Visual Arts
Subject Philosophy
Art is present in all aspects of our daily lives. In the department we aim to open students eyes the wealth of rich visual stimulus that surrounds us. We pride ourselves in forming strong positive relationships that build students confidence and trust, enabling them to take creative risks through practical exploration. Developing use of the visual language and allowing all students to fulfil their potential.
Studying Art, Textiles and Photography leads on to exciting careers in Fashion, Gaming, Interiors, Trends, Animation and many more.
Curriculum Vision
Creativity is central to all disciplines in Art, with students learning to develop
Quality observational drawing provides a solid foundation from which to build, and drawing in its widest forms are celebrated in encouraged. Projects become personal interests
Passion
Broad
opportunity
Curriculum Implementation
In Year 9, students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of materials, techniques and processes, while extending their knowledge of artists from all disciplines. This enables students to extend their visual vocabulary through experiential learning and build confidence.
Art is a popular GCSE subject were students follow the AQA specification and complete a portfolio consisting of two sustained projects over the two-year course. As students’ progress through the course, they are able to assert greater independence and taking personal ownership of the creative decision making, with regard to themes, materials and outcomes. Students are encouraged to take creative risks and challenge themselves. In Year 11 students work on an externally set component which is set by AQA. Natural progression is to our A Level courses
A Level Art, Textiles and Photography disciplines also follow the AQA specifications and focus around one central Personal Investigation of the student’s choice. This highly personal component sees the students explore an area of their chosen discipline that is of particular interest to them, whist exploring relevant contextual sources that continues. In Year 13 students work on an externally set component which is set by AQA.
Extra Curricular
The department firmly believes in providing opportunities for students to experience artwork first-hand and facilitate numerous visits to support the GCSE and A Level courses, these have included Tate Galleries, Royal Academy of Arts and The Whitworth amongst others. Internationally, students have the opportunity to take part in residential visits to Paris and New York, where they experience the work of globally recognised artists’ in collections housed in the Louvre, Pompidou Centre, Musee d’Orsay and Museum of Modern Art alongside the buzz of international cities.
We proudly showcase our superb student artwork in an annual college exhibition, which represents the efforts and hard work of our talented students and is attended by our wider College community. Beyond College, the students artwork has also been on display at the Foxlowe Arts Centre.
Several students have had photographic work published in professional journals and have also taken part and won awards in Rotary photographic competitions. The College Christmas card is another opportunity we provide for students to shine and is open to all year groups.
The Art department facilitate popular after College sessions, where students can access extra support or further explore specialist equipment such as the laser cutter, printing press or Adobe Photoshop.
Department Instagram integrate link in website.