Art - Key Stage 4
The art department offers GCSEs in Fine Art, Art, Craft And Design and Photography. While students should indicate on their options forms which course they would prefer to take, the art department will make the final decision as to the one that is studied. This will ensure that all students are on the right courses and have the best possible chance of success.
FINE ART
You will develop a higher level of skill and expertise in a range of fine art processes and techniques. This will include drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and digital work. You will be expected to show a willingness to experiment and explore with a range of materials whilst developing and refining ideas as the work progresses. You will also gain a greater awareness of the visual world and certain aspects of the history of art. All Art courses are practical and lesson time will be almost exclusively spent in the creation of original art and design work. This will involve a lot of independent research and investigation, including continuous written documentation and analysis of your own and others’ work.
ART, CRAFT AND DESIGN
Art Craft and Design requirements are similar to fine art, but you will have a broader scope in which you can apply your art skills. There will be opportunities to design and create posters, book jackets, merchandise, advertising, objects that have a function e.g. pottery, photography.
The work produced consists of a series of art projects set by the art and design staff. The artwork will be both two- and three-dimensional; you will use a range of materials throughout the course. Homework tasks are an essential part of the course and you will be expected to learn to work independently, demonstrating resourcefulness and self-motivation.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The GCSE photography course covers five terms and work produced during this time will be selected to form a portfolio that counts towards the final grade awarded at the end of Year 11.
You will develop skill and expertise in using a range of photographic techniques, equipment and digital media. You will also gain a greater awareness of the visual world and certain aspects of the history of photography as well as art and design. Photography is a practical subject and lesson time will be almost exclusively spent in the creation of original photographic work, whether it is creating photo-shoots or digitally developing ideas using Adobe Photoshop. The course involves a lot of independent research and investigation, including continuous written documentation and analysis of your own and others’ work.
A good level of interest, commitment and perseverance is called for if you are considering joining the course. You will be required to take photographs outside of the school environment, often in public places, and have a willingness to plan shoots with consideration to different times of the day and year.