Welcome to the Art Department

Introduction

Art at St Peter’s is an exciting, practical and inspiring subject.  Our aim is to provide all pupils with a rich and varied Art experience which both engages and challenges.

Pupils learn to work individually and collaboratively developing their technical, analytical and critical understanding in a stimulating environment where creativity, imagination and invention are nurtured and celebrated.

Head of Department: Miss G Gaskell

CLICK HERE to see an online exhibition of GCSE Art and Photography work from our 2019 Year 11 pupils

Key Stage 3

The course consists of three projects per year, each lasting one whole term, in Years 7 and 8, and two more sustained projects in Year 9.

The theme of each project is explored in the developmental stage through a variety of techniques, processes and media and usually results in the realisation of a final outcome or outcomes. Pupils work in sketchbooks using first hand observations, experiences and their imagination to create meaningful work which expresses their ideas and feelings in a creative and imaginative way. Each project is underpinned with a strong critical and contextual element which requires pupils to analyse the work of other artists, using this research to further their own ideas and work.

Key Stage 4

We offer both GCSE Art, Craft and Design and GCSE Photography courses.

Both are split into two components; the ‘Portfolio’ and the ‘Externally Set Assignment’.

The ‘Portfolio’ is worth 60% of the final grade and is made up of two in depth practical projects which span Year 10 and the autumn term of Year 11.  Throughout this time a substantial body of practical work will be produced.

The ‘Externally Set Assignment / Task’ (exam) is worth 40% of the final grade and begins in January of Year 11.  Pupils are expected to select and respond to a starting point provided by AQA.  There will be a period of preparation time to investigate, research and fully explore the chosen theme. This is then followed by 10 hours of supervised exam time, in which they will produce a final outcome.

Both preparation work and pieces produced in the supervised time will be assessed as the ‘Externally Set Assignment / Task’.

For further information on the GCSE courses please visit www.aqa.org.uk

Curriculum Map

Assessment map

Pupils follow the AQA Art, Craft and Design (8201) or Photography (8206) course

Reviewed: Jan 2020