In Art we aim to build up skills gradually throughout KS3, we use a wide range of materials and each year pupils have the opportunity to experience working in both 2 and 3 dimensions through a variety of media including; chalk, wire, paint, pens and oil pastels. Through set projects students learn about different cultures, techniques and processes, which will enable them to access the GCSE course.

At GCSE level students are given a wide range of creative experiences. During the course students will:

• Develop ideas through looking at the work of other artists, designers and craftspeople.
• Have opportunities to experiment with a range of materials in 2D and 3D.
• Learn how to make and record observations using a range of methods including drawing, painting, photography and ICT.
• Finally students will develop methods for presenting personal and meaningful work that reflects their research and experiments into a given topic or theme.

During the course students will create work in a range of the following disciplines: drawing and painting, mixed media, and 3D.

Students will have the opportunity to develop a portfolio of work both in class and through regular homework tasks which encourage independent skill development.

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KS3 Curriculum

At KS3 students follow a broad curriculum which is grounded on a model that uses the formal elements of Art; Line, tone, colour, pattern, texture shape and form.

Topics include:

In Year 7:

Aboriginal Art– Basic drawing and colour theory.

Op Art-Pattern and design.

Portraits– Colour groupings (warm, cool), and proportion.

In Year 8:

Native American- Colour blending and symmetry.

Graffiti- 2 point perspective, stencils and composition.

Celtic-Illuminated lettering and decoration.

 In Year 9:

Insects- Repeat pattern, basic printing techniques.

Fruit and veg- Experimenting with materials and gradual tone.

Abstract –Shape, relief, 2D, 3D.

How are students assessed at KS3?

All of our students complete a baseline test at the start of the course in order to assess their potential ability in art. This test includes an observational drawing and a written response.

For all subsequent assessments students are awarded grades for their observational drawing and developing ideas. They are also assessed by how well they can refine their ideas and present a final conclusion to their project outline.

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KS4 Curriculum

At Key Stage 4 all students study the AQA Fine Art Specification.

In Year 10

Foundation skills-Mark making, colour application, observational drawing, printing techniques, research, artist analysis and critique.

Natural Form-Observational drawing, working with materials, using primary and secondary resources to work from. 30% of overall GCSE level.

In Year 11

Abstract Art-Shape, form, application of design, sculpture and strong emphasis of independent work. 30% of overall GCSE level.

Exam Preparation- Response to an idea or theme, social/cultural links. Final outcome 10 hour controlled assessment in the art department, under exam conditions. 40% of overall GCSE level.

How are students assessed at KS4?

At GCSE level the course is assessed through coursework and a final examination, as follows:

The Coursework project contributes to 60% of the overall GCSE final mark. Students will be assessed against the 4 Assessment Objectives set by the board. These are:

• A01 – Developing ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.
• A02 – Refining work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes.
• A03 – Recording ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.
• A04 – Presenting a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.

There is a high emphasis on independent working and there will be opportunities for students to develop their work out of lessons during weekly after school sessions. Students must be self-motivated. It is important that students keep up to date with coursework and homework deadlines throughout the course.

There is a final examination towards the end of year 11, which is worth 40% of the final GCSE grade. This will consist of a preparation period taking place in lessons to complete work to meet the assessment criteria of the exam board (Assessment objectives A01, A02 and A03). This concludes in a 10 hour exam, over two days, whereby students create a final outcome (Assessment objective A04).

During year 10 students are assessed as they complete a series of projects against the key assessment objectives. Their progress against each of these is used to calculate their predicted grades for the course.

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Extension activities/Planned Trips

We open up our art rooms after school every day in order for our students to gain extra help and support with their coursework tasks. In addition to this we are planning trips to Yorkshire Sculpture Park and a Selection of Galleries and Museums in London.

Careers information/Next Steps

The GCSE Art course is an ideal stepping stone onto A level Art courses. Students could also choose to go into apprenticeships in art related subjects or move forward onto a degree level course.

Possible careers for students working in Art include routes into teaching, working with young children, Arts administration, Illustration, Fashion, Hair and Beauty or Design based careers such as architecture and car design or working in the television and film industry.