Art & Photography
Why is the subject important?
Studying art helps our students with the development of motor skills, communication skills, decision-making, risk-taking, and creativity. GCSE Art provides challenges for learners at all levels. Art helps connects students with their own culture as well as with the wider world. Having a solid knowledge of a creative subject is also extremely desirable for future employers. We also highlight the importance our subject has on health, wellbeing and life balances outside the world of work and education, and we firmly believe that a strong appreciation of art will enrich the students’ lives long after their education at our academy.
Year 7
What will I be studying?
- Introduction to observational drawing
- Introduction to colour theory and application
- Introduction to 3D design
- Introduction to digital art on iPads
How will I be assessed?
Practical work will be marked holistically based on 4 key performance indicators: Inspiration, materials and equipment, observation and final outcome.
Which websites should I use to support my learning?
- Relevant YouTube tutorials
Year 8
What will I be studying?
- Developing observational drawing. At this point the students will have acquired the skills and will now apply these to a range of artistic briefs set by the teacher.
- Developing colour theory and application. At this point the students will have acquired the skills and will now apply these to a range of artistic briefs set by the teacher.
- Developing digital art on iPads. At this point the students will have acquired the skills and will now apply these to a range of artistic briefs set by the teacher.
- Developing printmaking. At this point the students will have acquired the skills and will now apply these to a range of artistic briefs set by the teacher.
How will I be assessed?
Practical work will be marked holistically based on 4 key performance indicators: Inspiration, materials and equipment, observation and final outcome.
Which websites should I use to support my learning?
- Relevant YouTube tutorials
GCSE Art
What will I be studying?
Materials and Techniques:
- Observation Drawing
- Other drawing techniques
- Painting
- Collage
- Printmaking
- Photoshop
- Digital art on iPads
Component One:
The students will create a portfolio of work that will include a sustained project evidencing the journey from initial idea to the realisation of intentions and a selection of further work undertaken during the student’s course of study. The theme or subject matter will be decided on by the individual class teacher and can change from year to year.
Externally Set Assignment:
Students respond to their chosen starting point from an externally set assignment paper relating to their subject title, evidencing coverage of all four assessment objectives.
How will I be assessed?
Component One:
The students’ portfolio of work will be marked holistically based on the four assessment objectives.
- No time limit
- 96 marks
- 60% of GCSE
Externally Set Assignment:
The students’ portfolio of work will be marked holistically based on the four assessment objectives.
- Preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time
- 96 marks
- 40% of GCSE
Which examination board am I following?
Exam Board: AQA
Specification: GCSE Art, Craft and Design
Website: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8201-8206
Which websites should I use to support my learning?
- GCSE Bitesize Art & Design https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z6hs34j
- Student Art Guide https://www.studentartguide.com/
- Relevant YouTube tutorials
GCSE Photography
What will I be studying?
Skills and Techniques:
- Using a camera (Nikon Coolpix A100 and Nikon DSLR)
- Still Life Photography
- Adobe Photoshop editing
- Drawing to show ideas
- Portraiture Photography
- Use of the studio – High Key Lighting
- Use of the studio – Low Key Lighting
Component One:
The students will create a portfolio of work that will include a sustained project evidencing the journey from initial idea to the realisation of intentions and a selection of further work undertaken during the student’s course of study. The theme or subject matter will be decided on by the individual class teacher and can change from year to year.
Externally Set Assignment:
Students respond to their chosen starting point from an externally set assignment paper relating to their subject title, evidencing coverage of all four assessment objectives.
How will I be assessed?
Component One:
The students’ portfolio of work will be marked holistically based on the four assessment objectives.
- No time limit
- 96 marks
- 60% of GCSE
Externally Set Assignment:
The students’ portfolio of work will be marked holistically based on the four assessment objectives.
- Preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time
- 96 marks
- 40% of GCSE
Which examination board am I following?
Exam Board: AQA
Specification: GCSE Photography
Which websites should I use to support my learning?
- GCSE Bitesize Photography https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zgwpnbk/revision/1
- Relevant YouTube tutorials