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. Students use colour, form, texture, pattern and different materials and processes to communicate what they see, feel and think.

Years 7, 8 and 9 - National Curriculum Key Stage 3

Students work in a variety of areas to develop practical skills in drawing, painting, clay, plaster, three dimensional design, printmaking and textiles. We aim to introduce students to the works of artists and craftspeople in order to develop an appreciation of the richness of our diverse cultural heritage.

Year 10 and 11 - Key Stage 4

The Art Department offers three courses, GCSE Art & Design Broad based and Photography as well as Double Award where students end up with two qualifications.

All GCSE Art and Design courses are practical and do not involve a written paper. Coursework is continually assessed and accounts for the majority ( 60%) of the marks for the final grade. There is also a final examination worth 40% of the final mark.

In broad based Art and Design students are given the opportunity to experience a wide variety of artwork and will complete work in textile art, drawing and painting, 3-D sculpture and computer generated art. Students are encouraged to experiment with ideas and techniques in order to develop and are nurtured into working independently.

Double award has a much more vocational approach to Art and Design and allows pupils to explore Art and Design to a greater depth. It is ideal for pupils who wish to continue with Art and Design past GCSE.

Photography will be run alongside broad-based Art and Design from September 2007, and will be offered as a single GCSE. Photography allows pupils to develop traditional and contemporary skills in a wide range of photography media. Photography is an ideal choice for pupils who enjoy Art and Design but may not excel in traditional art forms.

For all courses students are expected to work at home, after school or during extra lunchtime sessions, because art work takes much time to complete.

We also encourage students to buy a portfolio in which to transport work and a set of basic art equipment for use at home. The art equipment can be bought through school at a discounted price.

Art and Design qualifications can lead to college and university courses, and then to a career in creative fields of work, e.g.:

Photography

• Photo journalist
• Photographer in fashion, sport, army, Magazine photography, wildlife, Portrait and landscape
• Picture researcher
• Technician
• Police forensic photographer
• Design photography