Art

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Introduction

Here in the Art and Photography department we hold a strong belief that everyone is born creative and that creativity is something that can be learnt through the acquisition of skills and through the understanding of artistic process.

We have a varied and exciting curriculum that aims to develop young artists with subject specific and transferable skills; using a range of media and processes with a strong emphasis on art history, visual analysis and creative choice.

Independence, creative thinking, and self-reflection are at the heart of our curriculum at all key stages. We develop these skills throughout key stage three, maximising on our student’s potential to find success as they move into GCSE and A Level.

Our team of subject specialists offer an open-door policy that encourages students to make use of our space, materials and support beyond lesson times.

Aims

To deliver a well-rounded and inclusive curriculum that develops creativity as a transferable skill.
To engender an appreciation for the visual arts through creative exploration as well as rigorous study.
To develop the whole child through independence, autonomy, and accountability.
To support our students towards high levels of attainment and achievement.

The Art department has high expectations of our students’ attainment, development and personal conduct and promotes learning that supports the perception and understanding of spiritual, moral, social, cultural and emotional issues within a visual context.

Art is part of the core curriculum at Key Stage 3 with both Art and Photography options available at GCSE.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage three we assess students against three areas contained within each termly project. These are: ‘Research and Analysis’, ‘Ideas and Skills’, and ‘Planning and Outcomes’. These areas of assessment and the structure of the curriculum are designed to measure the skills involved in the creative process as much as technical skill with materials. It is expected that students take care and pride in their work and look after their sketchbooks as these are the records of their achievement.

Key Stage 4 & 5

At both Key Stage four and five students are assessed against the same four Assessment Objectives, each are worth 25% of their grade. Each coursework project and the exam project are marked against the following:

AO1

AO2

AO3

AO4

Develop

ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources

Refine

work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes

Record

ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses

Present

a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language

All work is assessed work, from the very first lesson of year ten onwards, all classwork, home learning, and deadlines are designed to ensure that students meet the assessment objectives and gain the best grade possible. It is therefore imperative that students meet deadlines, complete tasks, and catch up on any missed lessons.

It is our expectation that GCSE and A Level students work independently and seek help within the department as needed; we are open every lunchtime to support and to offer the time and space to work.

GCSE Photography

Ethos and Aims

At Tabor we offer both GCSE and A Level Photography, both of which fall under the AQA Art and Design
specification. We make use of the latest Adobe Creative Cloud products, which are industry standard and are
continuously updated. This allows us to focus on digital editing and manipulation techniques as well as honing

composition and the student’s technical understanding of the medium.

Photography offers both creative independence and control, which increases as the course progresses. The use of
software and development of I.T. literacy is hugely beneficial to a range of potential further education and

vocational routes as well as the world of work.

As an art and design course we also develop our learner’s creative autonomy and their understanding of the creative
process. Student will gradually develop their ability to design and develop a creative project, something which we

believe is a key transferable life skill.

Equipment

KS3

To be fully prepared for your Art lessons you will need to bring the following equipment:

Pencils to draw with.
A good rubber and pencil sharpener.
A ruler.
A black pen.
A good selection of coloured pencils.

If you have any other Art equipment that you would like to bring into lessons, such as pastels, paints and brushes, you are more than welcome when appropriate.

KS4 Art

You will be expected to work in a wider range of media with more experimental techniques. All equipment and resources will be provided, however the following items would be useful in addition to the list above:

A3 sketchbook (can be purchased through the Art department).
A set of sketching pencils of different grades e.g. 2B, 4B and 6B.
A set of watercolour paints with appropriate brushes.
A set of acrylic paints with appropriate brushes.
A set of oil pastels/soft pastels.
Black fineliner pen.

KS4 Photography

A3 black paper sketchbook (can be purchased through the Art department).
White gel pen or white pencil (for writing on black paper in your sketchbook).
SDHC card (for use in DSLR cameras).
SDHC card reader.
USB memory stick (for saving work).
Glue stick.
Access to photographic quality printing outside of school.

Students’ own cameras can also be brought into school and used in Photography lessons.

Extra curricular

The department is open every lunchtime for our GCSE and A Level students, where we can offer support, one to one guidance, or simply the space and materials to work. After school GCSE interventions take place on an ad hoc basis

Key Stage 3 Art club takes place on a Tuesday after school and comprises of a range of termly projects.

Useful Links

Art is a demanding and challenging subject which is enhanced through independent and personal engagement. Regular visits to as many exhibitions and galleries as possible would be hugely beneficial, as well as viewing art centred documentaries or programmes on television. However, the most important support we would recommend is regular viewing and discussion of the sketchbook – encouraging your child to discuss what they are learning and the artists/themes they are studying.

Useful links