Art and Design at RPA

Students learn to communicate their ideas visually through exploring visual elements, using a variety of media, materials, techniques and processes. 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. Students are encouraged to reflect critically on their own and each other’s work and also on the work of artists, designers and craftspeople in order to further develop ideas and understand techniques and genres.

We run both GCSE and A Level art courses. At GCSE we follow the Art, Craft & Design specification set by AQA examination Board and at A Level we follow the Fine Art  specification set by AQA examination Board. At both KS4 and KS5 we encourage an adventurous and enquiring approach to art and design. They learn to think and act as artists, craftspeople and designers, working creatively and intelligently.

At KS4 and KS5 we arrange gallery visits and workshops outside school and when possible visits will be arranged for KS3 art students. KS3 students are encouraged to join extra curricular activities that we run during and after school.

Art at Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3, students have one session per week. They learn about how to communicate ideas visually using a broad range of media, materials, techniques and processes. Students look at, discuss and reference the work of artists, designers & craftspeople from the past and present day and from a range of cultures and traditions. Students develop their creativity, ideas and increase proficiency in their execution. They develop a critical understanding of artists, designers and craftspeople and learn how to form reasoned judgements which informs their own work. 

The students study the following units:

Year 7

• Visual language

• Line, shape and space

• Texture and urban landscapes

Year 8

• Still Life

• Drawing and Steampunk

• Colour

• Perspective

• Art in context

• 3D Construction

Year 9

• Portraits and identity

• Landscapes

• Brands, design and packaging

• My surroundings

Art at Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 students can take GCSE Art, Craft and Design

Exam Board: AQA

• Refining key knowledge, skills, techniques and processes.

• Investigating and responding to the work of Artists, Designers and Craftspeople

• Developing an individual unit of work from a choice of given starting points.

• Portfolio presentation

• Developing a body of work in response to an externally set assignment and planning the final outcome carried out under examination conditions.

Art at Key Stage 5

At Key Stage 5  students study Fine Art

Exam Board: AQA

• Art history, understanding how art has developed and the influences of its development

• Critical and contextual understanding to inform an individual way of working

• A Personal Investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material of 1000 - 3000 words.

• Developing a body of work in response to an externally set assignment and planning the final outcome carried out under examination conditions.

Who to contact

Ms W Briggs wbriggs@richmondparkacademy.org

Future Careers