Since September 2008 the Art Department has occupied an inspirational, state of the art facility that includes two classrooms adapted to work in 2 and 3 dimensions, a sixth form studio, a digital suite with art specific programmes and an impressive exhibition space. We are fully resourced to offer printmaking, photography and ceramics as well as painting, drawing and sculpture.
Increasingly we live in a world where visual literacy is an essential skill. Far from being limited to traditional employment in Fine Art, Art and Design feeds into careers in graphics, fashion, architecture, film, advertising and web based design. “ The arts contribute £16.5 billion to the UK economy, and employ 459,200 people. The number of jobs increased by 9.1 per cent between 1998 and 2002, double the rate of the economy as a whole”, according to a report by the Adult Learning Inspectorate.
This course will encourage you to develop a greater knowledge and curiosity about this world by developing your practical skills, and using the methods of artists and designers in a creative, imaginative and personal way. You will be encouraged to develop your own original ideas.
The AQA GCSE syllabus in Art and Design is one, which allows you to develop the skills, interests and ideas you have encountered throughout your first three years in the department in greater depth. The course is designed to cater for pupils of all levels of ability. Obviously you will get the greatest satisfaction from it if you have a genuine interest in the subject, enjoy experimenting, thinking for yourself, and working on your own initiative outside the classroom.
You will be encouraged to work in at least two different practical areas eg. Painting, drawing, sculpture, ICT, printmaking or graphics. Sketchbooks showing research, process, preparation and personal involvement in the course will be important. Students will be expected to develop critical skills by studying the work of artists, designers and craftspeople from a variety of cultures in order to inform their own practical work.
A minimum of two units from those undertaken during the course must be assessed with sketchbooks and a coursework folder. A 10 hour controlled test on a topic set by the board, but discussed with your tutor, will be undertaken in controlled conditions at the end of the course. The coursework counts for 60% of marks and the controlled test for 40%.
Typical projects may involve the following : although these change from year to year to remain fresh.
Painting and drawing
Still life. Reflection
Expressionism
Layers
Abstract
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Sculpture/Relief and Ceramics
Natural forms/ feltmaking
Mixed media/ relief
Ceramics
Casting
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Graphics/Printmaking
Etching, Silkscreen, Lino/Reduction
Digital Photography and Photo Manipulation
Animation
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The following careers are among those where knowledge of the elements of art and design are desirable or essential.
Accessories Designer; Advertising Agent; Architect; Archivist; Art conservationist; Art Critic; Art Dealer; Art Historian; Art Therapist; Auctioneer; Cabinet Maker; CAD Draughtsperson; Car Designer; Care Worker; Cartoonist; Clothing Pattern Cutter; Computer Animator/Programme Designer; Costume Designer; Crafts Person; Design Consultant; Draughtsperson; Fashion Designer/Buyer; Fashion Model; Fashion Stylist; Film Post Production Editor; Film Special Effects Producer; Film/Theatre Director; Fine Artist; Footwear Designer; Furniture Designer; Gallery Administrator; Gallery Technician; Glass Worker; Graphic Designer; Hairdresser; Illustrator; Interior Designer; Journalist; Landscape Architect; Layout Artist; Magazine Editor;; Makeup Artist; Marketeer; Medical Illustrator; Milliner; Museum and Art Gallery educational staff; Packaging Designer; Photographer; Primary teacher/Art Teacher/Lecturer; Product Design; Engineer; Product Designer; Screen Printer; Sign Writer; Silversmith; Stage/Set Designer; Stained Glass worker; Stone Mason; Taylor; Teaching Assistant; Television Producer; Textile Designer; Tourist Guide; Town Planner; Typographer; Web Designer; Window Dresser; Youth Worker.
Most careers in Graphics now require I.C.T. skills.