Creativity and resilience are qualities highly prized in today’s workplace. The study of art and textiles give students the opportunity to develop lifelong transferable skills whilst doing something creative that they enjoy.
Miss Rapple, Subject Coordinator
How we organise learning
In Key Stage 3, students develop their basic artistic skills during two main projects which are run in a carousel rotation with music and drama. They focus on drawing, painting, planning and 3D sculpture.
Art in Year 7
In Year 7 students complete a project based on the theme of pop art, using food as the subject of their pieces. They learn basic drawing and painting skills and how to create a 3D piece.
“In the examples below, Year 7 students have finished creating cardboard cakes in the style of the artist Patianne Stevenson as part of their pop art food project. Students have used a variety of materials to create drawings, paintings and sculptures based on the pop art movement.” Miss Rapple
Art in Year 8
In Year 8 students expand on the drawing techniques developed during Year 7 by completing a drawing project based on the theme of architecture. They use biro, ink, pencil and paint to complete a number of drawn studies based on the work of Marc Allante, Paul Kenton and Ian Murphy.
Art in Key Stage 4
Examination Board: AQA
Specification Name: GCSE Art and Design
Component: Art, Craft and Design
Link: Art, Craft and Design
Students begin their GCSE course in Year 9 where they further develop their drawing skills. They complete a four-week introduction project, learning how to observe objects correctly and the principles of shading. The project they complete in Year 9 is based on natural form, focusing on natural objects, 3D realistic drawing and the use of artists to influence work.
During Year 10 students study abstract art and the world of ‘Light & Glass’. They study the work of John Piper and his installation at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool. They complete pieces using collage, paint effects and printing techniques.
Year 11 begins with a mixed media project using the theme ‘Urban Decay and Abandonment’ as inspiration. Students focus on developing mixed-media skills using a variety of techniques such as printing, collage, drawing and painting. Students begin the practical exam in January which contributes 40% towards the final GCSE grade.
Check out these examples of Year 9 work from Lidia Majewska, Amelia McEleavey, Chloe St Ledger and Katie Lane.
“Year 9 GCSE students have been learning the basics of 3D fine art drawing, using objects of natural form as their inspiration. They have been taught how to build up a drawing using layers and basic shapes as a foundation. They have also been developing their shading skills using a variety of techniques & materials.” Miss Rapple
