In Year 9, students will study the techniques and skills fundamental to Art and Design. They are also given opportunities to explore their own special interests and aptitudes. Students will explore 2D and 3D visual language with particular focus on formal elements such as line, shape, and colour. Techniques such as drawing, painting and printmaking are taught, both through discreet exercises as well as ways that enable students to communicate ideas, information and feelings as a result of their studies of a range of contemporary artists. Opportunities exist for our more advanced students to further their talents at master-classes. Here, they will develop more advanced concepts and 2D and 3D techniques that will provide them with the discipline and focus that will enable them to excel at GCSE.

In Years 10 and 11, students study GCSE Art and Design and are entered for the Edexcel examination. Their work includes controlled assessed portfolio work which counts towards 60% of their final grade. Their examination (called a controlled test) equates to 40% of their final grade, and in this students attempt to demonstrate their full potential and learning over the two years of their course. The examination takes the form of a final piece plus supporting studies. It is internally assessed and externally moderated with the highest achieving students submitting supporting studies that fully document their creative journey from initial ideas to final outcome.

In the Sixth Form, students study the Edexcel A2 Fine Art course which is a vocationally driven subject. Students complete 2 units of work. Unit 1is worth 60% of the students marks and involves the student developing a personal portfolio of work as well as an illustrated essay called the Personal study. Unit 2, (the Externally Set Assignment) is worth 40% of the students’ marks. Completion of this course provides students with the skills, knowledge and experience to be able to make the transition to degree level.