Prospectus
Art and Design Department
Introduction to all Key Stages
The department encourages students through all key stages to explore topics using a wide range of media. Students will be given the opportunity to work in both 2D and 3D. Opportunities to draw and paint, work with modelling materials such as plaster, scrap materials and wire sculptures as well as printmaking facilities, textiles and ceramics.
The subject is practically based, however, students are expected to record ideas and observations in both visual and written form. The traditional language of art and design: line, tone, form, texture and colour will be explored, and the use of sketchbooks forms an important part.
We feel it is important to enrich our students learning experience with visits to galleries and museums, either as a starting point for project work or where the exhibition is thought to be a valuable experience. Some history of art is studied to cultivate an appreciation of painting and drawing from different periods and cultures. This gives students opportunities to develop personal responses to ideas, observations, experiences, environments and cultures in practical, critical and contextual forms.
Sample Projects:
KS3: Students complete three projects each year which vary in theme and media
| Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
| The Greenman Mask Project Natural Forms at Kew |
Mechanical Forms Sea Life Pop Art Portraiture |
Shoe Sculptures Features of the Face Foundation unit |
GCSE
Pupils will be required to produce a portfolio of work over the 2 years from which 3 projects will be submitted, each consisting of sketches, studies, paintings and allied material.
The AQA GCSE syllabus encourages pupils to work in much greater depth on a project than before, thinking, researching and planning for themselves. Consequently students develop a strong and confident personal style.
The Art and Design GCSE is examined on a basis of 60% coursework completed throughout the 2 years during art lessons and 40% controlled test (a choice of themes or titles, one of which will be completed under supervision over a total of 10 hours during year 11).
| Year 10 | Year 11 |
| Sets, Segments & Sequences Mini Tool Project (linked with ‘Sets, Segment & Sequences’ I, Me and Mine |
Cultures AQA Externally set examination paper |
Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Art & Design
BTEC First are designed to give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare for employment. The course has a vocational emphasis and is equivalent to one GCSE. This qualification requires students to complete two units of study with a total value of 15 credits over the two years.
| Contextual References in Art & Design | 10 credits |
| 2D Visual Communication | 5 credits |
Students will work to client orientated briefs and scenarios throughout the course. They will be expected to:
- Work with a variety of different media – both 2D and 3D
- Keep a sketchbook and document project work
- Give presentations
- Produce independent research with teacher guidance
- Work to fixed deadlines
Example projects:
Contextual explorer: SELF IMAGE: each student produces a mini project on mount board where they explore portraiture through artist’s portraits. They will learn about and use a variety of different techniques and media.
Artists: Yousuf Karsh, Matisse, Elizabeth Berrien, Banksy, and a portrait artist inspired by Tate Britain trip
Extended project: Lion King: Students design and make masks to be used for the theatre production of the Lion King. They will explore animal portraiture, masks from different cultures, making techniques, design processes, construction and advertising design. Throughout the exploration of this project students will document their finding.
Advanced Level
Students studying AS/A2 Art develop an awareness of Art & Design issues and they learn about the diverse roles and functions of Art, Craft and Design in contemporary life and in different cultures.
Students use colour, form, texture, pattern and different materials and processes to communicate what they see, feel and think.
The examination board used at The Downs School for AS/A2 Art & Design is AQA
http://store.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/pdf/AQA-2200-W-SP.PDF
| AS Level> | A2 Level |
| Unit 1: Coursework Portfolio 50% of AS, 25% of A-Level |
Unit 3: Personal Investigation 25% of A-Level Personal investigation supported by written element of 1000-3000 words |
| Unit 2: Externally Set Assignment 50% of AS, 25% of A-Level Supervised time of 5 hours |
Unit 4: Externally Set Assignment 25% of A-Level Supervised time of 15 hours |
Entry Requirements
It is desirable that students should have obtained at least a grade B in GCSE Art. Students joining The Downs Sixth Form should be prepared to present a portfolio of work. The most important qualities students should bring to this course are high levels of enthusiasm, interest and self-motivation.
Course Content
Throughout the one and two year courses students are encouraged to work with a variety of media, i.e. different painting and drawing media, textiles, printing techniques and three dimensional construction in various materials. Students are expected to keep a 'busy' sketchpad and to be aware of and visit as many exhibitions as possible. Critical and historical studies are an important part of both courses.
'AS' and ‘A2’ Level Art are demanding and time consuming courses which offer the individual great personal satisfaction and a sense of achievement in developing their own abilities to a high degree of competence.Department Staffing:
| Head of Art | Mrs S Palmer |
| Teacher of Art | Mrs J Ridgway |
| Teacher of Art | Mrs S Meyer |
| Art Technician | Mrs S Rostron |
