Art, Design and Textiles
Why study Art, Design and Textiles?
The Art and Design Department encourages students to be creative and experimental in their approach to work and study. Students are able to develop their creativity and understanding of art and design concepts. The department provides a working atmosphere which enables each student to learn sufficient skills in order to communicate imaginatively and with confidence. Art projects encourage students to have a greater awareness of art and make the subject enjoyable and meaningful.
Which specification is followed?
During Key Stage 3 students learn important foundation skills in art; they initially learn how to identify a range of early civilisation art work. They study a range of artists from different periods of history and are introduced to different art movements. Students begin to explore design ideas, develop drawing and painting skills in a variety of materials and start to link their work with the artists studied.
The GCSE specification consists of two coursework projects which are completed throughout the art course and an externally set assignment in the Upper 5th (Year 11). The course will develop key skills of drawing, handling a range of media and producing a personal response to design work.
The A-level specification consists of a portfolio of coursework and an externally set assignment which is expected in both AS and A2. A body of work in a variety of different art media is developed; pupils explore drawing from observation, researching themes and ideas, referring to other artists’ work and developing their own ideas and style.
The department acknowledges pupils of all abilities and encourages them to achieve their full potential.
Workshops, conferences and visits
- The Art Department offers two lunchtime clubs, a textile cross stitch club and an art appreciation club, which enhance further learning and interest in the subject.
- The Art department welcomes outside artists using workshops which are a valuable learning experience. We currently offer the Upper 5th a workshop with a local artist, Amrik Varkalis, and the Sixth form will be working with the textile artist ,Diane Bates. Both are regarded as very inspirational artists.
- The department also provides the opportunity to compete in art competitions, in which we have been most successful.
Degree and career choices
The art and design examination courses are an essential qualification if students wish to study an art based degree or further art. Career paths include design, architecture, fine art and history of art.