Art

Autumn Term 

Drawing programme - an introduction to expressive and refined drawing techniques. 

Exploring the 'Formal elements' of Art - Line, Shape, Form, Colour, Texture, Space, Tone and Pattern. Student led Artist research and a personal investigation response. 

Architecture: Old and New - critical studies, observational drawing and mixed media responses based around the Architectural movements such as Bauhaus and contemporary artists such as David Diehl's architectural collages. Students select and respond to relevant personal, regional, national or even world-wide buildings and structures as their stimulus for their work. 

Spring Term

Cultural project - An introduction to Sculpture/3D media techniques, exploring the value and importance of form within a culture. 

Central to this project is design work, collaboration and exploration in how to create form when working to a large scale structural outcome. This is a hands-on project which can vary in cultural origin and stimulus each year. 

Extension of the Architecture: Old and New project, which develops the collaged response from David Diehl into a lino print, inspired by the work of contemporary artist Peter Chadwick. 

Summer Term 

Continuation of the practical outcome (3D Sculpture) 

Small contextual project exploring Fauvism - an introduction to portraiture or landscape focusing on colour through collage, oil pastel and paint. Critical studies of the major Fauvist artists guide this project - Albert Marquet, Andre Derain and Henri Matisse 

Continuation of the Architecture: Old and New project , in the creation of a clay plaque responding in relief form to architectural forms and artists; work and personal responses studied within the project. 

Autumn Term

Coursework project entitled: ‘Land and Sea’ - An introduction to printing, drawing and paint techniques using the environment and artists’ work as stimulus.This is an autonomous project driven by the students and their chosen artists and styles.

This term includes a St Ives residential.

Coursework: ‘Organic Forms’ – An introduction to a mix of sculptors, photographers and ceramicists who have all been inspired by nature. Sketchbook work includes primary photography techniques, design work and observational studies which prepare students for working in ceramics.

Completion of the mock exam in late Oct/early Nov. Students have a 10 hour (2 consecutive day) exam in which to complete their outcome.

Spring Term 

Coursework: ‘Land and Sea’ outcomes. Students continue to develop their own directed responses. The large-scale, painted or mixed media canvas outcome begins.

Coursework: ‘Organic Forms’ continues. Oxiding and glazing techniques taught through a ceramic plaque.
One day trip to Hauser and Wirth gallery / Sculpture park to strengthen sketchbook responses.
All day ceramic workshop in which students create their ceramic outcome.

Component 2: Exam (externally set) 40% beginning in January, students respond to a selected theme/title and choose their own artists and styles.

Summer Term 

Coursework: ‘Land and Sea’ outcomes completed.

Mock exam (also contributing to coursework) set (from last year’s Eduqas exam paper).
Independently driven from 15 starting points (themes).

Component 2 Exam completed/end of the course. Students help set up their own moderation show, where family/friends are invited.

Autumn Term

Coursework component 1a - ‘Beneath the surface’ titled painting unit.
Students are introduced to new skills, digital photography, printing techniques and drawing / painting as preparatory work in their sketchbooks.

Enrichment activities include a life drawing workshop and day trips to galleries.
Students begin their large-scale oil painting.

Coursework Component 1c - ‘Personal investigation’ practical work continued

Students continue to develop ideas and skills associated with their own personal title.

Enrichment activity - life drawing.

Research and responses to artists. Observational (showcase) drawing.

Digital photography and digital manipulation.

Media experimentation and exploration of media within the development of the students’ ideas. This culminates in the completion of self-directed outcome.

During this time, one to one support is also given to students creating a portfolio or preparing for University interviews.

Spring Term 

Component 1b - Mock Exam outcome.

Students continue to develop ideas and skills associated with the theme ‘Beneath the Surface’ resulting in a broader media outcome completed as their internally set 12-hour mock exam in May. This small mock project contributes to part of the students’ coursework.

Component 2 – Exam preparation (beginning in February)

This is the start of the final, Externally Set. A title forms the starting point and students have 10 weeks for preparatory studies until they sit a 15-hour exam to complete an outcome(s) in response to the title.

Summer Term

Component 1c – Coursework:

Personal Investigation (Practical) and Personal Study (Dissertation).

Students move onto their personal Investigation project and Personal Study (dissertation). The theme for enquiry for this unit is self-set by the student, encouraging the student to develop and mature as an artist and pursue individual interests, including freedom of choice of media and techniques used.

In July a trip to a major city is offered to support this unit of work (currently Paris). A sketchbook is completed as part of this experience.

Students write a dissertation of up to 3,000 words to support their Personal Investigation.

Component 2 - EXAM completed /end of the course.

Students sit a 15-hour art exam at the beginning of May. They have prepared for this since February and should have completed the exam by the second week of May. An exhibition provides the external moderator with their presented work which also forms the basis of a final show in celebration of their work, to which family and friends are invited.