Introduction

The Art department at Gartree High School aims to provide a curriculum that allows pupils to be expressive using a range of different media. We encourage pupils to explore visual, tactile and other sensory experiences to communicate their ideas and meanings. They work with traditional and new media, developing confidence, competence, imagination and creativity. They learn to appreciate and value images and artefacts across times and cultures, and to understand the contexts in which they were made. We encourage pupils reflect critically on their own and other people's work, judging quality, value and meaning. Art is taught in a single period a week to Years 7, 8, and 9.

The Art Team

We are a small department with two members of staff, with Mrs Stock teaching the majority of lessons. The department's expertise lies in painting techniques, and ceramic manipulation, and focuses on modern techniques in particular. We have a strong appreciation for new technologies and always look to find ways of bringing in computer manipulation.

We are a well resourced department - having access to a kiln, screen and canvas printing facilities. Pupils are able to select from a wide range of media and tools to including acrylic paints, charcoals and pastels. Final pieces can be presented on paper, canvas boards, canvas or ceramic.

Key Stage 3

We always look to experimenting with new projects to keep the curriculum relevant and exciting for the pupils.

Year 7: The focus for Art in Year 7 is to develop drawing and painting skills. Students learn the shading techniques needed to progress their images and drawings. They have an introduction to the colour theory and the use of artists work to develop their skills.

Year 8: In Year 8, pupils will explore both 2D and 3d materials. To further develop their work they will have the opportunity to work with a variety of art media. These include inks, Aquatone, watercolour, oil pastels etc. Pupils will also work with clay, creating a ceramic piece based on animal forms.

Year 9: In Year 9 pupils build on skills previously acquired, together with knowledge gained of a range of art media, to develop more individualised projects. Particular artists and art movements will influence their work, created on large canvases.

Key Stage 4

How the course is assessed?

• 60% Portfolio of work (controlled assessment)

• 40% Externally set assignment (10hrs)

Exam board: : AQA (8202)

Course Overview:

GCSE Art and Design provides students with a wide range of creative, exciting and stimulating opportunities to explore their interests in ways that are both personally relevant and developmental in nature.

This course enables students to develop their ability to actively engage in the processes of Art and Design – to build creative skills through learning and doing, to develop imaginative and intuitive ways of working, and to develop knowledge and understanding of media, materials and technologies in historical and contemporary contexts, societies and cultures.

You can expect to:

We aim to provide a balance in the programme of study between making and investigating, whereby students engage in the practical aspects of creating art, and develop the knowledge and understanding of art. Students study the work of artists from our own culture and other cultures both past and present. Students have the opportunity to make both two-dimensional and three-dimensional work, including ceramics.

During the two-year GCSE course, students develop the core study skills of recording and collecting, developing and exploring, analysing and understanding, realising and evaluating, through a series of coursework projects in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional work.

Where does it lead?

It is a strong foundation for further progression to Art and Design related courses, such as A-level Art and Design, and enhanced vocational and career pathways.

Other Useful information:

To support learning and to put it in relevant context, student experience will be enhanced, with several out of class experiences, including visits to a range of London galleries. Please look up our up-to-date student work at: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/GartreeADT/