Art

Our students follow a skills’ based course that will aim to encourage the development of their drawing, painting, 3D making, print and critical studies. We will provide students with a sketchbook and any specialist equipment. Students will use their sketchbooks for looking and drawing, exploring materials, collecting information and developing their own ideas and feelings. Assessment is an integral part of understanding how to improve in Art and Design; projects are accompanied with success criteria to enable students to build on their abilities and confidence in a range of materials and approaches to their work. Progress and achievement are tracked in students’ sketchbooks which evolve into a valuable document of the development of skills and understanding.

Sketchbooks are also used for homework, which is set in accordance with the homework timetable and should take about an hour to complete; often students will choose to spend longer. Art catch-up clubs at lunchtime offer students the opportunity to refine skills further, as an extension for classwork or homework, or providing fresh challenges with a rolling programme of creative projects offering both independent and collaborative outcomes.

You can help by encouraging your child to complete homework that has been set in class; you are welcome to add constructive written comments about their sketchbook work. Ensuring that he/she comes to lessons prepared with their sketchbook, a soft drawing pencil, a rubber, a ruler and colouring materials such as felt tip pens or colouring pencils will certainly support their work.

In the modern world of digital media, students will be challenged to make use of images, photographs and research using the internet. Whilst internet access at home is beneficial to students, we realise this may not always be available and offer open access to computers, printers and digital cameras on the school premises. These will be accessed during lessons, but are also available for extended use during break and lunchtimes. Printing provision for classwork, homework and research are essential resources available in the department.

Many students also continue with their own art - including reading about art and visiting art galleries - outside school and we would, of course, encourage this even though it may be unrelated to their 'school art'.  Students will find out about the work of professional artists, craft persons and designers - what they do, how they think, how they express their ideas and how art, craft and design in their many forms have contributed to our understanding of society and history throughout the world.  Links to both historical and contemporary art are embedded into students' experiences throughout the year.

Milton Gallery provides an inspiring showcase of work produced by students at both GCSE and a Level, in an every changing programme of exhibitions.  Providing real artwork gives a valuable insight into the demands of higher level courses.  Advice and support are given to all students concerning Y10 options, so that they are made aware of the expectations and demands of the GCSE course as well as the opportunities in post 16 study and career routes for those with potential interest in the professional world of Art and Design.

We are intensely proud of the ethos of our Art Department and we aim to make lessons enjoyable, relevant and active.  The exploration of a range of skills reflects students' maturing perceptual and emotional development and students will refine technical and aesthetic skills in the media areas previously covered.

Please view our KS4 Booklet, for more information