Art
Head of Department: Mr L. Northey
We have three fully functioning Art rooms in the department and we make effective use of the ICT rooms in order to develop the students' design skills. The spaces are well equipped and proudly display a range of student work, creating a stimulating environment for our students. The department aims to enable students:
- To develop creativity and imaginative thought
- To develop skills as an independent learner
- To use a range of art materials with confidence, and develop visual understanding through evaluation activities
- To develop an understanding of the work of artists and designers; and how they affect us
- To develop a portfolio of work for further education or employment.
Key Stage 3
All year 7, 8 and 9 students at St Aloysius’ College study Art and Design. Students are taught to develop their creativity through a range of topics and techniques. Through project based work students will explore the history of art, learning to analyse differing styles and movements. Students will be given a foundation in key skills, such as drawing and painting, and be exposed to a range of techniques and media through which to express their ideas.
During year 7 students will learn how to conduct comprehensive research and form observations, explore tone, shading and colour, and experiment with media such as pencils, pastels, collage and various types of paint. Self Portraits will be a key focus.
Students build upon these skills in year 8, learning how to portray more complex forms, tones, colours and patterns in a broad range of techniques. Throughout the year students will investigate the work of artists who depict Natural Forms, proportions of the human face and features, and the Pop Art movement.
In year 9 students continue to improve their knowledge of the formal elements, develop there still life illustration skills and create a mask based on African culture. Students then look at surrealism and learn how to create collage by hand and on Adobe Photoshop.
Key Stage 4
The skills students have developed through their Art studies in Key Stage 3 form a strong foundation from which to successfully undertake GCSE Art and Design.
Students undertake the Edexcel GCSE Art and Design course which aims to develop to a higher level the key skill areas of painting and drawing students experienced at KS3. The aim is for the students to develop their own ideas, in consultation with their art teacher, so as to produce high quality work, which accurately reflects their level of ability. The emphasis in this GCSE is on the process of developing both ideas and work. Central to this is the work journal – similar to a sketchbook.
Throughout years 10 and 11 students will learn how to:
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Express and record personal ideas by developing skills using two and/or three dimensional materials;
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Investigate possibilities through observation, analysis and experimentation;
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Understand the world of art, craft and design and relate it to work;
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Present work to the highest standard
Students will have the opportunity to engage in a range of activities designed to enhance their appreciation and understanding of Art and the topics being studied through trips to relevant galleries and exhibitions.
For a more detailed explanation of the GCSE course and assessment format please click here
For a more detailed breakdown of the curriculum please see the Curriculum Overview and more details can also be found in the Curriculum Booklet.