Art & Design

Our Art Department offers the two distinct pathways: Fine Art and Graphic Design.

Fine Art may be defined as work which is produced as an outcome of the students’ personal experience or expression, or comment on the world around us in some way. It is a means by which ideas are explored and communicated to produce an outcome that seeks to inspire emotion, reaction or response in its audience.
Graphics is also the communication of information and ideas by visual means. Graphics students may choose to create for a practical and intended function, usually for a potential client, responding directly to a prescribed brief, though they are free to explore many of the same disciplines as in Fine Art. Often, work is realised in two-dimensional form, but can carry the illusion of three dimensions, through manipulation of images and the formal elements. The critical elements for a graphic designer are the successful communication of a message through the arrangement of words and images.

Art at KS3

At KS3, students study both Fine Art and Graphic Design and they develop their creativity and ideas, and increase proficiency in their execution. They should develop a critical understanding of artists and designers, expressing reasoned judgments that can inform their own work.

Students will:

• Use a range of techniques to record their observations in sketchbooks as a basis for exploring their ideas.
• Use various techniques and media to increase their proficiency in the handling of different materials.
• Analyse and evaluate their own work, and that of others, in order to strengthen the visual impact of their work.
• Learn about the history of art, craft, design and architecture, including periods, styles and major movements.

IGCSE Art & Design

We offer IGCSE qualifications for both Graphics (Graphic Communication) and Fine Art. In Fine Art, students are required to work in multiple disciplines ranging from painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture to digital work. Graphics, students may choose to explore advertising, illustration, packaging, typography and computer based art, as well as art disciplines such as painting and printmaking. Both subjects involve exploration of media and techniques, using a mixture of practical processes.

A Level

As with the IGCSE qualification, A Level students are able to choose between Fine Art and Graphic Communication. Coursework expectations increase for the A-level course and the workload is consistent to produce exciting projects and outcomes.

Why choose Art and Design?

The study of Art and Design enables students to develop:

• Creative and imaginative skills, and the practical skills for communicating and expressing ideas, feelings and meanings in art, craft and design. Regular presentation of work amongst peers is expected;
• Investigative, analytical, experimental and interpretive capabilities, aesthetic understanding and critical thinking;
• Understanding of codes and conventions of art, craft and design and awareness of the wider contexts in which they operate around us;
• Knowledge and understanding of art and design in contemporary society and in other times and cultures.

There are many career paths opened up to a student interested in studying Art and Design, some of which are listed below:

 Advertising and Publishing/Animator/ Architect/ Artist

Art gallery curator/ Art & Design teacher /Graphic Designer

Fashion or Costume Designer/ Illustrator/ Furniture Designer

Set Designer (Film/Theatre/TV) /Model maker/ Interior Designer