Learning in art allows students to work in new and creative ways and share these experiences with each other. We encourage learners to be expressive both visually and practically and to extend this beyond the classroom by getting involved in our after-school activities and art projects within the community.

The department has a strong ethos of working as a team and this is supported by curriculum and extra-curricular projects that often bring art, music and drama together. In doing this, we are encouraging students to see the wider picture of ???the Arts??? and how they collaborate and interlink in the world of work and different cultures.

Key Stage 3

Currently, students attend lessons in their tutor groups in Year 7 and then mixed ability groups in Years 8 and 9. They have one lesson per week.

In art, students are able to explore a wide range of different materials and skills. This is supported by in-depth investigation into a wide range of arts and cultures. Formal approaches to painting and drawing are investigated which helps students to develop ways of observing and understanding the world around them. One of our strengths is sculptural work – a ???hands-on??? way of learning that encourages students to express themselves and their ideas in unique and vibrant ways.

Key Stage 4

Students are able to choose from a range of expressive arts options which are reviewed each year. Students have the opportunity to take Art and Design at G.C.S.E. level. This is a practical subject and students are assessed on their ability to produce a portfolio of artwork including ideas, research, drawings and designs. Over the two years of Key Stage 4 students will produce a course work portfolio and an externally set exam module.

Key Stage 5

At Post-16, we offer AS Levels and A Levels in Fine Art and Photography. As part of the Fine Art coursework students will have the option to study a range of art processes including ceramics, photography, print making, painting and 3D design. Students will complete a portfolio of coursework in Year 12 and from February, an externally set exam unit. In Photography students specialise in producing high quality photographs, editing and manipulating images.

In Year 13 students in both courses will present a personal study portfolio and from February, an externally set exam unit.

A level Art can then lead to students being accepted onto an art foundation course at any number of local colleges. This course will in turn provide a route onto a specialist art, craft or design degree. Art graduates can develop careers in any number of creative areas, such as fashion, advertising, graphic design and product design or they can set themselves up as painters, sculptors, potters or illustrators.