What we aim to achieve with students
KS3
The pupils study a broad curriculum to support the development of a variety of practical and technical skills such as drawing and painting, 3D and ceramics and mixed media collage. Research and interpreting the ideas and meanings of a range of artists from different cultures and ages are an integral part of studying Art, Craft and Design. Pupils work with a selection of themes and issues including ‘Colour and Symbolism’, ‘Portraiture’, ‘Masks’, ‘Recycling’, ‘My Identity’, ‘Inventions’ and ‘Sculpture’. The pupils are assessed regularly focusing on their use of materials, analytical skills and creativity within the context of different styles and traditions.
The department values the use of sketchbooks and it is an essential requirement for all students.
KS4
Edexcel GCSE Art and Design (5AD01)
The Edexcel GCSE Unendorsed Specification in Art and Design is used to support students create a personal portfolio which enables them to develop their ideas through research and analysis of art work, learn through practical experimentation with media, techniques and processes, collect ideas through recording and observing and present a creative and imaginative response using the information they have collected.
Through practical lessons, students will learn new skills and develop new interests, whilst building on those skills learnt during KS3. The sketchbook or work journal forms an integral part of a student’s development and it forms an essential part of assessment.
Unit 1: Personal Portfolio in Art and Design
Unit 2: Externally Set assignment in Art and Design
KS5
EDEXCEL AS GCE Art and Design 8AD01; A2 GCE Art and Design 9AD01
The course encompasses varied and diverse approaches including: painting and drawing, printmaking, sculpture including ceramics, fine art textiles and mixed-media
The Art and Design course is designed to develop sophisticated and informed responses which demonstrate imagination, innovation and high levels of creativity. Students are expected to sustain investigations and experiments, show an aesthetic awareness and make critical judgements based on their experiences and artist research. This in turn informs the development of ideas and provides valuable preparation for the extended study in the A2 year.
Through practical lessons, students will learn new skills and develop new interests, whilst building on those skills learnt during KS4. The sketchbooks or work journals form an integral part of a student’s development and it forms an essential part of assessment.
Students will receive continuous review and evaluation of their progress through verbal and written feedback.
Students are given practical support when building a portfolio for their art school application in the A2 year.
Gifted and Talented Students
Gifted and Talented students in Art and Design will show the following qualities;
- consistently achieving top level 5s, 6s and 7s according to year group e.g. Year 7 level 5A, Year 8 level 6A
- shows an understanding and working knowledge of art vocabulary and an ability to apply it
- consistently high command of materials and processes for a range of purposes
- appropriate and insightful use of vocabulary in evaluating own progress through discussion and written word
- ability to use research in a purposeful and self directed way to inform own practical studies
Extension activities include
- International Mural run after school, see below for more details
- Artist workshops
Items of Particular Interest
- KS3 House competitions such as design a celebratory post card for the department
- KS3 pupils design their own commercially printed greetings card
- KS3 Art Clubs and after school tutorials for examination students
- School Mural club. Past examples are a giant mosaic for the school canteen and a painted mural based on Charters’ international partnerships
- Off site visits for most year groups including-: Past trips for KS3 pupils have included the Science Museum and National Gallery. KS4 and KS5 – past trips have included the Tate Galleries and the Victoria and Albert Museum
- After school Life drawing for examination students
- Summer exhibition
- Windsor Arts Festival
- Workshops with practising artists such as textiles artist Michael Brennand Wood, milliner Chloe Scrivener. There have also been mosaic, jewellery, willow sculpture and poetry workshops.
- The Art Department also has a major role in the set design and painting for the annual School Production
- Year 11 creative writing workshop to support their examination preparation
- After school clinics for examination groups
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