|
|
Art and Design |
Why
choose Art and Design ?
Art offers you the chance to study how
artists have changed and recorded the history of the world.
It shows you how you can create an
impact on the world around you, using the visual arts to affect people’s opinions
and feelings.
You can work as a painter, sculptor,
printer, textile or fashion designer, photographer, graphics artist
...
You can work with paint, clay, pastels,
fabric, film, wood, metal, paper, oil, paper-mache...
The list is endless.
What
does the course involve?
Unit
1:Thematic enquiry
You must work sequentially from given
theme towards one or more final conclusions, which are expressed as pieces of
artwork. The pattern follows that of
GCSE Research, analysis, observation, development of ideas, experimentation
with ideas, images and techniques and final pieces. Evaluation of your work has to be both
written (in your work journal) and spoken examples of suitable themes are - a
time a place, myself and mine, the human form,
natural.
Unit
2:Expressive study
Using a work journal as a central focus
you must explore the expressive symbolism of Art. This is an exciting opportunity to spend time
really analysing how art moves and changes together with the impact it has on the
human race. You have to show your
understanding of the formal language of art and your developing understanding
and personal interpretation of how artists express ideas and styles. You do this through creative and written work
using paint, pencil, inks, batik or any other medium you believe is
suitable. It should be a creative and
visually exciting record of your exploration and findings - not a written
essay. Suitable examples of study themes
are - Landscape, The Head, Movement in paint, Emotions.
Unit
3:Externally set exam
This follows the pattern of the GCSE
exam. The board sets a starting point -
last year was ‘Cities’ - you have four weeks to research, experiment, develop
ideas, link to contextual studies and prepare and then 8 hours to produce a
final conclusion as a piece of artwork under supervised conditions. It is worth 40% of AS and 20% of A2 so don’t
undervalue this element of the course.
What
is a work journal?
A mandatory
part of the course. It is a combination
of sketchbook, diary, action plan and notebook.
Good journals are visually exciting objects full of colour, texture,
research, development of ideas, experiments with different materials, record of
gallery visits, photographs, interviews and thoughts - all held together by a
common theme or thread - YOU and your chosen study themes.
How is this course taught?
The course is taught by two members of
staff each covering specific areas of the course but working closely
together. The course involves both
directed and independent study. In year
12 students are heavily directed and there are frequent occasions when work is
assessed, using the board set assessment objectives, and also tutorials when
you must talk about your work in depth.
But you must also carry out independent study.
In year 13 each student plans an
individual programme of study with the two teachers and teaching and learning
follows a tutorial system.
Why
is it valuable?
Do you want to extend your creative
thought processes and art skills?
Do you want to be part of the school
trips to
Have you really enjoyed art in year 11
and want to continue developing your personal style and expression?
Do you regret giving it up in year 9
and want another go?