Art
Introduction
The Art department is an exciting and vibrant part of the Sutton Academy, this can been seen from the bright displays in our gallery corridor, technology plaza and school reception. We aim to provide a rich and diverse range of projects, skills and techniques which encourage students to follow their creative talents and broaden their knowledge and understanding of Art and Design. Students have the opportunity to participate in weekly art clubs and GCSE support sessions after school, which will further challenge and enrich their learning.
In lessons we aim to teach a wide range of skills at all key stages by exploring engaging topics, artists and the work of other cultures. Throughout our Key Stage 4 Curriculum, students explore a wide range of themes and starting points, all of which are planned to address the Eduqas GCSE assessment objectives; thus preparing them for their examination in year 11. Key Stage 5 is a 2 year course were students complete a personal investigation driven by a theme of their choice. During Year 13 students will complete the externally set exam from a range of themes provided by the examination board.
Students are provided with as many creative opportunities as possible, including museum visits, photography experiences and art competitions. We are extremely passionate about sharing our enthusiasm for art and the success of our students. Each year we hold a grand art exhibition which showcases student’s art work from all curriculum phases, students from Year 7 through to Year 13.
About our Staff and Space
Our department has three full time staff members who are specialists in their fields. BG04 is fitted with an electric kiln for ceramic and glassware. BG03 is a large classroom which has high ceilings allowing practical work to be flooded with lots of natural light. BG03 is a specialist room for A Level students, allowing them to work independently and exhibit their practical work in a gallery area. DG04 is a spacious room fitted with a laser cutter and an outdoor working area. The Art department has access to a suite of computers, laptops, Apple Mac computers and cameras to support the teaching of Graphic Design and Photography.
Years 7, 8 & 9
Throughout year 7 & 8 and 9 our students’ study and explore the different disciplines within Art and Design. Our knowledge rich Art curriculum is designed to challenge build students’ art skills, develop their knowledge and awareness about the world we live in so they become well-rounded individuals. Student will gain inspiration through a range of contextual sources such as traditional and contemporary artists, current topics, local and national locations and gallery visits. Students will study a wide range of themes such as: Colour Theory, Zentangle Insects, Cultures in Art, Natural forms, identities and diversities, Pollution, Portraiture and Architecture.
Curriculum Maps
Year 7
Year 8
Years 10 & 11
Our Key Stage 4 curriculum is designed to challenge students of all abilities and progression routes. The GCSE qualification is currently a 3 year course and is a varied programme which provides every student with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and understanding. Students currently have had the opportunity to embark on their GCSE studies in year 9 and begin the course with mini skills workshops, before starting their practical portfolio. Students further develop their skills in year 10 and 11 building on prior knowledge and accessing new materials, techniques and processes through varied projects which are refreshed and revised yearly. We aim to develop student independence, problem-solving and technical skills through inspiring projects that look at both contemporary and historical artists.
GCSE Art & Design – Eduqas
Component 1: Portfolio
This is a portfolio of work which will be facilitated by staff to encourage a variety of different ideas, techniques and processes. Students will be directed to explore a range of artists, designers and crafts people to inspire a broad range of ideas. The unit will be separated into a series of projects concentrating on various themes, devised to equip students with a broad range of skills. The development of these projects will prepare students to explore their own ideas, themes and concepts towards a personal response.
60% of the final grade (marked out of 120)
Component 2: Externally set task
Students will be given an externally-set assignment in the form of an exam paper which will contain a series of exciting starting points. Students will choose one question and have approximately 10 weeks to research and develop their work. At the end of the preparation period students will be invigilated during a 10 hour exam period during which time a personal response to the development of their work must be completed.
40% of the final grade (marked out of 80)
GCSE Assessment Objectives
- AO1 - Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.
- AO2 - Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes.
- AO3 - Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.
- AO4 - Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.
Curriculum Maps
Year 10
Key Stage 5
Our Key Stage 5 curriculum allows students to develop their independence, refine skills and techniques and build on prior knowledge by completing an A Level course over 2 years. Students have the independence to specialise in their preferred discipline when producing their Personal Investigation and Externally Set Assignment. Projects topics may include natural forms, animals, systems, personal identity or may be tailored to individual pupil's strengths and interests.
Year One: Personal investigation 100%
This is a practical investigation supported by written material. Students are required to conduct a practical investigation, into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. The investigation should be a coherent, in-depth study that demonstrates the student’s ability to construct and develop a sustained line of reasoning from an initial starting point to a final realisation.
Year 2
Component 1: Personal investigation
This is a practical investigation supported by written material. Students are required to conduct a practical investigation, into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. The investigation should be a coherent, in-depth study that demonstrates the student’s ability to construct and develop a sustained line of reasoning from an initial starting point to a final realisation.
60% of the A level
Component 2: Externally set assignment
Students will be given an externally set exam which will contain a series of interesting topics, students should consider the starting points and select one. Preparatory work should be presented in any suitable format, such as mounted sheets, design sheets, sketchbooks, workbooks, journals, models and maquettes. Following the preparatory period, students must complete 15 hours of unaided, supervised time.
40% of the A Level
A Level Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.
- AO2: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.
- AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress.
AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.
Curriculum Maps