Creative Arts

At Keystage 3 students follow a varied course exploring work in 2 and 3 Dimensions. Projects encourage students to research, create, and refine ideas as they work with a sketchbook to develop outcomes using clay, paint, print, and drawing. In year 9 students explore the drawing and thinking behind Fine Art and Photography specialisms, further develop their critical and analytical skills when responding to the work of other artists, and work towards a personal project in the summer term where they apply the skills, techniques to their own piece of artwork.

Students can opt for GCSE Art and Design: Fine Art.

The Fine Art course comprises of a coursework project worth 60% of the GCSE and a practical exam project worth 40% of the GCSE. In year 10 students respond to a range of workshops exploring techniques and ideas including painting, drawing, creative constraints, three dimensional approaches, printmaking, and art history before playing to their strengths to create their mock exam project. The coursework project follows this as the students progress to year 11. Students are encouraged to develop and practise their analytical skills as well as their technical skills and to develop their project management and independence as they progress through the course.

Students can opt for GCSE Art and Design: Photography.

The Photography course comprises of a coursework project worth 60% of the GCSE and a practical exam project worth 40% of the GCSE. In year 10 students respond to a range of workshops exploring techniques and ideas including camera controls, drawing, creative constraints, digital editing skills, and photographic history before playing to their strengths to create their mock exam project. The coursework project follows this as the students progress to year 11. Students are encouraged to develop and practise their analytical skills as well as their technical skills and to develop their project management and independence as they progress through the course.

Post 16

Students have the chance to study Art and Photography at A level. The A Level courses give students a chance to develop established skills and explore new ones. The course structure is similar to that of the GCSE course with 60% coursework and 40% practical exam. As part of the coursework students complete a linked written personal study exploring a theme and artworks of their choice.