WELCOME TO THE ART DEPARTMENT
The Art Department is fortunate to have excellent facilities for a whole range of art and design techniques and disciplines. We are tremendously proud of the quality of the teaching and studio spaces, providing students with a highly stimulating and exciting environment.
KEY STAGE 3
In Year 7 we look at Colour & Pattern, in Year 8, The Figure & Portraiture, and in Year 9, 20th & 21st Century Artists. Each year has several projects spanning 2 and 3 dimensional work in a variety of media, additionally at least one project will be in response to an area of non-western art.
GCSE ART & DESIGN/ GCSE ART TEXTILES
Earlier projects tend to be more directed. As the course progresses students are increasingly encouraged to become more independent. There is an emphasis on observational drawing, using a wide range of media, and solving problems through experimentation. Students are encouraged to improve their skills by looking at the work of other artists and designers. All students keep a sketchbook which is used to collect information, develop ideas and experiment with materials.
A level is a natural extension of work at GCSE with students being guided through tutorials. In the Sixth Form, students have permanent individual studio spaces and also have the opportunity to do life drawing. Having lively and dynamic A level art work being produced adds to the ethos throughout, creating an environment where pupils and students can be inspired; being ambitious, enthusiastic and striving for excellence.
ART IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY
We run several art clubs each week. Lower school at lunchtime and GCSE two times a week after school. Trips start in Year 9, 10 and 11 with day visits to Edinburgh, Glasgow or Liverpool. In the Sixth Form we run residential visits to London and Paris. We regularly have artists come in and work with students; last year we had an artist work with a group of students in Year 7 on large photographs that are displayed around the college. Another artist is currently working with GCSE Art Textiles students using glass as a medium.
