Teacher Team

•  Mrs Sarah Mulhern - Curriculum Lead, Art & Photography
• Mrs Iona Makiola -Art, Photography & Technology

Art and Photography

A high-quality art and design education engages, inspires and challenge students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art. As students progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art. They should also know how art both reflects and shapes our history, and contribute to the cultures, creativity and wealth of our nation.

We first explore why art is important and look at all the skills art teaches you. Students have 1 hour of art a week. During the year they will complete 3 projects: Drawing, painting, collage, photography, textiles & fashion and 3-D Art.

In Year 7 we focus on a range of drawing skills exploring the key formal elements of  line, shape, colour, tone, pattern, texture, form. Students become familiar with the structure of lessons and our expectations in a practical lesson. Topics include; Drawing and Painting skills, Mark Making and Landscapes with a 3D element with a Portrait project based on Pablo Picasso and Cubism. Students will also produce a Tie Dyed cushion and learn how to sew!

In Year 8 we focus on topics including; Food with painting and printmaking skills. We also participate in a cross-curricular project with RS and Maths in designing and making a 3D Platonic solid. We end with a textiles project based on natural forms.

In Year 9, students study Art & Design which is a transition into GCSE. The skills-based projects in Textiles & Fashion, Art & Design and Photography give students a variety of disciplines that they might like to explore further at GCSE.

Year 10 Art & Photography projects are themed like an AQA exam question. Students will create individual projects based on the starting points: Formal Elements, Seashore, Still Life & Portraiture.

There is the opportunity for art and photography students to share ideas and work together.

Year 11 Art & Photography consists of students completing their Seashore project as part of their course wok which equates to 60% of their final GCSE which is teacher led project. An Externally Set Assignment (ESA) starts in the January of Year 11 which students have an exam paper given to them by AQA which has a list of starting points and artists to explore. In May a 10 hour practical exam happens and students with also have some time after their final exam to get their work ready for exhibition.