Art & Design

Subject Leader: Mrs Lithgow - elithgow@tqacademy.co.uk

AIMS OF THE ART DEPARTMENT

• Enhance creativity and problem solving
• Develop visual literacy and communication
• Build technical skills and expertise
• Gain historical and cultural awareness

ART CURRICULUM

OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 3 CURRICULUM

KS3 Art teaches artistic skills in drawing, painting, printmaking and 3D, and encourages creativity. Students explore different art forms and movements, produce a sketchbook of work and build a foundation for further art studies.

OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM

Course Title: GCSE Art & Design: Art, Craft & Design

Examining Body: AQA

Course Lead: Mrs Lithgow

What will I study?

The course is taught thematically:

• Structures
• Identity 
• Human Form 

It includes working from direct observation, photographs, traditional and contemporary artwork and artefacts from around the world. Students use this knowledge and understanding to develop personal responses. 

Students must work from at least 2 of the following disciplines 

• fine art
• textile design 
• three-dimensional design 
• photography

Year 9: series of teacher-led skills workshops in 2D and 3D 

Year 10: own choice of artists and focus on mainly 2D and textiles 

Year 11: work with a 3D focus and, for the exam topic, with growing independence and experimentation. 

Structured to cover all 4 assessment objectives; 

• Develop Ideas: mind maps, mood boards & artist pages 
• Refine Ideas: explore and improve media and techniques
• Record Ideas: drawing, writing and photography
• Present Ideas: personal 2D or 3D responses

How and when will I be assessed?

Component 1 Portfolio (coursework): 

A folder of work, 3D pieces & sketchbooks 60% 

Structures Project - Year 9

Identity Project - Year 10

Human Form - Year 10 & 11

Component 2 Externally Set Assignment (Exam project): 

Preparation work, sketchbook & outcome 40%  

A project with a personal response produced in a 10 hour exam in the art room in April of Yr11. The theme for this project  is selected from an exam paper - AQA.

Student’s work is first assessed by the teachers in the department and then a sample is moderated by an external assessor.

Further study

If you enjoy this course then there are two options available to you in Sixth Form that you may wish to consider. 

These include:

Eduqas A Level Art & Design

Eduqas A Level Photography

OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 5 CURRICULUM

Course Title: A Level Art & Design

Examining Body: EDUQAS

Course Lead: Mrs Lithgow

Course description

If you are a creative, innovative and inquisitive person who enjoys creating and responding to new challenges, briefs and projects, then this course offers you a diverse and exciting range of opportunities and experiences in Art and Design

What will I learn?

This is an academic art and design course which will enable you to explore a variety of disciplines and develop your artistic skills. The course will also help you to identify which area you may like to pursue as a career.

Course structure

Component 1: 60% Portfolio to include:

• a selection of thoughtfully presented work that demonstrates the breadth and depth of the course.
• at least one extended collection of work or project, based on an idea, concept, theme or issue. This should demonstrate the student’s ability to sustain work from an initial starting point to a realisation. It should include evidence of their ability to research and develop ideas and link their work in a meaningful way to relevant critical/contextual materials.

Component 2: 40% Externally set assignment. Started in January. Topic selected from a choice of 12 in the exam paper. 15 hour Exam in April.

Where could it lead?

A Level Art & Design offers progression into a broad and diverse range of creative industries and practices.

Many students will extend their Art & Design experience and build their portfolio by completing a Foundation Art & Design course prior to Higher Education. Other students can further their studies at university at degree level in related courses. Specialisms which students progress onto include architecture, sustainable design, illustration, product design, photography, fine art, sculpture, interior design, multi-media design and structural packaging.

CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN TO UNIVERSITY

Top 5 UK universities to study Art & Design:

1. Royal College of Art
2. Central Saint Martins
3. Slade School of Fine Art
4. Goldsmiths, University of London
5. Falmouth University

CAREERS INFORMATION

Below are three examples of careers an A Level in Art could lead to:

Photographer: captures images of people, places and events with a camera. Uses creativity and technical skills for journalism, fashion, advertising and portraiture. 

Salary Range: £17,000 - £50,000

Graphic Designer: a visual communicator who uses computer software or traditional methods to create visual concepts that communicate ideas. To create logos, marketing materials, social media graphics and website layouts. 

Salary Range: £18,000 - £55,000

Art Teacher: develops and delivers art lessons, fostering creativity and artistic skills in students. Manages classroom, assesses progress, and provides feedback. 

Salary Range: £30,000 - £50,000

EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

 There are many art related extra-curricular opportunities available:

• Art Club in the Art Department
• Virtual Art Club on Google Classroom
• Visiting Artists
• Art Gallery Visits and Trips