Art Curriculum
The Art Department's principal objective is to foster visual literacy and creative thinking in our pupils. To this aim we provide a supportive and encouraging atmosphere in which students acquire a sound framework of contextual knowledge and practical techniques in order to express personal ideas imaginatively and confidently. The course structure at all Key Stages is based upon initial investigation via drawing or recording from direct experience/primary source material, as we firmly believe such practice forms the foundation for fluent visual language. Key Stage 2 & 3 students progress through the National Curriculum attainment targets: - Understanding, Making and Investigating and learn to demonstrate an increasing knowledge of the Formal Elements. Materials, processes and ideas are originally explored thematically, with clear, well-organised and exciting learning opportunities directed by the teacher at first and students' projects gradually taking individual paths. The department endeavours to provide each scholar with the facilities, expert guidance, stimuli and support to enable creativity and self expression to develop and flourish, so that each young artist can effectively communicate or realise their intentions visually in their preferred choice of media. An appreciation of the works of artists, designers and craftspeople is a fundamental aspect of our course structure and students of all ages discuss, analyse, interpret and respond to both contemporary and past Art and artefacts, incorporating their contextual knowledge and understanding into personal practice.
COURSES
KEY STAGE 2
Year 3 & 4 Art Studies are designed and directed by the Head of Art and delivered by class room teachers. Years 5 & 6 are taught by Mari Bradbury.
The theme for Year 3 is OCEAN WORLDS. Initial stimulus is taken from a ‘Take One Picture' scheme gallery talk, in which a National Gallery Education Guide discusses Manet's ‘Beach Scene'. Analysis of the work inspires mixed media beach scenes, marine world lanterns, visual story-telling and highly decorative ‘Klimt Fish'.
The theme for Year 4 is ‘ANIMALS IN ART'. Again, initial stimulus is taken from a ‘Take One Picture' scheme gallery talk, in which a National Gallery Education Guide discusses Uccello's 'George & the Dragon'. Analysis of the work inspires mixed media story board narration of the George & the Dragon tale, observational drawings of animals from the National Museum of Wales, the study of Cave Paintings/Aboriginal Art and the design, construction and decoration of animal based masks.
The theme for Year 5 is ‘Fantastic Figures'. Initial stimulus is taken from the analysis of artists' figure-based sculptures/works and students develop proportional drawing skills and make observational studies of wooden mannequins and each other before progression to the investigation and development of ideas for their personal figure-based wire and Modroc sculptures. Pupils learn how to research and present ideas and information in their sketchbooks, develop drawing skills, create a wire armature, work from preparatory materials to sculpt and mould their figures, use tools and materials appropriately and to mix colours and decorate their works evaluating and refining work as it progresses.
The theme for Year 6 is ‘Organic Worlds'. Initial stimulus is taken from the investigation and recording of class resources such as shells, fossils, fruits, vegetables, seed pods, pine cones and other natural forms. Contextual inspiration is evolved from the works of William Morris, William Burgess, Art Nouveau and Charles Mackintosh. The children develop observational recording techniques and create studies which are expanded into paintings, prints and illustration collages. Outcomes include limited palette paintings, hand-printed gift wrap, cards and tags and collaborative wall hangings.
KEY STAGE 3
Year 7, 8 & 9 Art students enjoy a stimulating and varied programme of study with themes as diverse as Lowry Street Scenes, Surrealism, Identity, Portraits, Spiritual Art, Abstract Art and The Mexican Days of the Dead. Great emphasis is placed upon the development of a firm skills base in a wide range of media, and materials and techniques are explored within the thematic enquiry. Contextual analysis and discussion is of vital importance throughout and the students are encouraged to draw inspiration from artists' works in order to realise personal ideas. Although the approach reflects a Fine Art emphasis with drawing, painting, printmaking and ceramics/sculpture disciplines at the core of learning activities, the applied use of photography, ICT, Graphics and Textiles has become increasingly popular and effective. All children study Art in Year 7 and opt if they wish to continue their Art education in Years 8 & 9.
GCSE ART & DESIGN
The two year Edexcel Art & Design Unendorsed course provides candidates with a extensive and exciting programme of study which presents opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills in Two and Three- dimensional media such as painting and ceramics, as well as Photography and Textiles. The course is directed at candidates with a genuine interest in the subject and while aptitude is desirable, it should be noted that the acquisition of skills is incorporated into the learning programme and thus, a sense of involvement or enjoyment is more important.
Work is divided into two components; the Coursework, which is worth 60% of the overall grade, and the Externally Set Assignment, which is worth 40%. The sketchbooks or visual diaries form an essential means of recording visual research, observations, experimentation, contextual/critical appraisal, and the development of ideas, promoting a vital framework for the documentation of the journey from initial ideas through to final outcomes.
In Michaelmas Term Year 10 students embark on Unit 1 of their coursework, with studies related to the theme ‘Sense of Place'. During the initial stages of Unit 1 emphasis is placed on the development of a broad repertoire of skills and candidates learn to record from direct observation at the Cathedral using perspective drawing, photography, printing and collage techniques. Studies extend into the analysis of Personal Space, Still Life, the Local Environment and Landscapes and as the course progresses students are given increasing autonomy and encouraged to pursue personal ideas and more independent responses.
Unit 1 is concluded with a timed test or mock exam at the end of Lent term and in the summer term candidates commence investigation of the Portraiture theme for Unit 2 of their coursework. Following structured initial enquiry there is greater flexibility between disciplines for those who wish to specialise in any area in order to realise their potential. Expert advice is provided and a number of workshops and master classes with artists and designers are introduced to inspire and maximise creative practice and success. Unit 2 is concluded with a two-day timed test in December, in which candidates produce their final outcome for Unit 2. In January Year 11 artists are encouraged to evaluate and refine both units of coursework in preparation of external moderation in May/June.
Unit 3 commences at the end of January during Year 11. The Externally Set Assignment consists of a 10 hour timed test preceded by an 8 week preparatory period. The practical test generally takes place after the Easter break and provides the opportunity for each candidate to demonstrate the wealth of skills and knowledge acquired during the course.
TRIPS
The aim of the department is that every pupil studying Art at GCSE will attend at least one trip a year in order to expand their awareness of the Art World and to stimulate ideas for personal works. Visits to galleries and museums are an essential source of inspiration for examination level students and direct exposure to artists' works informs and relates to the majority of unit outcomes.
Practical and contextual workshops at the National Portrait Gallery BP Portraits Award Show and the Biennial Artes Mundi Exhibition offer opportunities to experience world class contemporary Art. Past trips to Barcelona and Berlin have also been hugely beneficial and in October 2008 Art and Classics students will jointly visit Rome and the Bay of Naples. Drawing and photography visits to Llandaff Cathedral form part of the Year 10 GCSE syllabus.