Art & Design

All students in Year 7 receive 1 hour of Art per week. Students' ability is baseline tested using a range of art experimentation and creating with a range of techniques. Students are taught about Colour Theory and “Pop Art”. This will allow students to develop, embed and utilise their colour theory knowledge throughout key stage 3. 

As students’ progress into Year 8, we build upon their prior knowledge but also work towards acquiring new skills. Particular emphasis is placed on art history and artist/cultural research, allowing students to learn and to make sense of the world around them by analysing and evaluating the way artists and designers have done this throughout history. Students are taught a range of drawing and painting skills; they are encouraged to draw from observation and to use a variety of techniques and to practice with other materials so that all students can make progress.  

Year 9 students will have the opportunity to attempt more craft-based skills through printmaking and pottery. Our aim is to promote a real enthusiasm for the study of Art by exposing students to a range of contexts, strategies, processes, and materials, to scaffold their understanding and practical skills to promote their personal attainment.  

In Year 9, students will have the opportunity to select Art as a GCSE as they progress into Year 10. This is a popular choice amongst many students; GCSE Art allows individuals to unleash their imagination in a variety of artistic mediums. the use of paint, drawing, sculpture and photography are explored. 

PLEASE NOTE: Students in Year 7, 8 and 9 are on rotation between Art, Food and Design Technology. They receive two terms in each area over the course of the year. 

GCSE Art

Students who opt for GCSE Art and Design build on the knowledge, skills and understanding established in KS3. The course is designed to encourage students to develop skills, creativity, imagination and independence. Students will experience a wide range of approaches in the use of materials, processes and techniques, responding to guidelines and potential outcomes. 

Creativity is at the heart of the curriculum and students will learn to engage in a wide range of art movements, artists and strategies for making which foster independence as they progress. This course is popular amongst students who are keen to study a practical subject and explore individual creative ideas and style.  

Component 1 (60%) requires the student to produce work based on a theme, starting point or brief set by the school. This year our topics have been Folk Art and Botanical. 

Component 2 (40%) is the set task from the exam board. This requires students to choose a starting point from a list of questions and prepare work over several weeks, resulting in a final idea which will be done within 10 hours set exam time. Students produce work within a number of areas and develop skills in different media and techniques, allowing them to create work which suits their ability and preference. 

Art and Design exam information: 

Qualification and Level 
GCSE –9-1 
Assessment 
60% coursework         40% exam 
Board 
AQA Art and Design 

• Trip to the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford to research cultural artefacts.
• Arts Week
• Trip to the Botanical Gardens to investigate tropical plants.
• Student masterclasses, external tutor brought in to deliver a workshop to students so a new skill can be taught. 
• End of year exhibition

Useful websites:

• Student Art Guide
• BBC Bitesize: GCSE Art & Design
• Pinterest: Websites for artists
• 27 Art Activities and Lessons to Try at Home - The Art of Education University
• YouTube: GCSE Art videos

Links to past papers:

• AQA: GCSE Art & Design - June 2018
• AQA: GCSE Art & Design - Specimen Material

Reading list:

Art and Art History is such a vast area that being able to issue a set reading list is challenging. Instead, we encourage you to look at the different art movements and variety of creative arts all around you. Explore new art alongside traditional and cultural art, the different mediums that are used by a wide range of artists, past and present.  

The following are therefore not 'set' texts, and there is no expectation you will have read any of them. But it is a great way to widen your knowledge and understanding further. Below are a few books to get you started. Select your areas of interest and use this as your starting point for your artistic journey!!

• Art Reading List