year pupils work in 2D, 3D, clay, printmaking and paint among other media and produce work in response to Artists from the 19th, 20th and 21st Centuries. The artists studied come from varied cultures including Africa as well as Europe and Britain.

Year 8:
Pupils build on their knowledge, skill and understanding, working with more complex printmaking, painting and clay techniques. Students study Pop Art and relate it to the modern world while also looking into food and how it can be represented in Art. Students develop a broad understanding of Art history and its relation to different cultures and time periods. Drawing and painting are again a fundamental element with skills continuing to be developed.

Year 9:
Pupils focus on building on their 2 years of study developing an understanding of the reduction print process, more complex techniques with clay as well as painting and drawing. By year 9 students are encouraged to work with more independence and relate their work to topical as well as personal issues. Street Art is a starting point and pupils progress from this to look at Arts place in the modern world. Pupils develop further understanding of the requirements to proceed to GCSE study and are equipped with the skills required for the course.

Exam Board: AQA

Course: Fine Art

Link to specification: CLICK HERE

KS4 Overview
At GCSE pupils further develop and enhance their knowledge and understanding within the subject. Over the course, pupils are required to produce 2 units of work. Pupils produce a coursework portfolio in Year 10 and the first term of Year 11 which is worth 60%. In Year 11 they complete an externally set assignment with a final outcome produced under exam conditions, this unit being worth 40%.
Across both Units, pupils are encouraged to work in a range of mediums and processes including pencil, paint, clay, print-making, digital media and mixed media among others.
The course is very much personalised to pupil’s strengths and independence is strongly promoted as pupils develop their own work and ideas in response to that of Artists and Designers that they have studied.

Unit 1: Portfolio of work (60%)
Range of artists studied within the unit and a range of outcomes produced. Two units are combined to make up the portfolio of work.

Unit 2: Externally set task (40%)
This is not an exam in the traditional sense. A question paper is released by the exam board and pupils have an 8-10 week preparation period before completing a piece of work under controlled conditions. The controlled exam is completed within a 10-hour period and all work is then submitted for marking.

A Level

Exam Board: AQA

Course: Fine Art

Link to specification: CLICK HERE

Subject Leader: Mr T Bailey

Why study Art and Design?
It develops creativity, imagination, practical and intellectual skills. The creative industries are growing rapidly: Advertising, Film and Video, Architecture, Computer and Video games, Design, Designer Fashion, to name a few. The skills developed in art are of practical use in many careers and a source of pleasure in their own right.

What is Fine Art?
Fine art is work produced as an outcome of the students’ personal experience, rather than being created exclusively for a practical function or a tightly prescribed brief. Students learn to use a wide range of materials and techniques including alternative media (non-traditional media, such as mixed media, installation, site-specific work, assemblage & digital media), painting and drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and textiles. Many extra-curricular activities are organised: visiting artists, workshops, life drawing, gallery visits & art events.