Examination Board: AQA (GCSE 8201/A-level 7201)
Our department’s focus is centred around strengthening the depth of knowledge of the formal elements of art and design education and its wider context within society and the creative industries. Students explore ideas and meanings in the work of artists, craftspeople, designers across various cultures, and learn about the diverse roles and functions of art, craft and design in contemporary life and across periods in history. We are proud to support students in developing excellent independent learning skills, while helping them to expand their artistic repertoire, and grow into culturally-aware and well-rounded individuals who cultivate a deep understanding of the role of art and design in the modern world.
Students across all key stages use colour, form, texture, pattern and different materials and processes to communicate what they see, feel and think. Through art and design activities, they learn to make informed judgements and aesthetic and practical decisions.
Within this, we foster:
- the development of ideas through sustained investigations
- contextual and analytical understanding
- the ability to reflect critically on your own work and the work of others
- exploration of resources, media, materials and techniques.
- refinement of processes
- high-quality recording skills
- the presentation of meaningful responses
Typically, a quarter of all students opt to study this subject at GCSE and beyond. There are 3 specialist Art and Design rooms, each equipped with a range of high-quality facilities and resources for 2D, 3D and digital work. Access to extra-curricular studio time is available each week after school for KS4 and KS5 students, supported by 4 subject-specialist art teachers with a diverse range of art and design practice in and out of industry.
