Art Overview

What Will I Learn?
KS3:
At Key Stage 3 students are taught in mixed ability groups of between 15 and 30. Students receive two 50 minute lessons a week, and have the opportunity to work in a wide range of media, including printing and 3D work, as well as painting and drawing over the 3 years.
KS4:
GCSE Art is a popular option, and any pupil showing an enthusiasm for the course will be considered. Students are taught in mixed ability groups and receive three 50 minute lessons a week. At GCSE students follow the Edexcel Examining Board Syllabus, where skills are developed to a higher level. Students now also have the opportunity to study for a BTEC first diploma in Art and Design, in years 10 and 11. As with GCSE, students are taught in mixed ability groups, but receive six 50 minute lessons a week, as the qualification is equal to 4 GCSE’s. The BTEC course is more  vocational than the GCSE and allows students to gain an insight into the Art and Design industry.
How Will I Be Assessed?
KS3:
Students are formally assessed at the end of each termly unit, according to National Curriculum Levels. Self and peer assessment is also integral to the majority of Art lessons, with students evaluating their own, and each others work in order toprogress through the National Curriculum levels.
KS4:
All work set in class and for homework is GCSE Art course work and makes up 60% of the final grade. This work is assessed regularly against the Examining Board’s criteria. An examination at the end of year 11 fulfils the remaining 40% of the final grade. The BTEC is made up of 6 course work units that fulfil 100% of the final grade. Students can achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction depending on the quality of their work.
Are There Any Learning Opportunities Beyond The Classroom?
The Art rooms are open every lunch time for independent studies, and on regular evenings after school.
Do I Need Any Special Equipment To Study This Subject?
Specialist equipment is provided within the Art classrooms, but you are expected to have basic equipment such as a pencil, rubber and sharpener, for every lesson. Access, at home, to Art materials, such as paints, coloured pencils etc. would be useful.