Art
Welcome to the Art Department
Key Stage 3
Art is taught to everyone in Years 8 and 9, with the choice to continue into GCSE in Years 10 and 11 and A Level in the Sixth Form.
In year 8 students follow a broad based course building on the skills they have acquired at Middle School. The main elements of the course are drawing from observation, developing composition awareness and exploring a variety of techniques and materials. The outcomes include painting, printing and sculpture. Students are encouraged to research material using the library and the Internet and by the end of the year they will see their own work in the light of art historical and cross curricular contexts.
Cultural Week 8-12 JuneKathakali Masks
In celebration of cultural week in 8-12 June 2009, year 8 created a range of Kathakali masks, using card, paper mâché, found objects, a riot of colour and boundless imagination.
Kathakali comes from two words; “Katha” in Sanskrit means story and “Kali”, a Dravidian word, meaning play. Sometime in the 17th century, one of the Zamorin Rajas of Calicut composed a lyrical poem meant for a dance called Krishna Natakam. It came to be enacted in the great Krishna Temple of Guruvayur, then under the control of the kings of Calicut, with the name of Krishnattam. A great royal composer, the Raja of Kottayam, composed several beautiful dance dramas taking the themes of the epic Mahabaratha. Since these were on Sri Krishna, the name was no longer applicable and the general title Kathakali, meaning dance drama, was then used.
There are various distinct characters of the masks, depending on the colour of the face, beard and headdress. These differences are made according to the performance of the dancers and the role played by them. According to Indian mythology, the Kathakali Mask represents different moods and characteristics of society. Students were encouraged to interpret these traditional designs in a free and personal way.
In year 9 students build on and extend skills developed in year 8. During this year there are three distinct study areas each lasting approximately 10-12 weeks.
Painting and Drawing: Students work from drawings and historical sources, to transform their ideas and research into a personal image. The emphasis is on working from a theme in an unrestricted way allowing ideas to dictate the medium used.
Printmaking: Students develop and realise their ideas through printmaking. They collect resources through drawing and collage, using a sketchbook. Students are introduced to the history of printmaking, surface decoration and the use of media with regards to health and safety.
Sculpture: Students gather resources, draw from direct observation, and develop design ideas on a chosen theme. They are introduced to a variety of materials with which to experiment. An understanding of these materials is required before each student embarks on a personal sculpture.
By the end of Key Stage 3 students will have a varied portfolio, consisting of drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture and should be in the position to make an informed decision when making their GCSE option choices.
GCSE Art and Design
During the GCSE course, students build on and develop techniques and skills learnt in Year 9. Students work in a variety of media, such as painting and drawing, printmaking and sculpture and where relevant develop the use of IT. Much of the work is triggered by first hand observation of the world around them, which includes a visit to a major exhibition and is further stimulated by art historical investigation.
A painterly, multi-media and experimental approach is encouraged and students are expected to interpret set project briefs in a lively, creative and imaginative way.
In the Autumn term of Year 11 a visit to a museum (or a major exhibition) provides stimulus for a project. Students use the day to record first hand observations in their sketchbook. Thorough research after the visit is encouraged and students are expected to work through a range of alternative solutions in their sketchbooks before resolving a final piece.
By the end of the GCSE course students will have improved their practical abilities in a wide range of materials and techniques, will have encountered stimulating challenges and will be able to respond to ideas, tasks and visual problems with an inventive independence.
A Level Art and Design
The AS Level Art and Design course provides the necessary stepping stones for students to progress from GCSE to A Level, should they wish to continue with the subject in Year 13. The course is broad, exciting and stimulating with a fast pace of activity. Students follow a course of integrated practical, critical and theoretical study using a variety of media and processes. This is supported by the use of sketchbooks, journals, first hand experience of relevant works of art, craft and design and visits to exhibitions.
Students increasingly take charge of their own work, choosing two or more of the following areas to develop their ideas: drawing, painting, sculpture, fine art textiles and/or printmaking.
The course is one of self-realisation and students set their own subject matter for coursework, drawing on the work of other artists and designers for initial inspiration.
The A2 Level Art and Design course continues to encourage an experimental approach and students are required to build upon the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at AS Level with greater depth of study. They participate in group work, regular critical discussion, problem solving, workshops, compiling sketchbooks, keeping journals and visiting exhibitions both with the school and independently.
As at AS Level, students set their own subject matter for coursework, drawing on the work of other artists and designers for initial inspiration.
Art is the search for a personal identity and the ability to communicate that to others through visual images; this will certainly be the aim of an enthusiastic, ambitious and daring student.
Click here to view the AS/A2 Art exam board syllabus
Artist in Residence
Artist In Residence Paul Hearn created an installation in the Art room on Nov 9th-13th 2009.
