Art

A KS5 Portrait

The importance of Art and Design

‘Art and Design stimulates creativity and imagination. It provides visual, tactile and sensory experiences and a unique way of understanding and responding to the world. Pupils use colour, form, texture, pattern and different materials and processes to communicate what they see feel and think. Through art and design activities, they learn to make informed value judgments and aesthetic and practical decisions, becoming actively involved in shaping environments.
They explore ideas and meanings in the work of artists, craftspeople and designers. They learn about the diverse roles and functions of art, craft and design in contemporary life, and in different times and cultures. Understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts have the power to enrich our personal and public lives.’

The National Curriculum for England
DFES/ QCA

Art and Design

Art develops pupil’s visual literacy, it allows them to express themselves, respond visually and critically to their environment and the world around.
Pupils develop knowledge and understanding of Art concepts whilst gaining skills and confidence in using a range of media.
Analysing and responding to the work of artists from a range of time and cultures informs the developement of their own work.

Key Stage 3: Years 7, 8 and 9

Pupils develop knowledge and understanding of communicating using visual language. Pupils work within skills based projects using and manipulating materials and processes.

Activites include printmaking, painting, 3D and ceramics developed from exploring, recording and analysing visual information. Drawing skills supports project work.
Project themes include portraits, landscapes, Islamic design featuring ICT, surrealism, still life, composition and perspective.

GCSE Art and Design

School Fashion Show

The GCSE course encourages pupils to extend skills from KS3 and also allows pupils to present a personal and creative response to projects set.The course includes two major coursework projects plus a timed exam.

Pupils are given the opportunity extend and experience a variety of media and present a range of outcomes.
In Year 11, pupils look at their local environment and visit the centre of Cambridge on a drawing day in order to record and experience the landscape, architecture, city and culture of the backs.

Students celebrate their sucess with family and friends in an end of year Art Exhibition.

Art and Design at A-Level

Sixth Form students work on the edexcel AS and A2 courses. Students are encouraged to work more independently on projects with a personal interest, whilst being supported and tutored.
The accommodation offers excellent facilities and opportunities for drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, ICT and photography.
The internal courtyard offers further scope for large-scale two and three-dimensional work. We also look forward to moving in to a new, purpose built A-level art studio in 2009.
As part of the Art Course students are given the opportunity to work more independently and encouraged to visit local galleries, museums and visit open studios. The department also organises a range of trips to major local and London exhibitions. Students also benefit from working with practising artists through our link with the Curwen Printmaking Studio.

End of year exhibitions allow students to celebrate their achievement.

“Pupils undertake tasks willingly and enthusiastically, and express their ideas creatively. High levels of skill in working from imagination and from direct observation are common.” (Ofsted).

For more in-depth information about the Art courses click here.

Celebrating 140 years of quality education in 2011