Art
In the Art department we choose to follow the government guidelines for the National Curriculum for Art and Design.
The National Curriculum contains a Programme of Study for each Key Stage and sets out the requirements in order that these programmes of study can be fulfilled.
“At Key stage 3 pupils develop their creativity and imagination through more sustained activities. These help them to build on and improve their practical and critical skills and to extend their knowledge and experience of materials, processes and practices. They engage confidently with art, craft and design in the contemporary world and from different times and cultures. They become more independent in using a visual language to communicate their own ideas and feelings.” (NC Art and Design 1999 p20)
The department’s programme of study for Key Stage 3 closely follows the National Curriculum guidelines in that it allows pupils to:
Explore and Develop Ideas
By recording and analysis of first hand observations of objects, people and contexts, to become involved in critical discussions about art and to organise and develop these ideas in different ways including the use of a sketch book.
Art, Craft and Design
By encouraging pupils to investigate, combine and manipulate a range of media and images, they apply and extend their experience of a range of media and processes. They are given opportunities to refine their control of implements and techniques, synthesize observations, design and make a range of images and artifacts.
Evaluate and Develop Work
Pupils are taught to critically engage with Art by analysis and evaluation of both their own and others’ work. They are encouraged to be able to adapt their plans and refine their ideas in the light of an evaluation. Art lessons in the department are punctuated by critical discussions where pupils are encouraged to reflect upon their work and the work of their peers. This aspect of current practice works well.
Gain Knowledge and Understanding
Along with gaining an understanding of the visual and tactile qualities of a range of media and processes, pupils need to experience their potential for manipulation to suit a range of contexts and audiences. Pupils are required to acquire knowledge of artists, craftspeople, designers from Western Europe and the wider world. A unit of work each year allows pupils to study the art of a culture outside our own. Past projects have included examining Australian Aboriginal, Native American, Islamic and African Art.
Experience a Breadth of Study
This area draws together all of the strands already mentioned. Our pupils are given a diverse range of experiences to develop an understanding about Art. They carry out observational drawings from objects, the figure, architecture in the locality, the natural environment in our beautiful school setting and on location at Weymouth and at Tintern Abbey in the Wye Valley. We visit art galleries, Rural and Historical Museums in London and Cardiff. We have an artist in residence who has produced sculptures for the school grounds as well as giving pupils the opportunity to experience a professional carving and printmaking studio. Other visitors to the school include designers, musicians and dancers who have offered workshops as a starting point to pupils’ work. The work of the department is also enhanced by good relationships with other areas of the school which have resulted in successful cross-curricular projects.
Pupils are taught the various disciplines including photography, printmaking, ICT, drawing, painting, 3D studies including sculpture and ceramics. They are encouraged to work on a variety of scales, and large scale painting and sculpture are strong features of the department. The school library is well stocked and the department has internet access in both studios. Art trips to European cities are arranged for artistically talented pupils.