All pupils are taught Art in years 7 to 8. A teacher assessment of pupils’ Key Stage 3 Skills and Knowledge takes place in May of Year 8. From Year 9, pupils may opt to take Art at GCSE level.
Art in Years 7 to 8
Pupils work through a range of themed units relating to colour, shape and form, pattern, and texture. They are encouraged to experiment with a wide range of media and to work in both two and three dimensions. Work is carried out in sketchbooks and on a larger scale. Sketchbooks are used to develop and progress ideas as well as being used for homework tasks. To support their practical work, pupils will learn about various artists, craftspeople and designers, looking particularly at cultural and historical aspects in the work of these artists and linking that back to the themes with which they themselves are working.
GCSE Art from Year 9
From Year 9, pupils can build upon their own strengths, identified in Years 7 to 8. A series of themed units will help them to further develop their skills in preparation for their GCSE examination as well as allowing them to build a portfolio of appropriate coursework. At this stage, pupils will have the opportunity to work in a range of media and disciplines such as: drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking and video.
GCSE assessment
Work will be assessed via coursework and examination. Coursework continues throughout Years 10 and 11, the GCSE examination takes either in Year 10 or Year 11 depending upon the individual skills and learning needs of each pupil.
Enrichment activities
We run an after school Art club which enables pupils to further develop their skills while progressing and working with their own ideas. Pupils are actively involved in study visits to art galleries and in conjunction with the Creative Partnership in Slough, we invite professional artists to work alongside our pupils in varying projects. Annual Art exhibitions by our pupils give parents and visitors the opportunity to view the wonderful breadth and imagination shown by our pupils.
Beyond GCSE
The school offers AS and A2 level Art to sixth form students. Art can also be selected as a subject by those opting to take the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Beyond school
Qualifications in Art can be instrumental in gaining a foundation course placement at college or university, which in turn can be used to gain a degree course placement. This will allow students to consider further education and employment in areas such as: fine art, illustration, graphic design, product design, film and TV, web design, film and theatre set design, architecture, fashion, interior design and other Art-based disciplines.
