Art, Graphics & Photography

Year 7 Art

In Year 7 students are introduced to basic colour theory so that they are able to recognise colour relationships and are able to mix and apply secondary and tertiary colours using watercolour and poster paint. Students begin to learn how to look, observational studies focus on mark making to represent surface. Students begin to explore 3D design and are able to create a relief sculpture. Students study the works of key artists to give context to their own work and that of others and they are introduced to the concept of 20th Century genres (pop Art, Georgia O’Keeffe), non ‘western’ artworks (African Mask and Contemporary pattern Yinka Shoibare) and architectural styles (Harry Potter castles).

Year 8 Art

In Year 8 students explore and are able to use a wider range of media to apply colour, experimenting with paint, oil pastels and collage. Students begin to explore the notion of ‘the self’ and are able to work from observation, expanding their skills in mark making to use tone and shade to give a sense of form. Students expand on their sculpting skills making 3D forms. Students study the works of key artists to give context to their own work and that of others they study a variety of works by early 20th century artists (The Cubists and the German Expressionists), non ‘western’ art forms (Alebrijes) and medieval architecture.

Year 9 Art

In Year 9 students explore a wider variety of drawing styles, workshops based on the theme of natural forms allow us to engage more experimental forms of mark making preparing them for GCSE. Students explore drawing techniques to demonstrate surface, shading, depth and perspective. They are able to mix and apply using a range of techniques hues, tones and shades of colour, making use of colour relationships. Students study the works of key artists to give context to their own work and that of others and they study 19th, 20th and 21st century genres (Hockney Landscapes, The Impressionists, The Surrealists), non ‘western’ artworks (Mexican Day of the Dead, Gyotaku) and architectural styles (Art Deco).

GCSE Art & Graphics (Year 10 & 11)

At the start of their GCSE students begin Year 10 responding to workshop based activities on the theme of identity students begin to develop their own ideas based on teacher led workshops and themes. We focus on the key skills of drawing, revisiting colour theory and making contextual links focussing on a variety of suggested artists. They visit the National Gallery and can begin to understand the purpose of portraiture, symbolism and are able to analyse artworks more independently. Midway through Year 10 they study still life, honing their observation skills, making contextual links through different ears and are able to understand the meaning and symbolism of compositions looking at the development of still life from the Dutch master to the modern era. In Year 11 students will be able to select appropriate and personal responses based on the theme of World Cultures, expanding on their Cultural Still Life project work from Year 10. They will respond to teacher led workshops using their own ideas. Students visit either the British museum or the Pitt Rivers Museum to further explore their own response. They will choose the media and style they are most confident using based on teacher led workshops.n application, form and art history.

A Level Art, Graphic Communications & Photography (Year 12 & 13)

At the start of Year 12 in Art students are introduced to a wider range of media. They will be proficient in using oils paints (they will have only used acrylics up until now) and will have tried, via teacher-led workshops, a variety of drawing techniques to aid their observation work. They will have expanded their idea of the ‘self’ through life drawing and exploring the history of the figure throughout art history. They will revisit still life and landscapes as well as introducing them to a wider variety of genres. During the year they will begin their personal portfolio taking an independent response to an internally set paper. In Year 13 students continue working on independent themes punctuated by teacher-led workshops. They are able to make contextual links to their own work researching and writing a related study. By the end of their course students will present an independent, personal portfolio of research and a variety of final pieces to consolidate their research.

In Year 12 Photography students are introduced to the core skills of image making with both DSLR and 35mm cameras. They explore and are able to apply to their own work the key skills and concepts of composition, light, lighting, colour, narrative, digital editing skills and the significance and development of photography as a genre. During the year they respond to an internally set paper to begin developing their personal portfolio. Students who study Graphic Communications are introduced to technical skills and concepts around advertising, illustration, branding and information design. Students are required to work in one or more of the disciplines to communicate their ideas. By working across disciplines, they will gain a deeper understanding of specific processes within graphic communication. During the year they respond to an internally set paper to begin developing their personal portfolio.

In Year 13 Art, Photography and Graphic Communication students continue working on independent themes. They are able to make contextual links to their own work researching and writing a related study. By the end of these courses students will present an independent, personal portfolio of research and a variety of final pieces to consolidate their research. This year the exam has been cancelled. an application, form and art history.