Art is offered to all students at KS3 level. Over the three years, girls will develop a broad range of artistic techniques from painting and drawing, to mixed media work, printmaking and sculpture. These skills will be delivered through the teaching of structured project work, which will take place through one hour of teaching time per week. There will be opportunities for girls to participate in school trips linked to their project work throughout the year, and homework will be set on a regular basis to enhance the skills that they learn in school.

At the end of KS3, girls can opt to progress to Art and Design at GCSE level. This qualification is currently offered through the Edexcel syllabus, which has scope for a great amount of creativity. The course helps girls to develop their artistic techniques through individual project work where they can pursue ideas linking this to the work of other artists, craft makers and designers. At this stage teaching time is doubled to two hours per week.

AS and A2 Art and Design is offered to students in years 12 and 13. It includes painting and related media, with some printmaking, textile and three dimensional work. Students are able to specialise in the areas in which they are particularly interested through individual project work. Guidance is given in the use of materials and working methods, development of visual ideas and contextual studies. As part of the consortium, we also currently offer the Creative and Media Diploma at Level 2.

Course Content

AS and A2

This art and design course includes painting and related media with some printmaking [mono and block], textile and 3D work.

Individual bias will be catered for so that students can produce a more specific portfolio for interview at applied art courses such as interior design, 3D design, graphics and textiles.

Guidance is given in use of materials and working methods, developing visual ideas and the study of art history.

Learning Methods and Assessment

AS and A2

For the first six weeks of the course lessons are directed towards broadening experience and the practice of basic methods and materials. Students will then go to work on self determined units with staff support and guidance. Work is completed at home to encourage a more individual response.

Expectations of Students

AS and A2

Students are expected to take part in personal and group visits to galleries and exhibitions in order to experience art work at first hand. Some better quality materials and equipment, such as brushes and a portfolio, are recommended beyond those basics provided by school; these may be bought, at cost price, from our art shop.

Careers Implications

Most art and design based courses require a portfolio for entry and may not, therefore, demand A level art as they can judge the student's ability, commitment and potential for themselves. It is, however, very difficult to provide the required standard of portfolio without doing a high level art course such as A level. Many students will also go on to do a 1 year art foundation course prior to degree level application, although direct entry to degree courses from school is not impossible for the most able and committed.