Sunday Times Secondary School of the Year 2023

St. Mary's Grammar School

Art & Design

SPECIFIC AIMS OF THE DEPARTMENT

The Art and Design Department aims to:

  • develop pupils’ visual vocabulary and language through discussion and evaluation;
  • nurture pupils’ intellectual growth and sensitivity to visual phenomena;
  • develop pupils’ ability to use the aesthetic language of creative expression through the combined use of the formal and thematic elements within a visual vocabulary;
  • encourage pupils’ historical, cultural and critical appreciation within the ideology of modernism and a social historical critique;
  •  heighten pupils’ awareness of and respect for both natural and man-made environments; and
  • employ a range of strategies, sources and technologies to enhance the learning experience of pupils.

OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 3 CURRICULUM 

At Key Stage 3, Art and Design is delivered over two lessons per fortnight.

YEAR 8 CURRICULUM

In Year 8, pupils study the following topics:

  • My Treasured Possession
  • Portraiture
  • Colour Theory
  • The Seaside

The pupils experiment with the following media and techniques in Year 8:

  • Drawing
  • Ceramics
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
  • Graphic Media

YEAR 9 CURRICULUM

In Year 9, pupils study the following topics:
• Landscape
• Visual Communication


The pupils experiment with the following media and techniques in Year 9:

  • Drawing
  • Textiles/Weaving
  • Ceramics
  • Painting
  • Graphic Media

YEAR 10 CURRICULUM

In Year 10, pupils study the following topics:

  • Product Design -Entrepreneurship
  • Surrealism
  • Perspective
  • The Human Figure

The pupils experiment with the following media techniques in Year 10:

  • 3D Mixed Media
  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Graphic Design

OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM

At Key Stage 4, the department offers Art and Design at GCSE Level. Pupils follow the CCEA specification. Art and Design is delivered over six lessons per fortnight.  The students will be required to complete:

Component 1 (60%)

  • Part A: Exploratory Portfolio (25% Total)
    The Controlled Assessment unit requires students to experiment in a range of 2D and 3D methods and disciplines such as: Fine Art, Textiles, Ceramics, Graphic Design, Photography, Movie Image, Animation, Digital Media and Product Design.  This work starts in September
  • Part B: Investigating the Creative and Cultural Industries - 35%
    Complete one practical task set by the teacher that builds upon the knowledge and skills gained in part A.  Students will learn about the different roles and work practices used in the production of art, craft and design in the creative and cultural industries.  This research and analysis will lead to the development of ideas for a final outcome.

Component 2 (40% Total)
Externally Set Assignment
CCEA will issue the theme/context for this component in January.  This unit requires students to complete 20 hours of preparatory work, which is followed by a 10-hour practical examination.

OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 5 CURRICULUM

At Key Stage 5, the Art and Design Department offers Art and Design at AS and A2 Level, specialising in Combined Studies.  Students follow the CCEA specification.  At AS and A2 Level, Art and Design is delivered over eleven periods per fortnight.

At AS Level, students must successfully complete two units.  A further two units must be successfully completed at A2 Level.
   
AS ART AND DESIGN
Unit 1: Experimental Portfolio (AS 50% / A2 20%)
 Theme based: In this unit, students will have the opportunity to develop, explore and record ideas in a variety of creative media and take inspiration from the work of other practitioners. They are not required to produce a completed outcome in this unit.

Unit 2: Personal Outcome (AS 50% / A2 20%)
Theme based: In this unit, students will have the opportunity to produce a final outcome/outcomes brought to completion during a 10 hour invigilated time. This unit stems from the Experimental Portfolio completed for Unit 1.
 
A2 ART AND DESIGN
Unit 1: Personal and Critical Investigation (A2 60% / A Level 36%)
For this unit students have the opportunity to produce a theme based investigation and a practical response.

Written Investigation ( A2 20% / A Level 12%)
For this component students have the opportunity to produce both a written (1000-2000 words) investigation.

Unit 2: Thematic Outcome (A2 40% / A Level 24%)
Theme based: In this unit, students will have the opportunity to produce a final outcome/outcomes brought to completion during a 15 hour controlled assessment.  This unit stems from the area of specialism from the Personal and Critical Investigation completed for Unit 1.

ADDITIONAL SUBJECT INFORMATION 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROVISION

The Art and Design Department contributes extensively to the school’s extra-curricular provision.
Extra-curricular activities include:

  • Art, Craft and Design Clubs
  • Support Sessions for Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5
  • Local and Regional Competitions
  • Visiting Artists, Designers and Craft Workers
  • Trips to Local Art Exhibitions
  • Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 Workshops

 

FACILITIES AND RESOURCES

The Art and Design Department has recently been refurbished. Facilities and resources include:

  • 2 Art and Design Specialist Classrooms
  • Sixth Form Art Centre
  • Kiln Room / Ceramic Area
  • 1 Kiln
  • 8 PC Computers
  •  1 Apple Mac
  • 1 A4 Scanner
  • 2 Interactive Whiteboards
  • 1 Art and Design Technician (Part-Time)
  • Visual Material (posters, print, books, brochures)
  •  Record of all Art and Design Books in the Library
  • Thematic Portfolios
  • Past Pupil Portfolio Work

 

CAREERS INFORMATION

Many workforces require creative and original thinkers, people who are able to adapt to different processes and workloads and people who can work independently and as a team. In Art and Design, pupils are encouraged to develop and explore new and exciting materials and techniques allowing them to enhance their thinking skills and personal capabilities that will benefit them beyond the classroom.
The study of Art and Design is useful for careers in areas such as:

  • Advertising
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Community Artist
  •  Film and Video
  • Fashion Design
  • Gallery Administration
  • Lighting
  • Line Crafts
  • Illustration
  • Interior Design
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Make-up
  • Marketing
  • Model-making
  • Museum/Conservation
  • Photo-Journalism
  • Photography
  • Printing
  • Product Design
  • Research
  • Restoration
  • Systems Design
  • Teaching
  • Theatre Design
  • Television/Media
  • Textile Design
  • Visual Communication

 

Awards