Art & Design

The Curriculum

Key Stage 3

We aim to give pupils a varied and exciting experience of Art and Design at Key Stage 3.  We believe that they should understand the basic principles of drawing and we teach these within a range of projects.  Pupils will develop physical, creative and technical skills so that ideas can be realised and artefacts produced.  They will experience drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, ICT, 3-D and textiles projects over the course of Key Stage 3, before deciding whether to opt for the subject for GCSE.  We will also introduce pupils to the work of other artists, designers, craftspeople and cultures and help them to develop the critical language that they need to express their opinions and feelings about their own work and that of others.

Summary of Aims

Enable pupils to become visually literate
Develop physical, creative thinking and technical skills
Develop aesthetic sensibilities
Develop a questioning mind
Encourage investigation/research
Develop the ability to articulate/communicate
Expand knowledge of other artists
Embrace new techniques/technologies
Enhance enjoyment of art
Build up confidence

Key Stage 4

We follow the Edexcel Unendorsed option at GCSE level.  The department believes that by offering this course we provide a broad based flexible course.  We aim to build on the skills learnt at Key Stage 3 as well as continuing to introduce pupils to the endless possibilities of this varied and exciting subject.

The requirements of this course are that pupils complete a portfolio of course work and a final examination unit. Recent coursework themes have included Organic Forms, a sculpture project self portrait and 'Figures in an environment'  based
on the human form.

Summary of Aims

Develop ability to record from direct observation
Develop ability to communicate ideas visually
Develop two and three-dimensional skills
Develop personal and creative responses
Encourage experimentation
Develop critical and analytical faculties
Develop problem solving skills
Acquire a relevant working vocabulary
Foster confidence and self motivation

Areas of Study

Drawing
Painting
Mixed media installations
Collage
Printmaking
Sculpture

Ceramics
Computer Aided Design/Photography
Textiles

Key Stage 5

We follow the Edexcel option at AS/A level.  This course is creative, exciting, challenging and fulfilling.  It gives students the opportunity to develop their artistic potential in a very personal and individual way.  Broad themes are set for each unit of work that enable students to develop their ideas independently.  Outcomes are extremely varied and have included traditional painting and sculpture, plasterwork, imaginative garments, textiles, mixed media collage work and ceramics.  The requirements of this course are that students complete one unit of coursework and a final examination unit for each of the AS and A2 courses.  One of the units at A2 requires a written element which involves writing a personal study that supports their practical work. Recent coursework themes have included The City of York, Contrasts and Refletions, and the Coast.

Summary of Assessment Objectives

1. Record observations, experiences, ideas, information and insights in visual forms
2. Analyse and evaluate critically your own and the work of others
3. Develop ideas and use of materials through investigation and experimentation
4. Present a personal response explaining the connections with the work of others

Extra Curricular Activities

The Art department runs a programme of extra curriculer art activities including Life Drawing, Ceramics, Jewellery Making, Creative Textiles and Photography. We also run a lunch time art club and evening sessions for exam students. Additionally, the Art and Design Department  enjoys various trips including the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Saltaire, galleries in York, the London Galleries, including the Saatchi Gallery and has taken girls to Paris.

Girls are frequently mentored through university and art college applications, portfolio presentations and interview techniques.

Staff

Sian Gabraitis   BA (Hons) Bristol, PGCE Cardiff
Francesca King BA (Hons) Sunderland, PGCE Huddersfield

Rachel Milton - BA (Hons) Ripon and York, PGCE (Ripon and York), Msc Textile Technology, Huddersfield 
Lesley Mayo - Photography
Kim Gibson - Creative Textiles
Andrea Cundell - Ceramics
Malcolm Turpin - Technician