A series of drawing workshops commence our study in Autumn Term 1.  We challenge Students to consider what they're good at, and what they're not! Working in Ceramics, Textiles and Painting students are guided in higher level processes that develop from the skills learned in Year 11. Experimentation underpins everything we do in Lower Sixth. We make with a range of materials, techniques and processes in a bid to liberate students thinking and ideas.  Knowledge of mediums is key to developing risk taking. 

In Autumn Term 2 students are asked to take risks and to develop these ideas into more considered outcomes. Considering how they can combine ideas in textiles, ceramics and paint - we are no longer just painters or ceramicists we are artists! Students make larger scale oil paintings, textile garments and ceramic sculptures in workshop based tasks, aiming to provide a platform for success, to build new skills and to 'free up' their technique in preparedness for more mature study. We aim to promote fun whilst maintaining academic rigour, weekly deadlines for drawing and wider reading keep students focussed and in control of their workload. This work is internally assessed and forms part of the portfolio to be used at university interview. In this half term we take a visit to London Galleries. 

In Spring Term 1 students complete a considered piece. Using the skills learned to date they research, plan and make an outcome designed by themselves and made by themselves. We encourage students to take risks and work in ways that they haven't done so before. 

During February half term we visit a major European City which helps us to generate ideas for Component One: The Personal Investigation and prepare for university portfolio interview. 

In Spring Term 2 students begin the AQA assessed work.  Their first project is 7201/C Component One: Personal Investigation. This is worth 60% of the A Level. It begins in February and ends on January 31st in the Upper Sixth year. Completing an independent project of their choosing they will follow the AQA assessment objectives and produce work such as:

• Initial Research Phase including

  • • observational drawing,

    • photography, 

    • independent research and gallery visits,

• Research & Investigate Phase

  • • Artist Research 

    • Experimentation

• Developing and Refining Phase

  • • Making outcomes and testing ideas

    • Designing our exhibitions

• Consolidate & Conclude Phase

  • • Making our exhibitions and outcomes

Students will be guided through this process but have a choice from a wide range of disciplines within which to work including paint, textile, ceramics, digital, sculpture, installation, moving image and photography. All themes are chosen by the student.

The aim of the L6th course is also to acquire a portfolio of work ready for university application and interview and curate an exhibition space in the End of Year Show.

Students will aim to master their process and showcase their skills developed throughout their time at school. They work towards two externally assessed projects 

1) Component One: Personal Investigation 60% 

2) Component Two: Externally Set Assignment 40%. 

The Personal Investigation is student led and a creative pathway forged and supported by 1:1 teacher discussions. Students will look to develop new techniques but also master previously learned skills. This project is a deep learning investigation with a 3000 word written essay running alongside it. 

Component Two: Externally Set Assignment examination papers are handed out from Feb 1st and students will choose one starting point, navigating themselves through the AQA assessment objectives that they are familiar with. Students have unlimited preparation time and all preparatory work must be handed in at the start of their 15 hour controlled assessment period. The controlled assessment is typically completed at the end of April and concludes early May. All work completed will be exhibited securely within the department for AQA moderation purposes and forms part of the End of Year Show.

In Year 13 there is an increased focus upon metacognition and students should plan their ideas and structure their journey before embarking upon tasks, students are taught how to do this. Thinking occurs in their small sketchbooks before working up realised intentions.

Students will finalise portfolios for university interview and curate the End of Year show.