ART & DESIGN

To be successful in Art students must master skills in 4 key areas:

•Creative Making – developing knowledge and understanding of a range of techniques, materials and processes. 

•Reflective Recording of Ideas – becoming active participants in their own learning. Exploring personal ideas and concepts. 

•Contextual Understanding and Knowledge- researching other artists and designers helps the students to put their own practice in to context. 

•Personal Presentation and Evaluation – concluding learning through evaluation and with outcomes. Personal links throughout the broad theme.

Students will develop a series of skills relating to the key processes of art and design:

Explore and create skills includes:

• Observing & recording from first-hand observation, experience & imagination
• Investigating using line / tone / colour / shape / form / pattern / texture
• Exploring and developing ideas in a sketchbook
• Experimenting with a range of media / techniques & processes 
• Expressing & communicating ideas & feelings

Knowledge and evaluative skills include:

• Researching and investigating
• Learning how codes and conventions are used to convey ideas / meanings in a range of cultures
• Reflecting on and evaluating their own and others’ work
• Adapting and refining their own work
• Developing ideas and intentions when creating artwork
• Organising & presenting their own work appropriately 

How students are assessed

Students’ achievement is continually assessed, in terms of technical proficiency, working methods, ideas, evaluation skills and knowledge. Students are given regular verbal and written feedback to support further improvement. Students are also involved in evaluating their own and each other’s achievement, and in setting targets for their own development. Regular reports in Year 7, 8 and 9 will advise you on the progress that your child is making.

The new assessment framework is attached. This shows how all KS3 pupils will be assessed, and awarded ‘below’, ‘on’, above’ or ‘exceptional progress’.  

Homework

In Art and Design homework will serve to reinforce or extend learning in the classroom. Students will be given written as well as practical tasks, such as an artist evaluation or pencil drawing. Students are also offered the opportunity to enter local and national competitions through homework assignments. 

How parents can help

Parents should check the Firefly system or their child’s homework planner to ensure understanding. Parents should try to ensure that a quiet place is available for homework to be completed without distraction and that their child produces the best work that they are capable of. They should contact their child’s art teacher with any concerns via e-mail.

The Head of Department would also welcome feedback via e-mail, from parents regarding any aspect of their child’s art and design experiences, to inform future planning and to ensure that all of the students ‘Aspire, Achieve and Enjoy.’

Extra-curricular activities

The department is open for the majority of lunchtimes. Students are encouraged to attend to seek additional support or to complete class works and homework where necessary.

Competitions and external artistic opportunities are advertised on department notice boards and Firefly. 

Eduqas GCSE Art, Craft & Design

Students will complete 2 units of work over the 2 year course.

• Unit 1: Portfolio of Work. 60% of the total marks – Marked out of 120. This will include work completed in Year 10 and the first term of Year 11.
• Unit 2: Externally Set Task. 40% of the total marks – Marked out of 80. Set by exam board. Candidates respond to their chosen starting point. This unit will start in the January of Year 11. 

Skills students develop

• Recording experiences and ideas
• Selecting and organising visual images & objects
• Analysing, discussing and evaluating them
• Exploring ideas through new media practices (e.g. ICT)
• Reviewing and modifying their own work, and planning and developing ideas in the light of their own and others’ evaluations
• Applying knowledge and understanding in producing their own art

How students are assessed

Students are assessed using the Eduqas assessment objectives. Each assessment objective is marked out of 20 (200 total marks)

Assessment Objectives

AO1: Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.

AO2: Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes.

AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.

AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.

Students’ achievement is continually assessed and students are given regular verbal and written feedback to support further improvement. Students are involved in evaluating their own and each other’s achievement, and in setting targets for their own development. Regular reports will advise you on the progress that your child is making.

Home studies

Students are given a structure and timeline to work to. They will be given regular reminders of how to complete work set within the timeline. Students should use class time and home studies time to complete each Assessment Objective within the given time. There is an expectation of two A4 pieces of home studies a week or equivalent. Students are also encouraged to make regular visits to Art Galleries to extend their knowledge and understanding of a wide range of artists.

How parents can help

Parents should familiarise themselves and their child with published deadlines and ensure that these are consistently met. All information and resources are available on Firefly. Parents should try to ensure that a quiet place is available for homework to be completed without distraction and that their child produces the best work that they are capable of. They should ask to see their son’s / daughter’s sketchbook on a weekly basis and expect to see progress over time. They should also read specific targets on post-it notes on individual pieces and encourage completion. They should contact their child’s art teacher with any concerns via email.

Additional Support

The department is open for the majority of lunchtimes. Students are encouraged to attend to seek additional support or to complete coursework where necessary. School holiday sessions are offered in February Half-term and at Easter. Competitions and external artistic opportunities are advertised on department notice boards and Firefly.

Eduqas GCE Art & Design Course Outline A Level

In the first year students will be introduced to a variety of experiences, employing a range of media, processes and techniques appropriate to the chosen area of study.

In the second year students are required to build upon the knowledge, understanding and skills gained in the prior year with greater depth of study. All work produced for this unit will be marked as a whole and internally marked and verified, and externally moderated. A written assignment will compliment this project in which students choose one idea to investigate, analyse and respond to.

Unit 1 Personal Investigation

• 120 marks
• 60% of the A Level.

Students are required to develop a personal investigation based on an issue, concept or theme supported by 1000 + words integrated.

All work produced for this unit will be marked as a whole.

Internally marked and verified and externally moderated.

Unit 2 Externally Set Assignment

• 80 marks
• 40% of A2
• A question paper containing various exciting starting points is issued.

Students choose one idea and then investigate, analyse and respond to it. They should complete a sketchbook which covers all the Assessment Objectives. Students then complete 15 hours of unaided, supervised time.

All work produced for this unit will be marked as a whole.

Externally set, internally marked and verified and externally moderated.

Skills students develop:

The main purpose of any course in art, craft and design is to develop an ability to appreciate the visual world and to respond in a personal and creative way. The skills developed will be varied. Among them, we will develop a working knowledge of materials, practices and technology in one or more of the disciplines within art. We will develop the skills to interpret and convey ideas and feelings using art, craft and design. We will develop imaginative and creative powers and experimental, analytical and documenting skills. We will also develop a specialist vocabulary and the knowledge and understanding of the place of art, craft and design in history and in contemporary society.

The specific skills acquired will be determined to some extent by the areas of study chosen.

How students are assessed:

Students are assessed using the assessment objectives.

•AO1: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.

•AO2: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.

•AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress

•AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.

Students’ achievement is continually assessed and students are given regular verbal and written feedback to support further improvement. Students are involved in evaluating their own and each other’s achievement, and in setting targets for their own development. Half-termly reports will advise you on the progress that your child is making.

Home studies

Students are given a structure and timeline to work to. They will be given regular reminders of how to complete work set within the timeline. Students should use class time, study frees and home studies time to complete each Assessment Objective within the given time. There is an expectation of four A4 pieces of home studies a week or equivalent. They are expected to work for at least five hours outside of the classroom. Students are also encouraged to make regular visits to Art Galleries to extend their knowledge and understanding of a wide range of artists.

How parents can help

Parents should read through the Course Handbook with their child to ensure tasks are understood. They should familiarise themselves and their child with published deadlines and ensure that these are consistently met. Parents should try to ensure that a quiet place is available for homework to be completed without distraction and that their child produces the best work that they are capable of. They should contact their child’s art teacher with any concerns via telephone or email.

The Head of Department would also welcome feedback via email, from parents regarding any aspect of their child’s Art and Design experiences, to inform future planning and ensure the all students ‘Aspire, Achieve and Enjoy’

Additional Support

A Level students are welcome in the department and are always welcome to use the 3D Studio in Study Periods, whilst lower school lessons are taught in the joining space. The department is also open for the majority of lunchtimes. Students are encouraged to attend to seek additional support or to complete coursework where necessary. School holiday sessions are offered in February Half-term and at Easter. Competitions and external artistic opportunities are advertised on department notice boards.