GCSE Art and Design
At GCSE level Art & Design, the department encourages an adventurous and enquiring approach. It offers an opportunity for every pupil to develop core skills through a wide range of specialist areas such as painting, printmaking, photography, three dimensional form, mixed media and ceramics.
Every project is underpinned with drawing skills and explored through formal elements such as colour, tone, texture and pattern. Pupils are encouraged to express themselves through a range of imaginative, innovative ideas and purposeful observation.
Ultimately this course aims to prepare pupils for the requirements at Advanced Subsidiary, IB and Advanced GCSE level Art and Design, but it also provides an exciting and enjoyable course for those who may not wish to pursue the subject beyond this level. It begins the process of extending and refining skills that have already been established in previous years at school.
The course requires pupils to carry out in-depth investigations of formal elements and provides them with the creative skills to give a visual form to their thoughts, feelings, observations and ideas.
The skills of visual research are also developed using a variety of primary and secondary sources. The course aims to enable pupils to realise their ideas using a wide range of materials, equipment, processes and techniques. By investigating possibilities, pupils will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of a range of work from contemporary practice, past practice and different cultures and use this understanding to influence their own artwork.
Girls will keep a sketchbook for preparatory work and when students are working on large-scale pieces or studies that require specific materials or techniques, following a consultation with staff, they can take up the opportunity to work in the Department after school. The Art and Design Department provides pupils with the opportunity to use facilities and complete studies either after school or during a lunch hour.
